9 Australian creatives style a two-piece set
IMAGE VIA @LILLIANSCOTT/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
Two-in-one.
In the age of over-accessorising and maximalism, easy dressing is often overlooked. But a good two-piece set, while simple, is an easy way to feel put together when you don’t want to overthink it. From the casual vibes of Em On Holiday’s printed sets to Rezek’s slinky ’80s-inspired, two-piece ensembles, co-ords are having a moment.
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With the flexibility to re-style the separate pieces in other looks, investing in a two-piece set is a no-brainer. Although I’m yet to get my hands on a patterned co-ord set, my current favourite two-piece has to be my Sleeping with Jacques black velvet Brontë Midi Top and Bianca Skirt. To prove the versatility of a matching ’fit, I asked some of my favourite creatives to style their own two-piece sets.
Cait Emma Burke, she/her, Digital Editor at Fashion Journal
I’ve never been much of a two-piece girlie and I usually avoid cream (being pale, I find it doesn’t work with my skin tone) so I was surprised when this ribbed cream set from Arnsdorf caught my eye late last year. I’m a huge Arnsdorf fan, and the easy, stretchy nature of this set, as well as its ability to be worn as individual items, made it a worthwhile addition to my wardrobe.
I generally pair it with a bright pair of sneakers, like my Tigers or Adidas Gazelles, to really lean into the cute and comfy vibe. And if I’m wanting to dress it up for a work event, my trusty Marni Fussbets give the set a sleek, The Row-esque feel.
Wintana Kidane, she/her, content creator and co-host of Bittersweet Podcast
Wearing sets is the best – it makes the mix-and-matching process of putting a fit together so easy and it’s always a guaranteed look! I love how fun and creative you can get with styling a set. I definitely prefer to go for a statement set, [usually] something that involves bold colours!
I had to go with the double denim, we all know anything denim is an unmatched look! My favourite thing about it is how timeless and versatile it is, you can keep it cute and casual by pairing this look with sneakers or dress it up with heels and a pop of colour.
Hannah English, she/her, author and content creator
I love a matching set. It really takes the work out of pulling an outfit together and saves me from the inevitable pile of clothes I tried on, didn’t like together and now have to hang up again.
I’ve just picked up the floral cotton shirt and pants from the Uniqlo x Marni collaboration. Not only is it super affordable, lightweight and comfy for summer, [but] it’s also cute and fun too. I’ve paired it with a black bag (to tone it down) in a statement shape and my New Balance 57/40s in beige and blue, to pick up on the blue in the print.
Lillian Scott, she/her, content creator
This two-piece set is by one of my favourite designers, Karameleon. It is so naughty and gives me major Sex and the City vibes. Two-piece sets are a staple in my wardrobe. They have that special edge on a mini dress because you can fit so much more texture and shape into your look by incorporating the top and bottom combo.
It’s also fabulous when you find a print you love because when you have two separate pieces, you can swap one of them out and style them differently to suit your occasion/weather. You best believe I’ll be styling this top with jeans on a breezy day!
Susan Dlouhy, she/her, founder of Szn the Label
Photography by Randi Wagner
A set is the closest I come to wearing a look; it’s my uniform/workwear that represents what I do. Wearing denim head to toe is doubling down on ‘double denim’. I like to do things my own way – [my label] Szn is an alternative way to design and dress.
I make all my garments, so I know there’s a very limited number of these pieces out there. It lends gravitas to what’s already an uncommon look by seeing it worn top and bottom. It’s a quiet scream to ‘look at me’.
Michelle Vincze, she/her, producer and model
There’s nothing comfier than throwing on a matching set… two-piece sets seem like an easy alternative (which they can be) but allow for a consistent colour scheme within the outfit and also hold so much opportunity to layer.
This Rollas set I wore, for example, is elevated with a white Christopher Esber corset and paired with some vintage white cowgirl boots. To top it off, I wore a blue bag from Hvisk with red stitching to add to these same colours in the set.
If I were to dress this down, I would simply drop the corset and leave a few buttons undone on the top and bottom of the shirt to allow it to be half-tucked. [It] would also be lovely layered with some gold jewellery. The possibilities are endless!
Lucinda Houghton, she/her, founder of Lucinda Babi
I love wearing a two-piece set like this (which is the Bygone Top and Roses Bike Shorts from my brand Lucinda Babi) because it’s an easy way to look put-together without having to get too dressy, and it’s super comfy too! This set in particular has a sporty fit and stretch fabrication while incorporating femininity through the print and tie detailing. I think this kind of set looks equally good with sneakers or heels, so it also has versatility in styling for different occasions.
I find styling sets very enjoyable, as [they] remind me of getting dressed up as a kid in matching looks, and I feel like it’s always nice to tap into that spirit and have a bit of fun with my personal style.
Freya Maselli, she/her, Marketing Manager at Highrack Studios
I chose to style Highrack Studio’s new mesh set in baby blue because I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! It’s super ’90s and also extremely versatile. I think she’d look cute paired with a vintage leather jacket and a pair of cream boots for winter, or clogs and an adorable mini bag and chunky necklace for summer – always accessorise, of course!
I love styling two-piece sets because I think sets are timeless and provide a cohesive look. When I already have the set as a base for an outfit, it is much easier to dress it up or dress it down according to how I’m feeling or what the vibe of the day is!
Amy Thomas, she/her, Creative Design Assistant at Suku Home
I love designing sets because they can be so versatile. They easily look cute as a set but then can be styled separately. Sets are also a huge mood booster, [require] minimal effort and yet you feel so put together instantly!
For more on styling a two-piece set, head here.
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