A matching knit set looks put-together with zero effort — that's the whole appeal. But the real value is that it's two pieces. Wear them together, wear them apart, and one purchase turns into a week of outfits. Here are five ways to do it, using a knit top or cardigan with a matching skirt or pants.
1. The full set, dressed up
Wear both pieces together with pointed flats, heeled boots, or loafers and one piece of simple gold jewelry. A single color from head to toe makes you look taller and polished with no planning.
Try it with: the Fuzzy Knit Button Cardigan & Maxi Skirt Set for holiday dinners, or the Short Sleeve Knit Top & Maxi Skirt Set for the office.
2. The full set, dressed down
Keep the set but change the shoes and the bag: clean white sneakers, a canvas tote, and a baseball cap or a simple claw clip. The same set now works for errands, coffee, or a long travel day.
Try it with: the Knit Zip-Up Jacket & Wide-Leg Pants Set.
3. Top only: with denim
Pair the knit top or cardigan with your favorite straight or wide-leg jeans. A cardigan can be buttoned and worn on its own like a sweater, or worn open over a white tee.
Try it with: the cardigan from the Ribbed Knit Cardigan & Low-Rise Wide-Leg Pants Set, or the polo sweater from the Polo Collar Knit Sweater & Wide-Leg Pants Set.
4. Bottom only: with a contrast knit
Wear the skirt or pants with a different top: a fitted turtleneck, a crisp button-down shirt, or an oversized sweater with just the front tucked in. Neutral skirts and pants go with almost everything you already own.
Tip: keep the new top in the same color family — cream with oatmeal, charcoal with black — for an easy, tonal look. Or go for contrast, like a navy sweater with a cream skirt.
5. Layer it for cold weather
When it gets colder, put the whole set under a long coat. A knit set is smooth enough to sit under outerwear without bunching, and a column skirt or wide-leg pant looks especially good with a knee-length or longer coat. Add tights and boots under a maxi skirt for extra warmth.
Try it with: the Long Belted Knit Cardigan & Maxi Slip Dress Set — wear the slip dress alone when it's warm, then add the belted cardigan when it cools down.
A few things to check before you buy a set
- Sizes: sets are usually sold in one size for both pieces. Check both charts on the product page — the top by bust, the bottom by waist and hip — and choose the size that fits the part you care most about.
- Length: maxi skirts and wide-leg pants are cut for a certain height. Compare the listed length with a skirt or pants you already own.
- Care: wash both pieces together, in the same way, so they fade evenly and stay a match. Our sweater care guide covers the basics.
See every set in our matching sets collection.