Two-Piece Sets Are All I Want to Wear This Summer—Here’s How to Style Them

I’m impressed by how easy this skirt-and-top set from New England brand Cartolina is—the embroidery elevates the comfy linen-cotton blend miniskirt and flutter top into event dressing. And the smock-style top is flattering to my midsection, as well as floating cooly on hot days. Lastly, the skirt has a drop waist that keeps it from looking too bulky, but enough gathers that I can really move in it, unlike more snug numbers.

Editor Rachel Bowie raves about her black Posse vest-and-shorts set, since the long line of the skirt and lean silhouette of the vest is so flattering. “Cutaway vests may be ‘sexy,’ but for a petite gal who isn’t crazy about showing off my midriff, that can be a problem. That’s where selecting the right style to pair your vest matters a lot,” she writes in her review. “It makes a column of color that makes you look longer and leaner.”

Take a classic summer fabric and turn it out in a cute gingham print. “This gingham skirt set looks just as good together as it does separately,” says editor Destinee Scott. “I’m a big fan of the smocked detailing on the top and bottom.”

My vote for most packable skirt and top set—the crinkle cotton fabric of this top and skirt is perma-wrinkled, so you’ll never need to iron. The full skirt’s midi length is flowing thanks to the lightweight cotton with a touch of elastane. Also, I love the skirt for pairing with a slogan or band T-shirt.

“I’m all about comfort year-round, but especially in summer when I gravitate toward loose, easy-breezy styles just like this set,” says executive editor Alexia Dellner. “The crisp cotton fabric adds just enough structure while still being soft and breathable, so I can move freely and comfortably even in 90 degrees heat. It definitely walks the line between sleepwear and streetwear, but with the right accessories and a great shoe (I’m wearing clogs here, but a strappy sandal would be perfect), it gives off that effortless California-cool vibe I’m always trying to channel. The pull-on shorts are a dream, and the top works just as well worn loose and flowy as it does with a French tuck for a more polished feel. I’m wearing this set to the office, to brunch and—if anyone invites me!—to a weekend in the Hamptons.”

I’ve been coveting a Damson Madder outfit for months; I’m so taken with the London brand’s witty designs and loose silhouettes that when I tried on this top and matching shorts, I was sold. The print fits squarely into the “sardine girl summer” trend, and the shorts and top are both loose enough to wear even on really hot days. I’ll wear this with fisherman sandals most times, but I also see myself pairing this with heels and an armful of statement bracelets for a café dinner. Ah, summer.

"It was the color and on-trend eyelet that first caught my eye when I saw this set. I think a soft blue hue is so lovely during the warm weather months, especially in such a breezy fabric," says 5'2" Bowie about this Everlane shirt and matching shorts. She likes that the top works both untucked and tucked in, for a bit of a defined waist. “I'll admit, I'll likely pair this with a sandal with a bit of a heel (hello, I'll take every inch of added height I can get!) but after trying this look on, I can confirm, it looks equally cute with flats,” she says.

“I’m a big fan of Cozy Earth for their ultra-soft fabrics and laid-back silhouettes, and this two-piece brushed bamboo set lives up to the hype,” says Dellner. “The square neckline gives the top a subtly elevated look—just enough to take it from lounge to lunch—and the wide straps thoughtfully cover bra straps (a small but much-appreciated detail). I went with the Bermuda shorts, which are incredibly comfy and offer a bit more coverage, though I’ll admit I might’ve been better off with the regular shorts—the Bermudas can ride up a bit and occasionally cause a minor camel toe situation. Still, like the top, the shorts are buttery soft and versatile enough for everything from school drop-off to errand runs to casual coffee dates. The fabric is breathable yet substantial, making it perfect for summer days.”