Warm weather is finally upon us, which means you’re likely getting ready for a summer vacation. And with that comes everyone’s favorite activity: packing. As an avid traveler, I’ve always found packing for summer trips to be much easier than any other time of year. Why? Think light layers, airy dresses, and my ultimate summer go-to: the matching set.
Sure, matching sets are a year-round closet staple for some, but in the summertime, they are truly unmatched. The best matching sets are effortlessly versatile; think lightweight linen pieces that help keep you cool, crochet styles that go from the beach to the bar with ease, and chic silk sets that can be dressed up for any balmy evening. For me, two-piece sets are the key to packing less and wearing more—they always look put together, are both comfy and cute, and, of course, can be mixed and matched with other items in my suitcase.
And yes, there’s a matching set style for every type of trip. Playing tourist in a European town? Try an interchangeable linen pant or shorts set from Aritzia, Everlane, or Gap. Frolicking through a California vineyard or an English countryside garden? I suggest a flouncy skirt set from Banana Republic or a lace-trimmed balloon pant with a matching tank from Staud. Enjoying a sun-soaked island vacation in the Caribbean or Mediterranean (it’s me, I’m personally planning a getaway to Sicily and Malta)? Blend into the colorful coastal atmosphere with brightly patterned sets from brands like Alémais and Diarrablu.
Whether you’re packing for a weekend in the Hamptons or planning your upcoming Eurotrip, there are matching sets below for every kind of summer vacation destination, mood, and activity.
Diarrablu
Jant pants and Moussor scarf top
Make a statement on your next exotic getaway in this ornately designed two-piece set from Diarrablu. The brand is really leaning into this summer’s scarf top trend with this vibrant set. And while the silky set comes in an array of bold patterns and bright colors, the Ula Mint print is a geometrical design inspired by coastal hibiscus and Hawaiian island flora. It’s an ideal night-on-the-town set for those tropical vacations or a fabulous destination wedding guest look.
Aritzia
Cavalier top and Artisan pant
For linen essentials, I always head to Aritzia. The brand’s interchangeable linen pieces allow you to mix and match sets for a more versatile and cohesive wardrobe. Take this top and pant set made from Aritiza’s soft and airy Cruise Linen. (The name itself will have you feeling vacay-ready.) I love the clean lines of these pieces, which, paired together, make for a sophisticated set that can be dressed up or down—I’ve personally paired the look with heels, flats, and even sneakers. The Artisan pants, with the adorable side bow accents, also make for great travel bottoms when your typical leggings and jeans are just too restrictive.
Madewell
Embroidered sleeveless top and midi skirt
Another skirt set option that will add an instant pop of color to your vacation wardrobe is this eyelet look from Madewell. The wild poppy set is not only a bright, beautiful color, but the embroidery detail is why I simply had to have this breathable poplin outfit. The elastic waist skirt with its intricate scalloped hem perfectly matches the sleeveless, cropped top, which has a playful (and comfortable) bubble hem. For those who find the poppy colorway a bit too vibrant, the set also comes in white with brown embroidery detail.
Reformation
Mira two piece set
In addition to scarf tops, asymmetrical hems are having a moment, which is exactly how this Reformation set ended up on the list. The Mira two-piece set is an effortlessly chic ensemble that is relaxed and easy to throw on. Made of a soft woven tencel blend, the strapless top’s asymmetrical hem elegantly flows over the loose matching pants, which have a slightly flared shape. The essence of the look is casual, but it can be easily dressed up with some statement jewelry and a pair of cool kitten heels.
Dissh
Maison Ramie bias maxi skirt and Tahlia Rami top
If you love a linen dress in the summer, then might I suggest an airy linen maxi skirt ensemble like this one from Dissh? This style takes the casual matching set to the next level with its crisp ramie fabrication and detailed tank, which features a V-neckline and tucked pleats that add elegant texture to the top. Meanwhile, the bias-cut skirt has an easy, relaxed silhouette (perfect for vacation lounging or beachside activities). And the best part? Both the top and skirt are adjustable for maximum comfort.
Gap
Linen-blend lace-trimmed cami and shorts
If you love the look of lace-trimmed silk, then you’re sure to be a fan of this linen and lace set from Gap. This elegant and ethereal set in Sail Blue is the essence of a Riviera beach walk or a warm Cape Cod boating day. Made of a soft linen blend, the V-neck tank features a pristine lace-trimmed split hem that layers delicately over the set’s slip-on elastic waist skirt. For those who aren’t sold on the skirt, try the equally charming lace-trimmed PJ-style shorts, shown above.
Staud
Corinna top and Renzo pant
For a different take on a summer lace set, try this lightweight tank and pant combo from Staud. The dainty voile and lace panel tank perfectly pairs with the brand’s relaxed balloon-leg pant, equipped with a delicate pointelle lace hem with beautiful movement (ideal for those soft beach breezes). Like the tank, the pants are easy to wear with a simple drawstring waist and are an elevated casual option for those days when you want to level up your more basic daytime looks.
J.Crew
Scallop-trim crochet top and skirt
Looking for a knit set that can go from the beach to the pool into town? Look no further than this cute crochet cardigan and skirt set from J.Crew. The set, available in ivory or black-and-white stripe, features a dainty scalloped trim on the hem of the open front of the cardigan as well as the skirt, and is made of a breezy open-knit stitch for a semi-transparent beachy look that shows off your colorful swimwear. Wear the set as a cover-up for daytime beach-to-pool activities or layer the cardigan over a tank as a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Peixoto
Amelia top and Riley maxi skirt
This honeycomb yellow tank and skirt set from It-girl brand Peixoto gives pretty prairie promenade vibes—ideal for those sunny summer days wandering the grounds of a historic French chateau or galavanting through a rustic Italian vineyard. The ruched top features a frilly, cinched waist design that pairs perfectly with the matching tiered peasant-style skirt. The set, which also comes in white and pairs well with everything from heeled sandals to woven flats and sneakers, is a versatile ensemble that can go from land and sea excursions to a casual night on the town.
Banana Republic
Linen double tie tank and linen tiered skirt
For a less fitted, more roomy skirt set option, I love this flowy, all-white look from Banana Republic. The set, which also comes in black, features an oversized crewneck top with side-tie accents and a tiered skirt, equipped with matching side ties and an airy side split. The flowing skirt also has side-seam pockets, which, let’s be real, is always the best part of any skirt or dress when you’re out and about.
Cult Gaia
Rhett top and Kaliluna pant
Heading to Cannes or Saint-Tropez this season? Be Riveria-ready in this sophisticated Cult Gaia set. As a lover of vintage ensembles, I’m obsessed with the Old Hollywood allure of this thick-striped silk set. The fitted, brown-and-white strapless top with the flowy, wide-leg pants is the epitome of effortless Audrey Hepburn meets Elizabeth Taylor–era glam. Pair the set with an oversized straw tote and a floppy beach hat, and you’ve got yourself an A-list vacation look.
Dissh
Vanessa cami top and pant
If stripes aren’t your thing, maybe polka dots are. I love everything about this breezy, semi-sheer, spot print set from Dissh. Featuring a billowing tank with deep side slits and matching straight-leg pants, this is the perfect set to pack for your summer vacation. And, if you want to take the look to the next level, check out the matching midi skirt, which can be paired with the tank or even worn over the pants like a strapless tunic top.
Alémais
Splice crop top and midi skirt
No one does resortwear quite like Alemais. Whether you’re heading to a tropical island or cruising along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll look like a destination dream in this Splice crop top and matching skirt set. From the gathered hemline detail to the rich hues, everything about this colorful look says resort chic. Pair the outfit with flat sandals for daytime adventures or dress it up with accent gold jewelry and wedges for a whimsical evening excursion.
Quince
Linen vest and pants
If you’re interested in a linen look with a bit of structure, Quince has you covered with this two-piece vest and pant set. The sleek, button-down vest is more refined than your average linen basic, and can be worn on its own or layered over a simple top. The clean cut, ankle-cropped pants feature an elastic waistband and not one, not two, but four pockets! With pants like these, who needs a purse?
Save on your order with Quince discount codes.
Everlane
Scalloped-edged tank and shorts
You can’t go wrong with linen from Everlane—and I say this as someone who happens to own quite a bit of it. But for this year, I have my eye on a new linen look from the brand. This cute set features a sleeveless, tie-front vest with matching shorts. Made from the brand’s best-selling breathable linen, the set is cool and casual, with an air of fancy femininity thanks to the stylish scallop detailing along the top’s cut-away front and the shorts’ hem.