Fashion's Most Proper Pairing Is Having a Little Fun
Forget the country club—the new twinsets have other plans.
For all our current enthusiasm for matching sets, it’s easy to forget that the idea is hardly new. The twinset—a knit cardigan and its coordinating top—has been around for nearly a century, with early versions associated with Coco Chanel and Pringle of Scotland. It has endured for good reason: Few combinations make getting dressed quite so easy. And when worn separately, both pieces can do plenty of work elsewhere in your wardrobe.
Of course, the twinset has its old-fashioned associations, but designers are finding ways to make it feel entirely current. Think clashing prints, unexpected colors, embellished buttons, and new proportions that swap the traditional cardigan-and-shell pairing for boleros, cropped knits, and even tube tops. Some are playful, others more understated, but all make a convincing case for giving this classic combination another look.
For an edgier take on the classic twinset, J.Crew tapped downtown fashion favorites Eckhaus Latta to put their own spin on the pairing. Inspired by a silhouette from J.Crew’s 1997 archives, the cropped cashmere cardigan looks just as good on its own as it does with the matching sleeveless polo.
What’s better than one argyle sweater? Two, naturally. Boden’s argyle cardigan and matching short sleeve argyle knit is a power pairing that when paired with just jeans looks like an intentional fashion statement.
Leset has built a following around the kind of matching sets that take the guesswork out of getting dressed. This lemon-yellow pairing, cut from a soft crepe knit, adds a cheerful pop of color without sacrificing versatility. Wear the two pieces together for the office, or break them up for more casual days.
Leave it to Reformation to give the classic twinset a sexier spin. Made from recycled cashmere, this short-sleeve cardigan and matching tube top reveal just enough skin to make the pairing feel modern. I love the idea of wearing them with baggy trousers, but both pieces are equally useful on their own, making this a set you'll reach for well beyond sweater season.
Lean into the twinset’s preppy roots with a cable-knit pairing from Lily Pulitzer. The navy cardigan, finished with contrasting green and white trim, comes with a matching sleeveless shell for a look that feels straight out of the country club. To keep things from feeling too traditional, try styling the set with baggy cargo pants or a long patchwork denim skirt. A little contrast goes a long way.
Channel an off-duty ballerina with a ballet-pink wrap cardigan and oversized sweater tee from Extreme Cashmere. The unexpected pairing of two knits in the same delicate shade feels a little more interesting than your traditional twinset, without sacrificing comfort. Wear them together over leggings or with slouchy cashmere sweatpants in a neutral shade for a look that could take you straight from the barre to brunch.
A twinset doesn’t have to involve traditional sweater knits. Flore Flore makes a convincing case for a lighter alternative with its substantial cotton cardigan and coordinating tank top. Worn together in the same shade, the two pieces offer an easy approach to matching separates that's especially appealing on those warmer days when a cashmere cardigan feels like too much.
For those who love a neutral that isn’t super simple, this thick-knit cotton with shimmering shell ornamental buttons from Demylee set stands out against a sea of oatmeal. The relaxed fit cardigan and its henley-style vest prove that buttons can be more fashionable than just functional.
Calling all minimalists: This barely-there twinset from SIR. is for you. Made from a sheer silk-cotton blend, the lightweight cardigan and matching camisole offer a more understated take on the classic pairing. Less preppy, more subtly sexy, it's the kind of set that looks just as good with tailored trousers as it does with your favorite jeans.
Leave it to DÔEN to give the twinset a romantic, vintage-inspired spin. This delicate crochet cardigan and matching camisole are made from a sheer viscose-blend knit inspired by Victorian bobbin lace. The intricate open weave gives both pieces the charm of something discovered in a particularly good vintage store.
Black lace trim gives this cozy wool cardigan a romantic, slightly gothic edge, taking the traditionally preppy twinset into evening territory. The matching wool tank is just as appealing on its own—and revealing enough to make ditching the cardigan an easy decision when dinner turns into a dance party.
Veronica Beard has a knack for making wardrobe staples feel a little more interesting, and its take on the twinset is no exception. Made from a breathable cotton-blend pointelle knit in cream and gray marl, the cardigan and matching sleeveless shell offer a subtle play on texture. Wear them together with jeans for an easy daytime look, or pair the set with a pleated skirt and fall flats for something a little dressier.
Tuckernuck’s classic cashmere twinset gets a playful update in a bright shade of green, but the best part is the option to make it your own. The retailer offers monogramming on both the cardigan and matching shell, turning a simple wardrobe staple into something more personal. Add your initials to both pieces, and you have a set worth keeping for years—and perhaps even passing down.
Kotn’s take on the twinset turns the traditional silhouette on its head while technically playing by the rules. Made from EcoVero viscose, the ultra-cropped ribbed bolero sits over a coordinating scoop-neck tank, leaving just a sliver of skin exposed. It’s a sexier alternative to the classic cardigan-and-shell combination, and one that would look especially good with wide-leg trousers. Still a twinset, just with a little more attitude.
Who says a twinset has to be limited to tops? L*Space makes a case for expanding the definition with a striped knit dress and matching cardigan. It's an especially clever pairing for travel, when every inch of suitcase space counts. Wear the two pieces together for an easy outfit, then separate them: The cardigan works just as well with jeans, while the dress can stand on its own with a pair of fall flats. Two pieces, several outfits, and a little more room in your suitcase.
Cult-favorite Hill House has a fun and fresh take on the twinset that still feels totally them. Instead of using the cardigan as the outer layer, they added a shawl on top instead to be worn over the shoulders or as a coordinating scarf. Clever and functional design? We love it.
For a date night at home, a twinset can be cozy and a little sexy, especially when it doubles as sleepwear. Eberjey has spent decades perfecting that balance, and its soft pointelle cardigan and matching bra top are a perfect example. Add the coordinating pants for a head-to-toe look that's comfortable enough for bed but cute enough for an evening on the couch. Consider it a more romantic take on matching loungewear.
The ’90s called, and they approve of this twinset. Maje’s vintage-inspired white cotton pointelle cardigan and matching tank feature contrasting black piping for a look that’s equal parts graphic and girly. Wear the set with baggy jeans for a casual take, or lean into its retro appeal with a long pleated black skirt and Mary Jane flats.
Pile on the polka dots with this playful twinset, which even comes with a coordinating skirt if you're feeling particularly committed to the print. The cropped cardigan and matching knit bralette offer a sexier, more fitted take on the traditional pairing, but there's plenty of room to dial it back. Wear the cardigan buttoned up with wide-leg trousers for a more understated look, or embrace the full polka-dot trend with all three pieces.
Gigi Hadid knows a good knit. Her label, Guest in Residence, has mastered the balance between cozy and chic, and this twinset is no exception. Made from a cashmere-linen blend in soft seafoam green, the single-clasp cardigan and matching tank offer an unexpected alternative to fall’s usual neutrals. Wear them together with tailored trousers or separately with your favorite denim. Either way, the color is surprisingly easy to work into a fall wardrobe.
