How To Pull Off A Matching Set Without Looking Older

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There's no doubt that matching sets are here to stay, as they're one of the best inventions when it comes to fashion. They take the guesswork out of coordinating your 'fits, and they have a pleasing aesthetic as well. However, certain styles can make you look older. To help us sort the aging from the youthful, Rachel Jimenez Penca, the founder of Rachel J Styling, exclusively told Glam that since the matching set rose to popularity in the 1950s, it can give the vibe of an Old Hollywood star. Channeling Marilyn Monroe might be elegant, but it's not inherently youthful. "It's the way you balance the color and proportions of a set that makes it either modern and chic or outdated and frumpy," she added. 

According to Penca, balancing proportions includes paying attention to the fit of the top and bottom to make sure they don't overlap too much. "My best tip for keeping a matching set youthful and modern is to remember the ⅓ to ⅔ rule. This is thought to be the most aesthetically pleasing and flattering proportion, and it works all the time with my clients," she advised. "Take a basic sweat suit. Choose a sweatshirt top that is a bit cropped or hits at your waist. It doesn't have to show off your tummy, but keep the length at the ⅓ mark on your body. For the sweatpants, choose a higher rise that will elongate the leg and give you that ⅔ appearance." 

When it comes to color, Penca suggests sticking to trending shades, including "a butter yellow or a mocha brown" to really keep your look out of Marilyn Monroe territory. In fact, mocha mousse is Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, and several celebs have nailed it. Proportions and palettes aren't the only things to keep in mind with matching sets, though — if you want to avoid looking older, Penca's advice is to choose your fabrics wisely.

Whether you're wearing matching athleisure sets or a jacket and skirt combo, stay away from inexpensive materials. "My biggest no-no when wearing a set is choosing synthetic or cheap fabrics," stylist Rachel Jimenez Penca exclusively shared with Glam. The professor of fashion styling at Columbia College Chicago advised to instead "opt for natural fibers that will drape nicely on the body and then pay attention to the design details." Fabrics such as linen and cotton are nice and breezy for the summer, while cashmere will make your winter matching set look super cozy and luxurious. In particular, she recommends the Alu Point Collar Elbow Sleeve set by Andrea Iyamah: "The billowy sleeves, cool collar, zipper front for a jacket feel, along with the midi-length skirt with a slit up the front. Stylist's kiss!"

To avoid having your matching set look like pajamas, use accessories to style your ensemble so that it's more fashion-forward. If you're wearing a long, billowy shirt, for example, cinch in your waist with a trendy statement belt. Shoes make a huge difference in upping your aesthetic, so ditch the outdated dad sneakers and go for a sleeker version, like these vintage-looking Circus NY by Sam Edelman kicks. And don't forget some jewelry to jazz up your outfit — a classic pearl necklace can never go wrong, and will only elevate your matching set.