The 2021 Co-Ord Trend That I’m 100% Here For

April 17, 2021 at 06:00AM

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of a co-ord, or any outfit that takes less than a minute to style, for that matter. When time is of the essence or, you know, you just don’t have the brain capacity to make any decisions (same), a matchy-matchy pairing is a godsend. If you find yourself nodding in agreement, it’s my happy duty to tell you that one of this summer’s key trends falls neatly into the low-maintenance co-ord category. 

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Perhaps it’s the lockdown-dressing effect, but we’ve been seeing more and more comfy shorts co-ords making the rounds on Instagram over the last 12 months. Initially, they came in cosy jersey fabrics via brands like The Frankie Shop, but as we head into summer 2021, we’re seeing more refined iterations come to the fore that look a little more Sunday-brunch-in-the-sun and a little less Friday-night-Netflix-binge. 

That being said, this is by no means jumping in the dressing-up deep end, and while the shorts set 2.0 often comes with a tailored fit, it will still feel relaxed enough to soothe our post-hibernation selves. My favourite way of styling this look has been relatively simple: Think gold jewellery, chunky sandals and oversize sunnies (a minimalist’s dream). But there is also a number of brands embracing joyful prints, be it colourful checks, stripes or abstract florals—all guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

I have to say that the high street has really pulled it out of the bag with this trend, with premium-looking pieces coming from COS, Mango and ASOS. This pairing from ASOS is a particular highlight, with its boxy silhouette and chic grey-blue colourway. I also have my eye on COS’s linen iteration in sunny yellow, which will add brightness to my neutral summer capsule. At the other end of the market, it’s Asceno delivering the goods, with clean-lined linen co-ords in both paintbox brights and more muted shades of cream and navy. 

I would also recommend checking out what is currently in your wardrobe, as you may well be able to re-create the look using pieces that you already own, such as a classic white tee with white cotton shorts, or a button-up denim shirt with fabric-match denim cut-offs. It might be a little chilly right now, but trust us—when the mercury rises, this is all you’ll want to be wearing. Scroll down to see and shop my edit of the best warm-weather shorts sets. 

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Author Joy Montgomery | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC