SPACE 519’s own Jim Wetzel, co-owner and style guru, talks about one of the biggest trends in ready to wear—the matched set.

 First, can you clarify what a modern matched set is?

Two pieces that are made out of the same fabrication that are worn together. People immediately think suiting, but it’s not. Think of a beautiful peplum top with a long skirt, a blouse and wide leg pant, or pajama dressing with a matching top and bottom.

It can go many different ways, from menswear inspired to the modern lady.

Why do you feel that now designers are showing matched sets?

There is a throwback to the 50s, especially with the European designers like Prada and Delpozo. Designers are reminiscing about a more ladylike moment, for example Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, she took the brands edge back to a softer silhouette.

What about the matched set, is the modern woman drawn to?

The matched set provides a lot of diversity. The pieces of these matched sets can be broken apart and the blouse can go with a jean-that’s a great weekend outfit. Or, the skirt can be paired with a cashmere sweater and boots.

Matched sets also lend themselves to a woman on the go. When you are traveling you have this beautiful put together outfit, but you can quickly break it apart, add two or three pieces at the most, and you have a multidimensional travel wardrobe.

How are you styling this new trend?

If you have a matched set in a solid color, then it is begging for statement accessories. You can take a great earring, or statement necklace, and pair it with this long column of color.

Or, if you are doing a print set that is matched or unmatched, to break it up, a wide belt at the waist would be beautiful.

Then, it is fun to play with shoes. You are already set with the two pieces, no pun intended, to do a statement shoe, and it makes sense. Even if you are doing pattern on pattern, because you don’t have all of these different elements fighting. A floral blouse and skirt, which reads like a dress, paired with a statement shoe is on point.

Tibi Pre-Spring 2019

At SPACE 519 what matched sets are you looking forward to and why?

We always have a ‘set’ moment at SPACE 519. But for Pre-Spring in particular, which is arriving any day, there are a handful of lines that come to mind.

Asceno, based out of London, does the pajama dressing trend very well. A heavy gauge silk set, paired with a pointed high heel, feels so elegant and effortless. In the past these set have sold out almost immediately and have become a staff favorite.

Another master of the matched and unmatched set is La Double J. Often times La Double J will pair crazy patterns together, but we will go in and pull the same pattern to pair together-a paisley secretary blouse with a matching full skirt to make a dramatic set.

La Double J Pre-Spring 2019

Tibi also does a great set in a very modern way. Solid pieces on top of each other; but what makes it interesting are the shapes. The top might be oversized with and angled shoulder and the skirt might be a draped, a more body conscious skirt, but all in the same fabrication.

Tibi Pre-Spring 2019

Apiece apart is getting into the match game by doing a wide leg trouser with a matching long sleeve printed blouse.