There is something deeply satisfying about an outfit that looks like you've made an effort when, in reality, you've made precisely one decision.
Enter the co-ord.
Once reserved for lazy Sundays and airport lounges, matching sets have become a wardrobe category in their own right. And frankly, some of them are far too good to be confined to the sofa.
We're talking interesting silhouettes, beautiful colours, considered details and pieces that look just as good separately as they do together.
We've picked five favourites, from a £50 H&M discovery to a rather lovely Port de Bras set. Different budgets, different personalities, one very simple approach to getting dressed.
01. Port de Bras: A Little Quiet Luxury
There's something about sage green that makes everything look more expensive.
The Alessa Sweater and matching Alessa Sweatpants from Port de Bras are a particularly good example.
The oversized half-zip, high collar and subtle detailing give the set just enough interest without disturbing its beautifully understated feel.
It's relaxed, but there's nothing accidental about it.
We'd wear it with white trainers, a cream coat and very little else. Equally, the sweater would look lovely with denim, while the trousers could easily be paired with a fitted long-sleeve top.
At £276 for the set, this is an investment in the everyday wardrobe. The sort of thing you'd find yourself reaching for far more often than you initially intended.
The pieces
02. The Couture Club: Not Your Average Tracksuit
There's a lot happening here, and somehow it all works.
The Couture Club's Piped Funnel Neck Track Jacket and matching Barrel Leg Trousers are probably the most interesting silhouette in our line-up.
The funnel neck, contrast piping and curved trouser shape give this mushroom-coloured set a distinctly fashion-led feel.
It's giving designer tracksuit, without the designer price tag.
And while we're usually advocates for an oversized layer, we'd avoid drowning this one in a giant coat. The proportions are the whole point.
Wear the jacket zipped high, let the trousers do their thing and keep the accessories minimal.
At £160 for both pieces, it's a compelling alternative to some of the considerably more expensive tracksuits doing the rounds.
The pieces
03. H&M: The Midnight Plum Discovery
Occasionally, the high street gets it very, very right.
We recently discovered this deep-plum co-ord at H&M, and it deserves considerably more attention than its price tag might suggest.
The Fine-ribbed Track Jacket and matching Drawstring Trousers have a lovely weight and texture visually, while the dark purple feels like a welcome departure from the endless sea of grey, beige and black.
The trousers have a particularly nice drape, making this one we'd happily wear beyond the usual gym-to-coffee routine.
In fact, we'd be tempted to dress them up.
A fitted knit, a more structured jacket and a different shoe could take the trousers somewhere entirely different.
And the best bit? The whole set comes in at £50.98.
Proof that a good outfit doesn't necessarily require a significant financial commitment.
We've already featured this one in our Midnight Plum Co-ord edit.
The pieces
04. Alo Yoga: A Case for Colour
We've spent an extraordinary amount of time convincing ourselves that neutrals are the sensible choice.
And then Alo Yoga comes along with a red tracksuit.
The Accolade Crew Neck Pullover and matching Straight Leg Sweatpants in Summer Romance Red are unapologetically bright.
Which is precisely why we like them.
There's something rather refreshing about an outfit that isn't trying to blend into the background.
The straight-leg trousers give the set a relaxed silhouette, while the classic crew neck keeps things uncomplicated.
This is one we'd wear for travelling, weekend lunches or those days when another black outfit simply isn't going to cut it.
We'd resist the temptation to add more colour. A good white trainer and a neutral outer layer are all it needs.
And if head-to-toe red feels like a commitment, the sweatshirt alone would make a brilliant addition to a wardrobe of denim, grey and cream.
At £256 for the set, it's certainly not an impulse purchase. But for anyone looking to introduce a little personality into their off-duty wardrobe, it's a strong contender.
Find both pieces in our Gym to Brunch edit.
The pieces
05. River Island: The Unexpected One
We'll admit, a polka-dot tracksuit wasn't particularly high on our autumn wardrobe wish list.
And yet, here we are.
River Island's Black Polka Dot Jacquard Track Jacket and matching Joggers are a little unexpected, a little playful and surprisingly wearable.
The black base keeps the pattern from feeling overwhelming, while the matching pieces give the whole thing a sense of intention.
It's the sort of outfit that could easily go wrong with too many accessories. We'd keep the rest of the look pared back and let the polka dots have their moment.
A simple tee, clean trainers and a small bag. Done.
And if you're not quite ready to embrace the full look, the jacket with plain black trousers is an easy way in.
At £91 for both pieces, it's a relatively affordable opportunity to try something a little different.
We've included the set in our River Island Co-ords edit.
The pieces
The Art of Matching
The beauty of a co-ord is that most of the styling has already been taken care of.
But there's a difference between buying two matching pieces and buying a set you'll genuinely want to wear.
Our rule? Look beyond the matching outfit.
Would you wear the trousers with something else? Does the jacket work with denim? Is the colour something you actually love, or simply something you've seen everywhere this month?
The best co-ords earn their place in your wardrobe twice: together and separately.
And while we're all for making an effort, there's something to be said for looking put together in the time it takes to make a coffee.
Five sets, five very different approaches to off-duty dressing. We'll leave the difficult decision of choosing a favourite to you.
Overthinking athleisure so you don't have to.
Kit & Grit
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Prices are correct at the time of writing and may change. Check individual product pages for current availability and sizing. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning Kit & Grit may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
