https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:00:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454469 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 21:01:42 +0000 MsMary 454469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am naturally very matchy-matchy and am quite frankly shocked to see so much (indeed, ANY!) personally negative judgment being tossed around to describe people who like to dress in that way! It's not in style right now so I try to curb my tendencies to repeat colors and patterns in my outfits, but you'd better believe when it comes back (and it will -- it always does) I will be matching it up with all the rest of you and loving it!!</p> <p>As for the term itself, right now it's faintly pejorative because the concept of matching is not in style. When matching comes back in style, I predict the term will become much more positive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454415 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:12:50 +0000 Mander 454415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, thinking about what Vicki said, I wonder if it is more to do with matching patterns. So perhaps a leopard-print bag, shoes, and belt all in the same outfit would be too much, but any one of those items with brown, black, or cream (depending on the specific print) plus an accent color would be coordinated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454413 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:50:42 +0000 CocoLion 454413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I like some matchy matchy myself and sometimes bristle when I hear or read that somewhere. It sounds judgemental. That's why I suggested its perjorative undertones.</p> <p>I am all for monotones in dressing! As a petite, I am a huge fan of column of color dressing. Is this matchy matchy? Maybe. I am undisciplined about accessory matching though; I have to remember how Aida pointed out my shoes and belt should match!</p> <p>OK here are some more suggestions (way to wordy, LOL)</p> <p>OCD dressing (negative connotation)<br /> Complementary sensibility (positive connotation) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454412 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:47:11 +0000 Mo 454412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khrishnidoux, no worries! We can all get carried away sometimes with our heartfelt feelings on a topic. I know you are in no way mean spirited </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454406 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:27:25 +0000 krishnidoux 454406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I am sorry, I didn't mean to offend anyone. But I agree rereading my post it is quite harsh! I'll be more careful from now on. Thank you for reminding me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454404 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:21:35 +0000 Vicki 454404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Vildy's "over-coordinated" and Rae's "redundantly-coloured" terms, both hitting it perfectly. I have been a matchy-matchy culprit from time to time and was awakened to it at a holiday party when a partygoer looked at me and said the term. I looked at myself, feeling pretty good, and then looked again, realizing I had probably overdone the animal prints with matching pumps and belt. I didn't think it was overly-done, but it made me think twice about matching too many items of the same pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454354 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:10:57 +0000 Anonymous 454354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From what I understand, matchy-matchy is different than bookending....which to me means picking up a color somewhere else in the outfit to provide continuity. Wearing a scarf that builds on a color in a print dress or wearing boots that play off the colors in your hair are really beautiful ways to build continuity into an outfit. Its very pleasing to the eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454291 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:38:56 +0000 Janet 454291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, you make a good point, and it's worth remembering that one person's matchy-matchy (meaning in an over the top way) is simply another person's effort at coordinating an outfit in a pleasing way.</p> <p>I tend toward matchy myself -- I looked at my BCBG dress outfit from yesterday and tried to imagine mixing some other color against that purple and taupe print and it just didn't feel right -- for me. There are some in the fashion blogosphere who would be bored with my addition of the purplish scarf and watchband and would have mixed it up with some other color. To them, I might seem matchy-matchy and I'm ok with that.</p> <p>We all have different thresholds for what is "too much" matching. It's hard to define but we each know it when we see it. I think some people pull off very matchy looks beautifully and without displaying a lack of power or confidence, but the look would fall totally flat on me. </p> <p>Ah, I'm rambling, but this is an interesting discussion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454281 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:25:42 +0000 Mo 454281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khrisnidoux, I understand the point you are making but I find it a bit offensive to label a style choice with negative personality traits. Vulnerable, lacking self confidence, narrow minded are all pretty harsh to describe a preference for one way of dressing over another, don't you think? I purposefully matched my shoes to a tank this week. I am respectfully none of those adjectives! I do get that the head to toe theme thing is outdated now. But that is an objective observation of where style is or isn't at the time, not a criticism of the person.<br /> And to Mander's point, when you do have a print of multiple colors, at what point does not matching become almost schizophrenic looking? I get that anything can be 'overdone' but I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder what is acceptably matchy or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454260 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:31:22 +0000 Mander 454260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you brought this up! The matchy-matchy label is often used on another fashion blog I read sometimes to criticize an outfit, but I'm not always clear on exactly what it means and why it's bad.</p> <p>Today, for example, I'm wearing all blue stuff: blue jeans, blue and white striped woven shirt, blue cardigan with an argyle pattern, blue and grey striped socks (not that they are particularly visible), and red flats. Originally I planned to go out shopping, so would have carried my giant white tote bag with red trim and worn a red pashmina and a short beige trench coat. Would all this red and blue stuff have been too matchy-matchy?</p> <p>Another example is an outfit I wore to a wedding a few years ago, for which we were instructed to "dress fabulous". The bride has a very flamboyant style and wore hot pink platform heels with her dress, just to put things in context! My dress had a vivid aqua blue and yellow geometric print on a white background, and I wore a ruffly white cardigan (as it was freezing), bright yellow patent heels, and carried an aqua pleather croc print clutch bag. I also had an aqua feathery fascinator in my hair and aqua pashmina for later in the evening. Was that too much blue, matching the blue and yellow dress? I didn't really want to add another color given the bright print.</p> <p>Both of these seem better than my default of wearing black with everything, although I suppose they aren't particularly imaginative. Certainly better than the dyed-to-match purple lace shoes I wore with my purple lace dress to junior prom... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454249 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:08:52 +0000 Kristen 454249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is funny that there isn't a better word for it than matchy-matchy, now that you've brought it up, Angie!<br /> It's one of those things that comes in and out of style, and right now it definitely isn't. That said, I have an older co-worker who has the most stunning jewelry sets, in all kinds of different expensive stones, and she always wears them as a set. I have to admit, it really works; you can't stop staring at canary yellow or pink diamonds when they are at someone's ears, neck, and wrist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454241 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:52:17 +0000 Janet 454241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krishnidoux, those last two items you listed sum up the effect on two people I know who participate in the uber-matchy style. And the last one actually applies to a man. He's a bit of a control freak, and everything must match, even his golf gear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454225 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:23:34 +0000 krishnidoux 454225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Matchy-matchy...<br /> - Style-kill;<br /> - Vulnerable, as in lack of self confidence;<br /> - Minifying, as the coordination overload reduce visual space between items;<br /> - Person disappearing behind items. Items winning over person;<br /> - Strict conservative, narrow mindedness, unadventurous, stuck in time. </p> <p>All bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454212 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:18:59 +0000 Jenniferblue 454212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Too much of a good thing"</p> <p>especially kind if you're speaking directly to an offender </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454090 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:51:36 +0000 Lisa 454090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind matchy, matchy, it's fun to say. Super coordinated is the only other option I can think of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454081 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:22:02 +0000 Mellllls 454081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love matchy matchy but I think it could be over coordinated or trying too hard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454028 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:32:18 +0000 Suz 454028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But if matching comes back in style, as Sal's link suggested, I'll feel right on trend! ;-)</p> <p>And no longer too uptight. </p> <p>I guess, as with all things in fashion (or in life!) it is a continuum. Establishing patterns means creating harmony, and harmony is pleasing to the eye, and to the soul. But ALL harmony and NO dissonance = boredom. To me, "matchy-matchy" implies a negative: too MUCH harmony, not enough dissonance. But "well coordinated" or simply "matching" implies the kind of harmony we seek. </p> <p>What's also interesting is that one person's "matchy-matchy" (in the negative sense) might be another's "perfect match." So some of this might depend on personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy/page/2#post-454022 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:21:30 +0000 Anonymous 454022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Matchy-matchy is definitely an element of style that goes in and out of fashion. Back in the 80's and 90's, it was trendy to match.....belt to shoes. earrings to necklace. shoes to outfit. In the late 80's, I had a houndstooth skirt and exactly matching shoes. It was awesome then but too matchy-matchy for NOW. And I remember during that same period of time I wore a belt with shoes that did not match and everyone made negative comments about it. So it is a matter of what is in style. Right now, its more trendy that things GO rather than MATCH. If that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-454018 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:17:09 +0000 Anonymous 454018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>coloration assimilation? hue over-do? dye echoing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-454015 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:12:26 +0000 Anonymous 454015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the term "matchy-matchy" and don't think it's necessarily a negative. How about "chromatic monotony" or "hue duplication" or "homo-geneous hueing ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453962 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:36:33 +0000 Mo 453962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see it in a negative light, rather as a style choice that is, admittedly, not the latest trend. I tend toward matching but I hope in not over the top ways. I don't like more than 2 colors and a neutral in any one oufit I'm wearing, for starters, so I often pull a color from a print with the shoes or jewelry, etc. It's much more pleasing to my eye to see a repetion of color somewhere else. I understand the idea behind breaking free of this and having more 'style chops' needed to do so successfully. But I like a little bit of matchy myself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453941 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:07:42 +0000 Janet 453941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy, I know what you mean, and I have a friend who used to do that too! Her outfits would have themes. </p> <p>In a way, such compulsive matchiness seems old fashioned. It used to be downright fashionable (I'm rewatching old seasons of Mad Men right now, so that show is full of examples to me). The shoes perfectly matching the dress, and the gloves, etc. In that time period, it was something to strive for, and it was part of looking polished and put together. </p> <p>But times changed, and the aesthetic turned from such a demanding one to something looser and more carefree. The silhouettes loosened up, and so did the rules on what should be worn with what. </p> <p>I have noticed that it's also a cyclical thing -- matchy-matchy came back in style in the 80s, and then out again in the 90s with the advent of grunge. So I fully expect that matchy-matchy is making a comeback. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453930 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:30:10 +0000 Vildy 453930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love what Una said: even the words match!<br /> When I think of matchy matchy, I don't just think of colors matching but often motifs are spread throughout the outfit and/or the accessory colors are spread throughout like the stars in a constellation. I have a friend who does this - if there's a bow here, there has to be a bow there, to be ideal. She matches elements and colors to a fare thee well but on her it works. It's her style and she gets lots of compliments on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453880 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:57:36 +0000 catgirl 453880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. It does seem to have a pejorative connotation here. I don't think of it as anything but another style preference. I'm racking my brain to come up with another term. Matchy-matchy is so perfect because even the two words match! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453878 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:56:11 +0000 HelenInCanada 453878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I'm often guilty of (erroneously) not doing so - I think matching creates a pleasing harmony in your outfit, so to associate "matchy-matchy" with something negative is somehow wrong to me. Perhaps a more respectable, less mocking term, is in order? Twinning? Well-coordinated? Colour conscious? I don't know - but it's funny how something that was once so sought after in style is now shunned. Argh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453875 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:51:07 +0000 CocoLion 453875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is "matchy matchy" pejorative? I always thought it was. However I read on Sal's blog (link to another blog) that matchy matchy might be coming back.</p> <p>EDIT: sorry I don't have another term for the phrase. It's like P0rn0graphy (don't know if I can use that word here) -- you know it when you see it. I think of the Fox News women as being matchy matchy, even if they are not exactly matching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453866 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:18:39 +0000 Girl X 453866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm totally with Astrid's Uber-Coordinated. Over-coordinated implies that you've gone too far, done too much, but matchy-matchy can look great. Uber-coordinated loses the 'too much' connotation, so that works much better for me. Think of Mary K's outfits - uber, never over, you'd never want her to scale back on the matching - it's perfect. (Sorry to single you out MK!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453863 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:11:46 +0000 ironkurtin 453863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think matchy-matchy also goes with looking like you tried too hard. No one is matchy-matchy by accident. It's not just color, it's style, too, I think - wearing one overly coordinated look from head to toe. For some reason I'm thinking Dolores Umbridge, she of the twinsets and bow on her head. You don't have to dress like that to be matchy-matchy, but she certainly was. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453827 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:16:03 +0000 rae 453827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Or, since Fashion may require more syllables: Colorifically Redundant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-the-word-matchy-maychy#post-453825 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:15:28 +0000 DressLover 453825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think of "matchy-matchy" I think of Garanimals and DTM (dyed to match). Because of this, I also tend to associate "crayon box colors" as matchy-matchy moreso than a more subdued palette. </p> <p>Matchy-matchy goes beyond coordinating colors. I think of it as "excessively/obsessively" matched. A woman with red shoes and a red handbag with a black dress is not matchy-matchy. Neither is a woman with a yellow scarf and yellow belt with jeans, a white tee, and cognac boots. This is particularly true if the "matched" pieces have texture, pattern, and/or a slight variation of color. </p> <p>Now a woman in a sea foam green tee, cerulean blue pants, sea foam and cerulean braided belt, cerulean blue bag, sea foam green socks, cerulean blue canvas sneakers with sea foam green laces is obviously matchy-matchy. On the less extreme side, a woman in a dress or jeans and a tee is also matchy-matchy if her shoes, bag, belt, scarf, all match each other and/or a color in her dress or tee. </p>