When the summer humidity hits full throttle, the absolute last thing anyone wants to do is spend twenty minutes staring blankly into a closet trying to construct a cohesive outfit. The sheer mental energy required to match a top to a bottom while simultaneously sweating through your morning skincare routine is simply too much to ask. Enter the absolute savior of our seasonal sanity: the matching co-ord set. Far from being a fleeting micro-trend, the two-piece set has officially cemented itself as the ultimate wardrobe cheat code for the on-the-go girlies.
What makes this aesthetic so of-the-moment is its effortless chameleonic nature. It takes all of five seconds to put on, yet instantly tricks the entire world into believing you are a hyper-organized individual who thoroughly plans her ensembles. Whether you are navigating a jam-packed weekend of iced coffee runs and the farmers' market, stepping into a high-stakes air-conditioned boardroom, or packing a single carry-on for a spontaneous coastal getaway, these coordinated pairings deliver maximum impact with zero styling friction. From breezy linen short-and-shirt duos to sultry, sweeping maxi skirts with matching tube tops, we've rounded up the absolute best summer sets to live in all season long. Read on to find your new effortless uniform.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.I've always been enthralled by the romantic aura of an all-white outfit, which is why this one is in my closet. The dreamy duo pairs soft draping with crafty crochet detail that will attract compliments all summer long.
Free People Swept Away Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free PeopleIf your summer style identity leans a little more tailored but you still want to keep things entirely fluid and unbothered, look no further than this cute pink set.
Zara Poplin Set, $, available at ZaraFor the days when you want to look sharp, graphic, and entirely put-together with the absolute bare minimum effort, a boxy button-down and matching shorts will be your best friend.
Alemais Dolly Shorts, $, available at Net-A-PorterWhether you're having a Euro summer or not, this set brings the vibes with a mosaic print and vibrant hues.
Free People Fabian Set, $, available at Free PeopleWhen the sun dips below the horizon and the evening calls for something a bit more dramatic, this rich, emerald set enters the chat. The strategic pattern placement creates an incredibly long, fluid line that's universally flattering.
Farm Rio Embroidered Shorts, $, available at Net-A-PorterTechnically a two-piece disguised as a flirty mini, this yellow set is pure joy in clothing form. If playful, light, and perfectly suited for an outdoor concert or a rooftop brunch is what you're looking for, this one checks all the boxes.
Free People Cassius Denim Short Set, $, available at Free PeopleBorrowing from the boys never looked so incredibly chic. This baby blue striped set takes inspiration from classic menswear tailoring but softens it completely with an oversized, slouchy fit and relaxed boxer shorts.
Anine Bing Ramy Shorts, $, available at Net-A-PorterLooking for breezy wide-leg trousers that feel more elevated than sloppy. You need a matching set like this one. The puddle pants will pool perfectly over your sandals while the one-shoulder top creates an eye-catching silhouette that will make heads turn.
free-est Sahara Sandshell Linen Pant Set, $, available at Free PeopleYou simply cannot talk about summer style without paying homage to classic white eyelet. It's the quintessential detail for a high-summer weekend getaway or a white-themed backyard garden party.
Sir Klara Shorts, $, available at Net-A-PorterWho says summer fashion has to be entirely pastel and bright? For the city girls who strictly adhere to a darker palette regardless of what the thermostat reads, this lightweight set will be your saving grace.
Petal & Pup Margarete Pants Set, $, available at NordstromSlipping on a punchy print that captures the energy of the summer will give you even more to look forward to, no travel plans needed.
Themis Thaleia Short Set, $, available at Net-A-Porter
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May was undoubtedly a big shopping month thanks to all the Memorial Day sales, especially from retailers like Wayfair, Abercrombie & Fitch, Medik8, and Natrium. And let's not forget Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale where Refinery29 readers truly cashed in on deals. Plus, from K-beauty retailer Olive Young touching down in the US, the H&M x Stella McCartney designer collab finally dropping, and many lifestyle editors' picks breaking through the noise, both limited-edition and tried-and-true items captured readers.
Last month, for fashion, you bought up discounted finds as well as investment pieces. For beauty, readers carted up editor-vetted products. And for lifestyle, cozy bedding essentials were popular.
Ahead, we're sharing all the May bestsellers you couldn't resist adding to cart for yourself (or to gift for Mother's Day, graduations, and more). So whether you're in the market for something that sparks joy (or just curious about what everyone else is buying!), consider this your curated guide to May's standout finds ahead of summer.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
These Adidas collab sneakers were the most carted-up item we suggested and Refinery29 readers bought during Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale. But if you haven't carted them up already, now's the time to cash in on the trending retro suede sneakers.
Adidas x C.P. Company Italia 70s Shoe, $, available at Nordstrom
H&M x Stella McCartney Printed Silk Scarf, $, available at H&M
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush Stick + Lip Color
Among the many multipurpose makeup sticks on the market, Refinery29's Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita found this new product to be one of the best. "In the few short weeks since adding it to my routine, I’ve had compliments from brand founders, makeup artists, and fellow beauty directors alike," she raved, and shoppers followed her lead in carting it up.
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush Stick + Lip Color, $, available at Kosas
Popilush Printed Deep Plunge Skirted Shaping One-Piece Swimsuit
Nordstrom sale shoppers also loved this adjustable swimsuit with a trending swim skirt. While it's not currently on sale, at under $70, it's hard to pass up on... plus there are many summer-ready colors and prints to pick from!
Popilush Printed Deep Plunge Skirted Shaping One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom
Blissy Queen Adjustable Crescent Pillow
If you also struggle to get comfortable in bed and wind up waking up with a stiff neck, this pillow just may be the solution. After Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita was recommended this crescent-shaped pillow, she recommended it to readers in our monthly wellbeing picks, saying: "My neck and back feel properly supported, sleep is more comfortable, and I’m no longer waking up stiff."
Blissy Queen Adjustable Crescent Pillow, $, available at Nordstrom
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
From a celebrity-approved item to an editor-vetted accessory, the Coach Tabby has become a tried-and-true shoulder bag. Readers carted up the timeless investment bag for themselves and as graduation gifts. This OG style is classic, but there are plenty of trendy quilted, fringe, and beaded versions to cart up ahead of the summer.
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, $, available at Coach
Perfect for cocktail attire or black-tie dress codes, this Lulu gown has been the most popular summer wedding guest dress so far. And at just $89 with eight colorways, we truly understand why this is a favorite among readers.
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Hoka Clifton 10 Running Sneaker
Yet another Nordstrom sale top-performer in the books. While they're nearly sold out there, several retailers have many many colors available in the best-selling sneaker to still cart up for your hot-girl runs.
Hoka Clifton 10 Running Sneaker, $, available at Hoka
Uncommon Goods has some of the best gifts, and readers flocked to this bird feeder specifically for Mother's Day. While the holiday has come and gone, this sweet feeder is still the perfect housewarming gift, birthday gift, or finishing touch for your own outdoor space.
Rocky Broome Hand-Painted Porcelain Hummingbird Feeder, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Caslon Easy Wide Leg Linen Pants
If you're looking for a pair of linen pants for vacations, work, and everything in between, you may want to try out this reader-favorite style from Nordstrom's in-house brand Caslon. Best of all, they're still on sale for 50% off right now!
Caslon Easy Wide Leg Linen Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Salt & Stone Black Rose & Oud Deluxe Body Duo
Director of Shopping Partnerships Alexis Bennett Parker says this body wash and lotion duo has surprisingly allowed her to leave the house without perfume, all while racking in compliments. Talking about the scent combo, she explains: "The oud gives it depth, the rose keeps it feminine without being too precious, and somehow the scent lingers in the air well past shower time." (Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa is also currently wearing the lotion post-body scrub.)
Salt & Stone Black Rose & Oud Deluxe Body Duo, $, available at Salt & Stone
Salt & Stone Black Rose & Oud Body Lotion, $, available at Salt & Stone
Ring Concierge Multiway Cloud Link Earrings, $, available at Ring Concierge
Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe
Cozy Earth was a top-performer when it came to sales like Memorial Day and weekend deals, with this unisex robe as the most-purchased style. So may we recommend carting one up for a luxe Father's Day gift?
Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe, $, available at Cozy Earth
Anthropologie The Fern Marble Top Three-Drawer Storage Cabinet
Memorial Day also brought in many furniture purchases, like this stunning Anthropologie cabinet, which can work as a china closet, home office storage, or bathroom cabinet.
Anthropologie The Fern Marble Top Three-Drawer Storage Cabinet, $, available at Anthropologie
Viola Castellani Made In Italy Leather Belt Bag
Last month, readers carted up a few TJ Maxx finds, like this leather belt bag (which I happen to personally own and love) and a trending seashell top-handle bag. The under-$40 styles pack a punch without hurting your wallet.
Viola Castellani Made In Italy Leather Belt Bag, $, available at Tj Maxx
Whether you're looking for a cozy lounge set or pair of travel pants, check out this popular Lululemon style. Bonus: They're currently on sale for under $100.
Lululemon Sleek Spacer Barrel-Leg Pant, $, available at Lululemon
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