{on my radar} matched sets...

There was a time, not that long ago, when I loathed that whole matchy-matchy thing. You may have noticed though, that an outfit that's head-to-toe shades of grey and black from my beanie down to my toes is pretty matched. From my love of monochromatic looks I've taken it a step farther - I'm getting on the printed "matched sets" bandwagon. Outfits with matching pieces (shirts and skirts, jackets and pants, tops and shorts, etc) were everywhere on the streets during fashion weeks in New York and Europe, and are taking over inventory of retailers like Zara and Shopbop. 

{Zara: 1 / 2 / 3}

In New York, we are fortunate enough to have Zara locations scattered throughout the city. I've loved their fast-fashion / on-trend pieces since I first stepped into a Zara when I was studying abroad in France in 2007. Above you can see that they are on their matched sets game (ha, like tennis), with silky blouses and pajama-like pants and boxy embroidered tops with fitted mini skirts. The great thing about a matched set is both pieces work double duty for mismatched looks as well.

{Clover Canyon SS13}

If you're looking for something graphic and bold, the prints from Clover Canyon are stunning (and some, like this top and pants are very Celine-esque). I'm also deeply obsessed with this camilla and marc suiting that's orange, hot pink and gold (here's the pants and matching blazer) - it's such a fun and striking twist on a classic look. For something more subdued, Theory has a lovely silky pairing of a tee shirt top and cropped trousers in ivory with a delicate, barely-floral print.

This look is definitely a bold move for those of us not traipsing around outside Lincoln Center or the Tuilerie gardens, but if you ask me we could all use a dose of bold in our daily lives. 

What do you think of the matched sets trend? Too much or just enough?

[Image credits: Harper's Bazaar; Lee Oliviera; Fashionista; Zara]