Why Matching Is the New Clashing
After years of print-mixing, sameness is cool again.
![Clothing, Jeans, Street fashion, Fashion, Denim, Outerwear, Pink, Footwear, Jacket, Trousers,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GiJH74wRX9tkLJn7qSmqd8-415-80.jpg)
I don't know about you, but my favorite person in this photo is not Kim Kardashian. It is not even North West, even though I will never stop loving her perma-put-off face.
It is, in fact, one of the supporting characters: the dude in the putty-colored jacket, trousers, and sneakers. (Hello, I want what you're wearing for myself.)
We've long extolled the virtues of a monochromatic outfit for a longer, leaner silhouette, but in the practice of dressing that satisfies the self versus the perceived self (not mutually exclusive), prints might be the sartorial device for expressing the kaleidoscope of one's innards. The more chaotic the mishmash, the better! But maybe it's time to play your cards closer to the vest, as Gigi and Bella and Fashion as a Whole return to matching, stealth and less so.
At this particular moment, the archetypical look—as seen on the celebrities at the tippy-top of the food chain and other people of note, even if they're just cool civilians—would be something like a T-shirt from a streetwear brand with jeans and a jacket in denim or leather or some sort of Courrèges vinyl, which is the coolest. The shapes can thin and widen, and the particular pieces don't really matter, but the colors are always the same.
RELATED STORY
It's a straightforward way of putting an outfit together, whereas print-mixing only gives the illusion of ease. (It takes a lot of thought and time shopping to look like you just threw this madcap combo on.) Maybe we've got more pressing matters to attend to than figuring out if a William Morris floral works with ocelot spots. Maybe the simple honesty of like-goes-with-like provides structure in an uncertain time. Or maybe the climate is just too damn volatile at the moment—because remember, you do risk failure when you experiment.
What is going on with Spicy's shoes here? pic.twitter.com/1fbdZ2e3JXMarch 13, 2017
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Vacation Like a Local in the Hamptons
Here's where to stay, what to do, and how to pack for a weekend out east.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Turns 55 Without a Birthday Birkin
She opted for a sheer sundress instead.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Rob Rausch Opened Up About His Many 'Love Island USA' Exes—Including Who He "Never" Stopped Liking
The 25-year-old snake wrangler had more than a few exes on this season of the reality hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published