UNCOVERING THE HISTORY OF THE MATCHING SET

Over the past few years, matching sets have earned the stamp of approval from the fashion community as a quick way to look instantly chic. Now, seemingly every brand is carrying its own sets (there are specific tabs for "matching sets" on some shopping sites now, as well). This begs the question: where did this trend come from? Who was the mastermind behind such a simple concept?

Well, matching sets are no new trend. The look first popped up as a trend in the ‘70s. Flip through fashion photos from the era, and you are sure to find the matching ensemble trend on models and celebrities alike. Eventually, trends changed during the '80s and '90s, and so did the love for matching sets. Flash-forward to the early 2000s…Juicy Couture and similar brands monopolized the matching set trend through the “velour sweatsuit.” The matchy-matchy sweatsuit was loved by celebrity icons during the era, from Paris Hilton to Britney Spears.

During this time, the trend was defined as being more laidback. Eventually, as Y2K style dissipated, so did the matching set. Until now. Over quarantine, the matching set fully reintegrated itself into fashion. It's no surprise that the trend came back around. Gen Z holds a love for ‘70s and Y2K fashion trends, so it is truly the perfect recipe. The matching set's loungewear aspect is back, and was especially popular during quarantine, when loungewear was what everybody lived in for the whole year. But matching sets as everyday outfits are just as stylish. Matching skirts and cropped “bra-like” tops and matching pant-sets are beloved by the fashion community. The look has practically taken over Zara’s website! Who's to say if this trend will die again, but at least for the time being, let's bask in the simplicity of the fashion craze.