Patterned coordinates (“co-ords” for short) are patterned tops and toppers with matching bottoms. They are made of the same fabric and in an identical pattern. We’ve seen the fringe trend trickle through for a couple of seasons, and this year it’s gaining momentum. Not quite mainstream, but possibly getting there soon.
The colours, fabrics, silhouettes, patterns, and vibes of patterned coordinates run the gamut. Some are dressy and others casual. The bottoms can be casual pants, dressy trousers, jeans, joggers, shorts or skirts. The tops are blouses, shirts, knitted tops, vests, sweatshirts, hoodies, or jackets. Sometimes the co-ord is a dress and jackets. Fabrics can be rigid or soft, knitted or woven. Silhouettes can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured. Here are some examples.
The idea is to wear the co-ords TOGETHER to make the on-trend statement of one pattern from head to toe. Of course, you can break up the pattern by wearing a solid layering top, or simply wear the co-ords separately.
I love this trend. I have a patterned taupe windowpane structured pants suit that is a wardrobe favourite for Spring and Summer. The pants are full length on me, and not cropped like the photo. I wear the suit with a simple solid top so that the pattern does the talking. I’d add another patterned pants suit into my wardrobe yesterday if I could find one I loved, and didn’t break the bank.
I’d also like to add a soft suiting version. One that is unstructured, Summery, breezy, and in a natural fibre. Preferably a set with matching wide pants and fluid blouse. A little too pyjama-esque for some, but I like it! I wore the vibe in the ‘90s in very hot weather when I lived in Cape Town. The combination effectively keeps you covered from the sun, and cool in the heat. I keep coming back to this one, and might pull the trigger. The blouse is too long for my liking, but shortening the hem is an easy alteration.
Over to you. What do you think of these types of matching sets? Would you wear them?
