Being in a relationship is cool and all, but what if you s y n c h r o n i z e d? Coupling up is difficult enough in this day and age, particularly when “the apps” continue to drive a weird social wedge between us all; as such, when you find a connection with someone that’s earnest, real and true, it’s something newly special.
This type of special connection, being rarer than ever, is one on which you should absolutely capitalize. There are many ways to do this, from sharing homes to sharing toothbrushes (on second thoughts, don’t do that one) – but the most fun, by far, is sharing a style palette. Why not co-ordinate fashion and embody the coolest power couple on the block? Here’s exactly how to do exactly that.
Match to the Occasion (Not Each Other)
First off, it’s easy to get carried away with the whole ‘matching’ thing. Soon as you lean a little too closely into one another’s styles, you risk falling into a banal singularity of safe choices. A good way to avoid this is to think towards occasions rather than outfits. From casual brunches to weddings and date nights, what can you wear that serves the occasion while still staying true to one another’s style?
Subtle cues like shared accent tones or complementary silhouettes work especially well in formal contexts. Complementary accessories are a secret weapon here, too – couples wedding bands match naturally, but perform double duty when paired with smart and complementary extras.
Choose a Shared Color Palette
For a more general approach, a good place to start would be with color. Color is, after all, a key building block for any good style palette (though, of course, not the only one). A good launching-off point would be to do a little cursory research into color theory, as a foundation for your new style coordination exercise.
Using color theory to inform your first forays into shared style, you might start in selecting complementary or analogous colors – a clever way to connect two outfits without forcing identical color picks or looks. For example, one partner could wear deep navy while the other chooses a soft wash of blue-green.
Balance Patterns and Textures
If color is one building block, then what might another be? Naturally: textiles. Textures tell a story just as much as colors do – and a mindful choice of specific fabrics or feels can go a long way to harmonizing your collective wardrobe.
Patterns, too, can tell a collective story. In pairing patterns correctly, your coordinated outfits feel rich and intentional rather than overdone. Try pairing a subtle stripe with a solid that shares a similar color – or combining linen with soft knits for seasonal layering.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
