Everything's Coming Up Matching

A Broadway-Worthy Revival for Fashion’s Favorite Duo

A couple weeks ago, I saw the Broadway revival of Gypsy, and it instantly reminded me of how fashion handles a revival. And god knows I love a revival of a matching set, so let’s dig in.

As you know, my love for theater began very early and never faded, even if I’m no longer the one stepping into the spotlight. I’ve seen this show more times than I can count, and I even starred in it my senior year of high school, playing none other than Dainty June. So yes, I’d consider myself a bit of a Gypsy connoisseur — and I usually have plenty of opinions every time I see it. But this revival, starring Audra McDonald as Mama Rose, took both the role and the musical to a whole new level. And for once, I have no notes.

Act II, Dressed Differently

Like any great revival — whether it’s on stage or in your closet — it needs a fresh spin to capture new hearts (yours included). You can keep the classic songs or the timeless silhouettes, but it has to feel new. Otherwise, it falls flat. The paradox of fashion, folks — the ultimate reason we buy anything new and keep coming back for more in the first place.

That’s my favorite thing about a revival —

• It’s Reimagined. Catching our eyes.

• It’s Reinterpreted. Giving it a second chance.

• It’s Restyled. And suddenly, we’re wondering how we ever lived without it.

The matching set formula gets a new twist with each passing decade. A fresh spin on coordination every time. Sometimes the shift is in the silhouette. Other times it’s the fabric, the color, or cultural cues, but the heart of the look stays the same. What changes is all in the delivery. A revitalized approach, again and again.

[Costume changes through the decades.]

So let’s go back to what it was then — to honor the original scene stealers. To what it is now, and who’s in the fresh cast leading the way.

1950s: A Proper Pair

The golden age of the twinset. Jackie O led the charge, usually wearing a cashmere cardigan layered over a matching shell. Her coordination signaled polish, always paired with a perfectly draped strand of pearls. Bonus: her hairstyle was so shellacked it didn’t dare to move. It’s giving grandmother’s country club wardrobe — in the chicest way possible.

[Darling, It’s a Twinset.]

Today’s twinset still nods to grandma, but with a much cooler approach set for a wider audience. Pieces like Sézane’s Leonora Cardigan and Orianna Top trade the buttoned-up shell for a paired tube top, while Demylee’s Soleil Cardigan and Minivera Vest take the spirit of the original, skip the pearls, and add the detail to the neckline — a refreshing reason to leave your jewelry on the nightstand.

1960s: Matched and Made for Movement

The rise of the matching mini. Coordination didn’t disappear — it just got a whole lot LOUDER. Cashmere shells and pearls were tucked away in jewelry cases, replaced with punchy miniskirts paired with boxy jackets. The colors and patterns were also so bright you’d need sunglasses — even inside your home. The coordination became less about blending in with your motherhood squad and more about turning heads and standing out in a crowd. Jackie was still in rotation, but she was joined by Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, and the women who wanted to be seen — fast, stylish, and on the go.

[Go short or go home!]

While movement is still at the forefront today, the matching look leans even edgier. Sleeves have been snipped, hems have crept higher, and the jacket is now a roomier, sleeveless shell, boxy, with a fresh side of confidence. STAUD’s Mika Top and Margaux Skirt set feels crisp and structured, while BlankNYC’s Sugar Coated Vest and matching mini bring a dose of attitude in a subtle shade. My favorite of the bunch is the modern and preppy set from Favorite Daughter, comprised of the Veronica Vest and Annabel Skirt. And if you’re headed to a music festival this Spring, look no further than Lioness’s Countryside Top and Skort that delivers a Twiggy-approved twist.

1970s: Let’s Get Loose, Breezy, and Coordinated

The decade when the sets swayed to the music. The new decade brought ease, freedom, and a touch of undone glam to the matching outfit. Coordination was no longer structured — it was about softness and sensuality. Gauze, jersey, and slinky nylon were the top fabrics across silhouettes. Studio 54 was the destination, and Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall were already inside, their outfits swaying and flowing to the music.

[If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…]

It might just be me, but are we seeing double? Today's sets look uncannily similar to the last days of disco. They're one of the few trends that have circled back almost fully intact. Even the model casting and styling feel lifted straight from the original era.

The proportions, though, have shifted — especially up top. Some pieces are even flowier, while others barely qualify as a blouse. Aloha, bra top. Either way, every version feels made for your next tropical getaway. La Maregold’s Iris Top and Amelia Skirt bring back soft florals with an effortless drape, while Rodebjer’s cotton set leans casual and perfectly undone. For a bolder take, Simon Miller and STAUD crank up the color and give coordination a slicker, more elevated edge.

1980s: Powerfully Suited

This was the era when the power suit was all business. Women weren't just entering the workforce, they were dressing to run it. Corporate dress codes included skirt suits, bold blazers, sharply tailored pants, and punchy shoulders. Coordination wasn’t about being polished or pretty anymore. It was all about commanding attention. Melanie Griffith’s character, “Tess” in Working Girl, became the ultimate muse. Not only was she the proud owner of a new corner office, but she had an upgraded suiting ensemble paired with seriously big hair and even bigger eyeshadow.

[Power Up!]

Today’s corporate uniform has ditched the sleeves but kept all the attitude. The vest has taken center stage. Some come with a hint of asymmetry, others are splashed in playful prints, but all are cut with sharp-as-hell tailoring. Depending on how lax your office is, a few of these options might not exactly pass the dress code. But thanks to the suiting trend’s latest evolution, they’re still fun to look at and easy enough to tweak. Just add a layer underneath if you need to pass inspection from HR.

Banana Republic has re-entered the chat with its Sculpted Vest and Soho High-Rise Linen 4” Shorts, offering a polished, price-appropriate take for work or play. The Frankie Shop’s Ivey Vest and Ripley Pleated Trouser bring classic grey suiting into a sharper, more modern frame. Meanwhile, Posse’s polka dot Lucille Gilet and Rosalie Shorts prove that strong suiting doesn’t have to play by old, stuffy rules.

The 1990s and Beyond: Casual and Comfortably Aligned

The new age of relaxed refinement. Comfort was queen — and, of course, coordinated. The 90s brought minimalism and a softened idea of matching. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s tonal sweaters and silky sets proved that coordination could feel simple, not stiff. Eileen Fisher’s fluid matching silhouettes alluded to pajama dressing before it became mainstream. By the early aughts, comfort continued to rise, and sweatsets were the new leading ladies. Adidas track suits and Juicy Couture’s velour ensembles reigned supreme, making it clear that style and comfort could finally walk hand-in-hand. Sets were finally lived in.

[Couch potato? I prefer chic lounger.]

How much athleisure is too much athleisure? According to the retail landscape, these coordinated and comfortable outfits are just scratching the surface. What was once reserved for the couch now struts down the sidewalk. Suzie Kondi has stolen my heart (and my wallet) with her adorable terry cloth sets. Currently trying to justify the Zephyra Flare Pants and Capri Tee in blue stripe as my perfect, beach-ready outfit. Thanks

Lindsay Sword

for informing me that the Gap is back! I’ve got my eye on their striped boxer shorts and matching button-down — the ultimate uniform for a day of leisure. If you’ve got room for one more, make it Tuckernuck’s Holmes Boyfriend Polo and Clarke Shorts. You’ll be striped to matching perfection.

The Curtain Call

Have you decided which revival you want to be cast in? There's a whole lineup of decades waiting in the wings. If head-to-toe matching isn’t your thing, no problem. Split the set. Mix and match. Then bring it all back together when you're ready for that standing ovation. Cheers!