Sometimes when I get dressed in the morning, I put on a top and pants, I look in the mirror and I think, ‘Do these two things go together?’
I occasionally suffer from ‘fashion blindness’ because my head is too full. No woman can make impeccable style decisions every day.
In the face of such sartorial crises, I strip down and grab an outfit that has done all the thinking for me: the mighty co-ord — where the top and bottom are matchy-matchy in color and a pretty print.
don’t worry don’t worry. Those two things do go together. More urgent matters can now be addressed.
A favorite combo in my wardrobe is a wool polo shirt and cropped, flared trousers in the same black and green check print. In it, I look like I’m going to play golf in Florida in 1974. But in a good way. Indeed, I always think of the early heyday of the coordinate as the 1970s. I think of Margo from The Good Life. I think she added a nice headscarf to hers.
There is nothing more useful than the combi for its genius mix of comfort and glamour. The pink and white, loose-fitting issue of Essentiel Antwerp? A perfect option for a summer party or wedding: beautiful and dressed, but in a breezy, breathable fabric that will make sure you are the coolest guest on any warm summer evening. I bet the co-ord superfan, Trinny Woodall, would pair it with platform trainers, but it’ll look great with a strappy heel too.
I know some of these bold prints are daunting and might have you staring at the train. If that makes you tense, there are more subtle options. I’ve seen a lovely cotton and lace combo in Zara in periwinkle — striking, yes, but no crackers by any means. There’s no reason a print phobia should rob you of this particular brand of no-brainer dressing.
But whichever option you choose, I guarantee you this: In a co-ord, it doesn’t matter how internally you feel on any given day, you’ll always look flawlessly put together.
That’s a rare kindness from the fashion gods, so I take it.
Shirt, £15.99, Pants, £12.99, reserved.com; sandals, £179, lkbennett.com; chain bracelet, £60, puzzle-online.com; pearl ring, £28.50, ashianaaccessories.com (left). on, £150, trousers, £250, paolita.co.uk; sandals, £49.99, zara.com; earrings, £37.50, ashianaaccessories.com (right)
Crop top, £185, trousers, £245, valleandvik. com; bracelet as before; heels, £40, asos.com (left). Right: Oversized shirt, £160, trousers, £180, essential antwerp. com; bracelet, as before; pearl ring, as before (left)
Left: Linen shirt, £70, trousers, £45, boden.co.uk; sandals, £179, lkbennett. com; earrings, as before. Right: Long sleeve top, £84, trousers, £72, puzzle-online.com; sandals, £25.99, zara.com; earrings, as before
Top and Pants Set, £275, lilyandlionel.com; sandals, £49.99, zara. com; bracelet and earrings as before