Marvelously matching sets

Matching sets are the most stylish way for trendsetters to show off their legs, while showing their uncanny ability to understand the importance of tailoring and detail. For a manicured look to your wardrobe, pick out a beautifully matching set for the end of the dry season. A matching set is a top and trouser made out of the same fabric. This season it has been focused on tank and tee style for the tops, and shorts for the bottoms. However, capris are also possible, as well as matching tops and skirts. This trend fits in perfectly with the already traditional and fashionable kitenge matching top and bottom sets in Rwanda. Designers are taking this trend and finding their way to bold prints and stand out embellishments. American-Thai designer Thakoon, renowned for historical influences in his collections without being vintage, crafted a matching short and tee set with vibrant fabric. The teal cotton overlaid with black and white foliage gives a modern touch. Contemporary feminine designer Milly crafted a three quarter length top with matching minimalist shorts. The navy, aqua, white and gold print are reminiscent of the 1960’s era fabrics. The slight box style of the top gives a strong contrast to the feminine tailoring of the shorts. Italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli joined several different trends. The silk shantung leopard tee top has a peplum at the lower hem. The matching shorts have slight pleating in them, for a more flattering fit. American designer Tory Burch took the matching set one step further. Although she combined the same pattern on both pieces, she changed the fabrics. The top is a silk chiffon button-up top with a goldenrod wheat pattern, while the shorts are a contemporary cut made with cotton. The translucent top and opaque bottom give added interest to the ensemble. This look can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the fabrics. Kate Mara, a reporter in Netflix’s show House of Cards, wore a Mulberry textured matching pale green suit to a recent premier. The ensemble had an embellished collar to add to the impact. She paired with no jewelry to keep it simple, and nude platform pumps. British model and fashion muse Alexa Chung wore a valentine matching silk top and short. The button up belted tank and pleated shorts were made from a silk fabric with ivory embroidery. She paired with black pointed shoes and only a classic ring for jewelry. Twilight sensation Kristen Stewart wore an Osman navy, micro patterned silk matching suit to the Teen Choice Awards this year. She also paired with black-pointed blats and kept the jewelry ultra-minimal. While many stars wore the look for the red carpet, American actress Kate Moss wore a cotton TopShop matching set at the Coachella music festival – proving this look works for day or night, formal or informal. Moss paired with a brown leather satchel and flat ankle boots. Take a cue from the stars: to wear this trend at night, make sure you wear informal fabrics such as brocade or silk. For day wear, stick to cottons and kitenge. Always keep very minimal jewelry, and stay away from embellished shoes. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda.