How To Wear The Men’s Co-ords Trend
Good things come in pairs. Be it buses, the queue to Noah’s Ark, or lists of analogies: we’re led to believe that life is all about matches. Which, as anyone who’s suffered through one working iPod earbud knows, is true.
And the matching mantra seems to be affecting our wardrobes. After years of being told to mix it up and avoid one block ensemble, the likes of Wooyungmi, Berthold and Versace sent fully coordinated looks down the SS16 runways – we’re talking outfits in matching violet shades, floral two-pieces and monochrome shorts-and-shirt sets. Granted, few men have the balls (or the desire) to rock Milan’s more outlandish trends, but the high street has diluted the co-ord into a more palatable form. And there are plenty of choices. However, that doesn’t make the perfect match easy to wear. As with all left-field trends, there’s a margin for error. Here’s how to navigate it.
Play By The Rules
While there are rules to follow with co-ords, they’re more straightforward than you’d think. “There are several settings in which co-ords will flourish or flounder,” explains Kasia Katner, stylist at Thread. “And the secret is to know your setting and choose accordingly. A full set may look great on holiday or a night out, but less if you require traditional dressing.”
And as for accessories? “The matching motif, be it print, color or texture, is your statement and doesn’t need more color from your rucksack or trainers. Keep everything else muted and let the co-ord converse for itself.”
Take Your Outfit Into The Deep
A back-to-back botanical print offers impact, but is there a subtler way into the co-ord trend? “A tonal outfit is an easy route into co-ords,” Katner says. “Classic colours like navy or black offer a minimal look.”
While block monochromes are easy to pull-off, an all-black ensemble is hardly innovative. Which is where fabric choice steps in. “Choosing a range of textures can add depth to your outfit. Herringbone, treated cottons and choice knits can all elevate a look from the norm without relying on bold prints or patterns.”
