The summer of matching sets

Temperatures are scorching. No matter whether the sun or the moon is shining, the thermometer shows no sign of dropping below 30° prompting us to dream of lazy days at the beach lulled by the sea breeze. Unfortunately, for most of us the vacations are still far away and the real daily challenge is to find an outfit that makes us feel cool, comfortable and fresh. From an almost impossible mission, a trend was born that has been infecting brands, celebrities, Instagram and common people for a few months now: matching sets. Top paired with pants or skirt, but, most importantly, shirt and shorts. The passion for this combo is, as many insiders point out, a kind of evolution of the loungewear that raged during the pandemic when jumpsuits and pajamas dominated, informal outfits that didn't require much styling effort and had the great virtue of fitting well with any mundane occasion at the time: from the Netflix marathon to the call with colleagues via Zoom to the daily walk to walk the dog. Now that the range of mundane occasions has definitely expanded, just change accessories and the shirt + shorts look, or better yet boxer shorts, becomes perfect for a wide variety of occasions. At the office we try button-down, minimal jewelry and mules; for a shopping session we slip on Converse and add a raffia bag; for a dinner party we opt for vitamin shades, cropped shirt and sandals; while for the beach the new combo is a great alternative to sarongs and maxi dresses. 

The trend seems at once an upgrade of the pandemic pajamacore and an easy version of the famous Miu Miu set, an easy way to embrace effortless chic that also harbors a hint of 90s nostalgia. The inspiration? It comes from the Dior and Rotate runways and from it-girls like Emrata who, in Italy for a Superga event, opted for a total white set from Mirror Palais, or Bella Hadid who, on vacation with her boyfriend in St. Barts, sported a shirt, bra and light blue boxer set from vintage Prada. 

There are many different models in the market: from linen to satin, from cotton to regenerated nylon, from solid colors to tropical patterns, from neutral tones to vitamin shades. Just as wide is the range of prices ranging from the few euros of the proposals of low coast chains such as H&M and Mango to the deluxe versions made by Balenciaga and Tom Ford. The social network also seems to play a decisive role in electing its must-have set: for Instagram it is undoubtedly the Lui set by The Frankie Shop, available in an infinite number of colorways, from tangerine to sage green; while for TikTok the sets to add to the wardrobe are the result of creativity and upcycled fashion. Three Vintage calls them Emily suits and Alice suits, but, essentially, they are oversized, vintage polo shirts or shirts from Ralph Lauren (or other brands) cut, reworked, and re-stitched ad hoc to transform into a crop top-shorts or crop top-skirts combo. 

In short, there is an option for everyone, below is a selection from G-clubs to help make your choice.

HOMMEGIRLS Cropped Shirt and Boxer Set

215$

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THE ANDAMANE Giordana oversized shirt and shorts set

285€

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PRADA Chambray canvas printed shirt and shorts

960€+720€

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H&M Cotton shirt & cotton poplin shorts

19,99€+14,99€

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B+AB Washed-effect shorts-set

190€

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ALFIE La Homme shirt & Le boxer/Scarlet Ibis

266€+170€

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GENERAL SLEEP Camilla Set, Yuzu Gingham

157$

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THREE VINTAGE Alice Polo Ralph Lauren Suit

45€

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THE FRANKIE SHOP Lui Organic Cotton Shirt & Boxer Short

155€+92€

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TOM FORD Satin shirt & High-rise silk-blend satin shorts

850€+175€

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COS Regular-Fit Linen Shirt & Linen Pintuck Shorts

69€+59€

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BALENCIAGA Shirt & shorts in striped cotton

950€+495€

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