How to Wear Casual Coordinated Sets

There isn’t much good that came out of the pandemic except (and it is a pretty big exception) casual coordinated sets. You can call them tracksuits, matching sets, or co-ords. They are top & bottom made to be worn together making for a quick and stylish outfit solution.

Over the last two years, casual coordinated sets have exploded in popularity. It makes perfect sense to me. After about a month of living in pajamas and rarely doing my hair and makeup, I stopped feeling like myself. I returned to doing my hair and makeup, but I clung to my comfortable clothes. Eventually, like everyone else I started looking for more stylish casual options. Enter the casual coordinated set! Soon fabulous matching sets started popping up, and I was all in.

A Cute Outfit + Casual Comfort = My Jam

I found myself investing in more and more coordinated sets. They primarily fall into three categories: Track Suits, Knit Sets, and Other Casual Sets.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running. If you would like to know more, visit my disclosure policy page.

Tracksuits

I had littles in the early aughts when Juicy Couture Tracksuits were all the rage. They were the perfect outfit for running after your children though I have no idea how I dealt with that super low rise, especially when bending down to pick up my kids. Now tracksuits (even Juicy) are back and better than ever.

A tracksuit consists of a loose, warm jacket or sweatshirt with a matching pair of drawstring pants. One absolute in all casual coordinated sets is the pants must have an elastic or drawstring waist. Because of my height, I find it difficult to find track pants that are long enough, so I gravitate toward sweatpants that look good shorter.

Aviator Nation makes some of my favorite tracksuits. They have a definite retro vibe. Being a California kid of the 70s, I love the rainbow stripes and beach vibe the sweatpants + sweatshirt offer. They are the perfect weight for a moderate climate, so I can wear them all year round.

• Aviator Nation: Rainbow-Stripe Hoodie
• Aviator Nation: Rainbow-Stripe Sweatpants
• Shoes: Golden Goose Purestar Low Top Sneaker

Shop Aviator Nation

Knit Coordinated Sets

Another popular option for a casual coordinate set is knitwear. These matching pieces are heavier weight and better for colder weather. The one I am wearing below is from Banana Republic. I had my heart set on the dark green, but it sold out before getting my hands on it.

Now is a good time to mention that most coordinated sets sell each piece separately. It can be some work to find the one you are looking for in the color and size you want and find both items in stock. When viewing one piece, most websites will recommend the matching piece if it is available. So before I get my heart set on a particular set, I make sure both items are available. With post-holiday inventory the way it is, it is good to check back as stores are restocking now.

Knit matching sets are great for travel. The separates can be easily worn with other articles of clothing to extend your travel wardrobe. I generally travel in matching sets. They are comfortable yet stylish. Add a jacket, sneakers, or lug sole boots, and you are ready to jet-set anywhere.

• Matching Set: Banana Republic (no longer available)
• Shoes: Dr. Martens Leona Boot

Honorable Mention: If you just want some fabulous elevated loungewear please check out Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand. The pieces feel like wrapping yourself in a Barefoot Dreams blanket. They are ah-mazing!

• Cozy Knit Boucle Robe
• Cozy Knit Tank
• Cozy Knit Sweater
• Cozy Knit Pants

Shop Knit Sets

Casual Coordinated Sets

Casual coordinated sets are any matching set that isn’t knit or sweats material. They can be cotton, silk, poly, or linen. They encompass any coordinated set from tank & shorts to tops & skirts. I am most comfortable in pants, so most of the options below are pants, but a good maxi skirt feels right every once in a while.

Free People is one place you can find coordinated pieces sold as sets. I recently ordered the Zuma Sweater Set in some delusion that warm weather is around the corner. Honestly, I can’t wait to wear it, but the weather isn’t cooperating so far. Revolve and Shopbop both have sections of their websites devoted to matching sets making browsing easier.

• Cotton Citizen: Monaco Polo
• Cotton Citizen: Monaco Sweatpants
• Shoes: Vagabond Shoemaker Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boot

Shop Casual Sets

The last two years have taught me that life is too complicated to spend time fussing with clothes. This truth has always been a core value of my style, but now I am leaning in. There are so many fabulous casual coordinated sets there is no need to look slumpy while dressing casually.

The truth is when you dress better; you feel better. Spending too much time in worn-out sweats and an old college sweatshirt will affect your mood. The good news is it doesn’t take much effort to feel pulled together and boost your mood. A casual coordinated set is one way to look and feel good quickly.