How to Style Summer Coords

Introduction

A co-ord set is one of the most practical things you can add to your summer wardrobe. Wear the two pieces together and your outfit is ready to go. Separate them and you've got several more options without buying anything new. Below you'll find ideas for every occasion summer throws at you, from lazy beach days to evenings out.

Summer Gingham

Gingham is a summer classic. This lightweight textured cotton version will see you through the whole season and beyond. It's breathable, packs easily and the print works across a range of occasions.

The Aitana Wide Leg Trousers and Bia Sleeveless Blouse worn together is a complete look that needs little in the way of accessorising. Add a denim jacket and you're ready for wherever the day takes you. Switch up your daytime look by pairing the Aitana Trousers, with a cosy sweater and sandals.

The Bia Blouse takes you effortlessly from day to night. Tucked into your favourite jeans and worn with gold jewellery it’s perfect for a day in town. Swap the jeans for light-coloured trousers, add a leather belt and a pair of heeled sandals and you’re set for an evening out.

Our new holiday hero is the Teresa 2-in-1 Maxi Skirt. Co-ord with the Bia Blouse, wear it as an on-trend maxi skirt, or style it as a knee-length dress with the shirring as a fitted bodice. With flip flops or wedges it’s perfect for sun-soaked days.

Easy Stripes

Breezy green stripes give us sunny weather vibes. The Bruni Blouse paired with the Hannah Stripe Midi Skirt is a pretty and wearable co-ord look. Delicate embroidery and cutwork details give a soft, feminine quality, whilst the elasticated waist and handy pockets make it practical too. Swap the blouse for a long sleeve knit and strappy sandals and you have an everyday outfit that will take you from a lazy market morning to lunch in the sunshine without missing a beat.

For a polished daytime feel, the Bruni Blouse works well tucked in cropped wide leg trousers, just add a belt and trainers. To take the look into the evening, swap the cropped trousers and trainers for a light trouser and brown leather heels. A few coloured bangles finish it off without overcomplicating things.

Jersey Comfort

Bold patchwork print and buttery soft jersey fabric make this set one you'll want to live in all summer. The Helena Jersey Beach Pant and Salinas Jersey Blouse worn together is a complete holiday look straight out of the bag. Add flat leather sandals and you're good to go.

Wear the Helena Beach Pant with a fitted white vest and the Rayna Ribbed Cardigan in yellow for a pop of colour on cooler days. The Salinas Blouse worn untucked with cropped trousers and flip flops is an easy, no-fuss option for warm afternoons.

For evening, tuck the Salinas Blouse into gently flared jeans, add a leather belt, heels and some layered gold jewellery. The jersey fabric drapes beautifully and holds its shape, so one simple change is all you need to go from beach to bar.

Sun-Ready Shorts

Embrace hot days with a short set. Our Darcy Shorts and Bruna Blouse are made for everyday wear, but the embroidery detail makes them anything but ordinary. Both are made from a light, breathable fabric, with an elasticated waist on the shorts that makes them genuinely comfortable to wear all day. This is the set you grab when the sun is out, just throw on some flip flops and add a few bangles.

The Darcy Shorts pair brilliantly with bright summer colours, add a bold vest top and you've got a beach-ready combination that takes no time at all. Or dress things up with a fitted blouse, metallic strappy sandals and top it off with a wide-brimmed hat. Same shorts, completely different feel.

Going sightseeing or heading out on a cooler day? The Bruna Blouse worn with your favourite denim and a pair of sunnies has you covered.

Accessorising Your Co-ord

The right accessories can completely change the feel of a co-ord without changing a single piece of clothing. Footwear is one of the quickest changes to make. A flat sandal or trainer is your go-to for daytime, while a block heel or strappy heeled sandal moves the same outfit straight into evening territory. Bags work the same way, a woven tote or canvas shopper suits daytime, while a structured crossbody or clutch changes the feel for a night out. When choosing jewellery, a co-ord in a bold print often works best with simple pieces so the two aren't competing. With plain or tonal sets you can have more fun, layer up necklaces, stack some bangles or add a pair of statement earrings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are co-ords still in fashion?

Yes, co-ords are still very much in fashion, and have moved well beyond being a seasonal trend. Part of their appeal is how adaptable they are. Wear the pieces together for an instant, complete outfit, or style each one separately to get more wear out of a single purchase. A set built around a quality fabric and a print you love will still be getting worn long after this summer is over.

Are co-ord sets flattering?

Co-ord sets are particularly flattering because a matching top and bottom creates one continuous line of colour or print from shoulder to hem. Where mixing separates can sometimes break the silhouette at the waist, a co-ord keeps everything balanced and streamlined. It's one of those cases where one of the easiest outfit choices also happens to be the most flattering.

How do I mix and match co-ord pieces with other items in my wardrobe?

The easiest way to mix and match co-ord pieces is to treat each one as a separate in its own right. A co-ord blouse works like any other top, pair it with plain jeans, trousers or a skirt. A co-ord trouser or skirt sits well with a plain knit, a white vest or a simple long-sleeve top. One set effectively gives you multiple outfits, making it one of the better-value purchases in your summer wardrobe.

How can I style co-ord sets to look casual versus dressy?

Shifting a co-ord from casual to dressy is mostly about footwear and bags. Flat sandals, trainers or flip flops keep things relaxed, while a heeled sandal or block heel makes the same outfit feel more dressed up without changing a single piece of clothing. Swap your everyday bag for something smaller and more structured, like a crossbody or clutch to change the feel of your outfit. For jewellery, keep it simple for daytime and layer up necklaces, bangles or earrings when you want to dress things up a bit more.