The Modern Twinset

Here is my secret to getting through the winter months with ease and style – may I present the “modern twinset”. Longtime readers will know this has been a favorite winter outfit formula since I started my blog 9 years ago, but that’s the great thing about creating a timeless wardrobe, you can reach for the same pieces (and same tricks!) year after year. 

You likely know what a twinset is – a two piece sweater composed of a cardigan and sleeveless shell in a matching color or pattern. If you think twinsets are a little too Emily Gilmore, you can still achieve the polish and elegance of the look with a modern adaptation – namely pairing a sweater and a coat in the same hue. Similar to matching your shoes and handbag (which I also love!), this trick instantly pulls together your look and is nice to have on standby for those days when you just don’t know what to wear. The colors don't have to be an exact match, and subtle differences often add lovely depth and interest.

As we approach winter, it can be increasingly difficult to feel put together, but the modern twinset always does the trick. I absolutely love this exact combination of my shawl collar coat and cashmere turtleneck (only $90)! The burgundy hues of each piece are super flattering and frame your face, and pick up the burgundy in my mod plaid skirt. I’ve found crewneck, mockneck or turtleneck sweaters are the best options for the modern twinset look, but you can also opt for a sweater dress and coat in the same color, which will only up the elegance! But what to wear on the bottom? The beauty of the modern twinset is it gives you a lot of flexibility. Pair the modern twinset with simple jeans and boots, or a statement skirt like I did above, or silk pants for the holidays.

So with the autumn/winter collections rolling out, I’d suggest doing a quick inventory of your coat collection and seeing if any of them need a sweater to match. (Or maybe you like the idea and want to invest in multiple “modern twinset” looks!) Below are a few favorite coat + sweater combos in solids or with a hint of pattern (or sparkle!) to help you get started. 

• There are so many pretty sweaters to pair with my shawl collar coat, whether you add interest with this embellished cardigan, or opt for something more casual like this burgundy fair isle. If you go with a simple burgundy turtleneck like I did above, I highly recommend pairing it with this Tory Burch skirt. From the gorgeous plaid, to the interesting wrap design and fabric that does not wrinkle this piece is majorly deserving of a spot in your wardrobe. I wore it for a launch event for Lousie Roe's collection with Crate Kids in NYC and it's just such an interesting piece that walks the line between fun and professional. I bought my normal size and it's a dream. Perfect with heels now and knee high boots later.
• I love this red and white herringbone coat (be sure to look at the back!) It would look fab with this drop shoulder sweater or even this tote which looks way more expensive than it's price tag. (Just remove the logo charm!)
• A black coat might be an obvious choice, but two particularly good black coats include this (styled as a modern twinset here), this (seen here), and this one, which has a subtle coat-and-tails vibe that is especially on point for the holidays. Pair any of these coats with this black pointelle cardigan for subtle interest, or a black cashmere sweater with a statement pendant necklace to brighten the look.
• I love pairing a contemporary take on the classic navy peacoat with this fair isle cardigan buttoned all the way. (15% off the sweater with "stacie15".) Chic with white cords and these boots.
• Two camel classics that go fabulously together would be this car coat (such a good price, seen here) and this timeless cable knit sweater. (I size up one or two sizes in the sweater for a relaxed fit.) Or, pair the sweater with a double breasted coat like this or a wrap style like this for a bit more polish. (There are so many wonderful camel sweaters to swap in with your favorite camel coat, like this colorful cardigan or this sweater and scarf combo!)
• Even your most vibrant outerwear looks chic matched with a sweater in a similar hue, I love this fuchsia coat with this pointelle sweater, or this opulent jacquard coat with this cashmere crewneck!
• A winter white overcoat (on major sale!) looks extra elegant paired with a tonal cashmere sweater. Or don a simple cream turtleneck and add a sequin skirt for a statement. Even casual pieces shine in this combination, like this cream lodge coat and this chunky cream turtleneck.
• To make plaid coats into a "modern twinset" I pick a sweater in the dominant color in the plaid. Brown plaid coats are my kryptonite, and this plaid duffle (I'd pair with this rust turtleneck) is at the top of my wishlist. Similarly this handsome overcoat would be fab with taupe options like this or this.

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