If there’s one thing we need less than a Naked 3 palette, it’s another crop top. (Life tip: If all your shirts look like they were pinched from North West’s wardrobe, it’s time to reevaluate).
While we’re all for slipping on (read: get trapped in) the odd shrunken shirt during festival season or for a day spent sipping illicit beverages in the park, there are a whole lot of places exposed midriffs simply aren’t welcome. Say, across the table from your ultra-conservative boss, at church (ahem, Kendall Jenner), or anywhere all-you-can-eat.
But there’s something that trumps the teeny-top rule: The T. Swift rule. Pair it with a bottom in the same print or color and it instantly becomes a ladylike ensemble — even nullifying a sliver of exposed skin or a hemline that would have otherwise had you sent home from high school.
Perfected by the likes loves of Solange, Kim K and the entire cast and crew of Pretty Little Liars, the matching set has permeated as many weekend Instagrams as it has red carpets. By definition, it shouldn’t be such a novel thing. Just a matching top and a bottom, right?
Oh, sweet hypothetical reader, are you ever wrong.
Take it from those of us who’ve attempted the formal floral skirt suit to the dismay of many a small-town wedding guest—this shit ain’t easy. So we took our dilemma to the two-piece pro—stylist Taylor Jacobson, who dresses Kate Beckinsale, Ashley Benson and Ariana Grande.
How to do the matching set
Taylor Jacobson
CV includes Kate Beckinsale, Ashley Benson and Ariana Grande
On the ideal daytime matching set:
“A really cool easy all-black blazer and short suit with not a ton of structure. I love wearing Bermuda short suits and I would wear it during the day with my Converse or a cool oxford.”
On the ideal red carpet matching set:
“A pantsuit or tux-style look. I recently did a fitting with a client and every pantsuit we tried fit her like a glove, all I had to do was add a killer sexy pumps and jewels. I like the easy looser fits when it comes to these pant suits with elevated accessories.”
On the most universally flattering spot to show a sliver of skin:
"Above the navel usually around the rib cage area. That tends to be the smallest, most flattering part on people."
On her favorite allover print (or shade) to wear:
"Black. Black. Black."
On the cuts or prints you should be wary of with a matching set:
"I really don’t think people should be wearing matching printed sets in super bright colors and big bold patterns unless your in your tweens — but even then I question it. I think it looses its chicness and goes right into cheesy."
On how much skin is too much when you’re wearing a crop top or bustier:
"I think the belly button should always be covered. A high waist bottom with a matching crop top is great if you are just showing that sliver of skin around the ribs. Also if you have a crop top on, put the boobs away. Choose one spot to show a little skin and that’s it."
On the ‘almost-match’—pairing similar-but-definitely-different prints:
"I love the mix and match of prints. Like I love baby blues with baby pinks – think very Prada. It only works when the patterns work and aren’t too bold and in your face. Muted tones and colors in prints tend to mix well together as well."
On the two-pieces her clients love:
"My clients love matching sets. Naya Rivera really loves them for day and sticks to solid colors in her skirt and top sets. Kate Beckinsale also loves a good matching set usually on carpets that are more on the day-side—at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival she wore a red two-piece skirt look and at last year’s Wimbeldon she whore a shirt and matching top by Tibi."
On brands that make the best sets:
"Alice and Olivia, Parker, RVN, Torn by Rony Kobo and Tibi."
