There’s nothing quite like a matching set. Who would have thought a top and bottom that seamlessly flow together would make you perfectly styled in less than a minute?
Well, good news — they’re here to stay, and we’re obsessed. Truly, we have entire drawers dedicated to matching sets from Amazon, Cozy Earth, Aerie and more.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and about to phone a personal stylist in the next 15 minutes, look no further than this guide. In fact, we turned to a professional stylist so you don’t have to.
“Matching sets have gained massive popularity in recent years, due to shifts in personal style ushered in throughout the COVID-pandemic,” Jordan Stolch. Personal Stylist, Concierge Personal Shopper, and co-founder of MiKADO, told the New York Post. “The year 2021 saw women ready to transition out of the WFH pajama-craze and into ‘real’ clothes, without an interest in going back to the structured styles they were wearing previously. The causal coordinated set began to surge (think sweat sets and matching loungewear), eventually carrying over into daywear and formal attire, as we welcomed in this new era of effortless style. Today, most retailers offer a category exclusively for matching sets – a testament to this trend becoming a staple in women’s closets.”
RELATED: Best women’s loungewear sets
Ahead, we pulled our favorite matching sets to buy right now, with Stolch choosing some as well. With this guide, you’ll be dressed to impress and, after all, it’s never felt so good to look cute and coordinated.
More, check out our in-depth FAQ section for Stolch’s expertise on how to style different matching sets.
Click to jump to a specific section:
- Best Matching Sweat Sets for Women
- Best Matching Lounge Sets for Women
- Best Matching Skirt and Top Sets for Women
Best Matching Sweat Sets for Women
Varley Keller Half Zip Sweatshirt
- Pairs well with: Varley The Relaxed Pants 27.5″ ($120)
The Varley Keller Half Zip Sweatshirt is a splurge, but surely worth it. With a breathable yet super soft knit fabric, its long sleeves and dropped sleeves make it appealing for any type of wear. Additionally, its collared neck coupled with the matching bottoms make it *chef’s kiss.*
Per Stolch’s styling expertise, rock the look with a sherpa jacket, the Veja Rio Branco Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers ($160) and Ray-Ban Erika Color Mix Sunglasses ($158).
Adore Me Lyrra Hoodie + Pant Set
Meet the sweat set we’ve been living in: the Adore Me Lyrra Hoodie + Pant Set. It’s part of the brand’s collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, and we couldn’t be happier. Not to mention, it’s available in a blue shade as well, along with plus sizes.
Abercrombie Easy Sunday Crew
- Pairs well with: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Sweatpant ($60)
The Abercrombie Easy Sunday Crew is, by far, one of the most-coveted sweat sets money can buy. Who doesn’t love Abercrombie, with its cozy, wear-all-day fabrics anyhow? With the brand’s matching sweat shorts, you’ll be rocking your golden look.
According to Stolch, pair the look with the ALLSAINTS James Check Maxi Coat ($729) for some chic oomph, the ALLSAINTS Stellar Cap Toe Combat Boot ($349) for some edge and Anthropologie’s The Wanderlust Paris Baseball Cap ($42) to appeal to the tailored yet comfy aesthetic.
AUTOMET Lounge Sweatsuit Set
For a luxe Amazon sweat set, you can’t go wrong with the AUTOMET Lounge Sweatsuit Set. It’s giving “neutral style” in the coziest way possible, and other colors are available to add to your cart’s stockpile, too.
For ultimate styling, you can’t go wrong with a nifty pair of white sneakers.
The Great The Slouch Sweatshirt
- Pairs well with: The Great The Stadium Sweatpant ($165)
Stolch recommends The Great’s The Slouch Sweatshirt, a premium brand offering premium styles. Essentially, it’s the one-and-done set that’ll make you look and feel your best, thanks to its handcrafted design that comes with extra slouch. Oh, how dreamy.
She recommends joining the look with a pair of Converse Chuck 70 Mixed Materials Shoes ($95) and the rag & bone Leather Commuter Fanny Pack ($395).
Best Matching Lounge Sets for Women
Splendid Goldie Infused Hoodie
- Pairs well with: Splendid Goldie Infused Joggers ($148)
Another splurge that’s a goodie is the Splendid Goldie Infused Hoodie, paired with the brand’s Goldie Infused Joggers. It’s crafted with a fleece-cotton blend that comes with a drawstring hood (the best of the best) and a comfy, pullover-style design.
Take it a step further by pairing the look with the Madewell Single-Breasted Blazer ($178), some black booties and Le Specs Unreal! Sunglasses ($79), per Stolch’s recommendation.
Aerie LumberJane Waffle Polo Sweatshirt
- Pairs well with: Aerie High Waisted LumberJane Waffle Short ($40)
We adore the Aerie LumberJane Waffle Polo Sweatshirt. It was gifted to us for one of our birthdays and we pretty much had everyone else we know IRL hop on the bandwagon. In fact, we own it in multiple colorways.
It’ll soon transform into your most-worn lounge set. It’s fairly priced, looks adorable and is one you can slip on at a moment’s notice.
SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip
- Pairs well with: SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant ($138)
As one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, the SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip deserves all the acclaim in the world. We own the matching set and agree with Oprah; it’s pretty dynamite.
Stolch vouches for the look as well, suggesting it to be paired with J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket ($138) for an easy breezy effortless look, the Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneakers ($140) for another casual layer and the Mansur Gavriel Classic Mini Crossbody ($545) for the sweetest mini splurge.
Best Matching Skirt and Top Sets for Women
Rails Kacia Sweater
- Pairs well with: Rails Diana Skirt ($228)
Though you can purchase sweaters far and wide online, there’s nothing like investing in a quality one. The name of the game is the Rails Kacia Sweater, paired with the Rails Diana Skirt, for an unbeatable textured combo.
Stolch loves the idea of matching the set with the Ted Baker Clarya Fitted Paneled Leather Jacket ($495) and the Dolce Vita Beny Flats ($130) for more well-made fabrics and pieces. To finish the look, grab the SHASHI Tsuki Hoops ($65) for a stunning glossy accent.
Petal & Pup Lula Set
One of our favorite brands — for workwear and dressy occasions alike — is Petal & Pup. Our wardrobes ooze the brand, and the Lula Set is a vacation-ready style we can’t stop glossing over. In essence, it’ll photograph well and pair perfectly with any sandals of your choice.
Veronica Beard Agni Tweed Dickey Jacket
- Pairs well with: Veronica Beard Rubra Tweed Skirt ($398)
Invest in the Veronica Beard Agni Tweed Dickey Jacket, paired with the Veronica Beard Rubra Tweed Skirt. We consider it the hallmark of timeless yet trendy fashion because, let’s face it, tweed is *totally* in right now.
Stolch loves the duo, especially when styled with the PAIGE Fidelia Mock Neck Sweater Tank ($159) and Reformation’s River Knee Boot ($478). Also from Reformation, grab the Mini Chiara Convertible Bag ($248) for the most minimalist yet gorgeous carry-all.
MISA Galeta Top
- Pairs well with: MISA Seva Skirt ($203)
We’re so thrilled we came across the MISA Galeta Top because, when paired with the MISA Seva Skirt, the look is unbeatable. To pick up the colors evident in the matching set, Stolch loves the incorporation of the Maje Giorgina Wool Blend Coat ($795) paired beside the Malone Souliers Patricia Raffia Stiletto Mule Sandals ($770). With these investment pieces, you’ll be happy to style them in a variety of ways, too.
An FAQ on Styling Matching Sets
Ahead, our professional styling expert gives the 411 on what the most popular and timeless matching sets are. Plus, find notes on how to style them to look and feel your very best.
First things first: Why the matching set?
Regardless of personal style aesthetic, the matching set is a favorite amongst many because it looks inherently put together with virtually no effort required. “Gone are the days of questioning whether your top and bottom match, we now can [create] a cohesive outfit, along with the peace of mind that everything goes together,” Stolch tells The Post.
Matching sets are available in nearly every category you can imagine, too. “From casual outings to formal events, poolside to office, workouts to sleepwear and everything in between,” she adds. “There really is an option available for every need.”
How can I find a matching set that looks good?
“Dressing your body type is all about choosing clothing that creates the look of length and balance across your unique proportions,” Stolch said. “When it comes to matching sets, [there are] a few guidelines to keep in mind when selecting a style most suitable for your shape.”
For petite women or anyone wishing to look taller, she recommends choosing monochromatic sets, which elongate the look of the body through one streamlined column of color from head to toe.
To create balance for a fuller bust or broader shoulders, opt for a straight to wider-leg pant, which gives the illusion of more fullness on the lower half of the body.
More, for a fuller bum or wider hips, Stolch advises avoiding oversized bottoms and instead go for something more streamlined. “Pair this with a structured top or a tailored jacket, to create balance between both halves of the body,” she added.
Women with short legs are best suited in a high-rise cut, which makes the leg line appear longer and leaner, and the overall look of the body appear taller. And, for a straight-up-and-down frame, choose matching sets that are tailored through the mid-section and avoid choosing overly shapeless styles, to create the illusion of definition through the waistline.Â
“Women who are curvy in both the top and bottom halves of the body look best in styles that maintain their visual harmony, while at the same time defining the mid-section,” she added. “Sets that skim across the natural curvature of the frame, and structure through the waistline, are extremely flattering on this body.”
How to style a sweat set, per a professional stylist
Sweat sets are casual by nature and should be styled accordingly. “Pair them with easy footwear such as tennis shoes and boots, layered under your go-to everyday outerwear and topped off with simple accessories,” Stolch recommended.
How to style a matching lounge set, per a professional stylist
“Lounge sets are less casual than sweat sets, and make for a great outfit when you want to feel slightly more elevated,” she offered. Give them the dressed-up feel by styling them with edgier jackets like blazers and bombers, and finishing off the look with statement jewelry or sunglasses, she suggests.
How to style a matching skirt and top set, per a professional stylist
“The sky is the limit when it comes to styling your matching skirt set – there’s just so many ways you can wear them!” Stolch said. “Keep your look casual and polished, by pairing them with loafers or flats.”
Want to go the dressier route? Opt for mules, pumps or booties. Choose simple outerwear like a moto jacket or longline coat, and complete the look with your favorite bag and jewelry.Â
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.