Co-ord couture: Dhaka’s latest fashion craze for Eid and Baishakh

Co-ords, short for coordinated sets, have revolutionised style with their effortless pairing of matching tops and bottoms. From casual loungewear to sophisticated ensembles, the allure and the versatility of this trend have taken Dhaka fashionistas by storm and promise to be a best seller for the upcoming Eid and Baishakh celebrations.

The trend for matching top and bottom sets began in 2020 during the pandemic. The need for comfortable, no-fuss clothing overtook the need for fads and suddenly, everything from loungewear to office wear became fair game for the co-ord designers.

Perhaps, the best part about co-ord sets is their matching nature and how it makes us feel more put together, eliminating the need for additional styling. One can wear co-ords with one piece of statement jewellery or even stylish footwear by way of accessory and that's it — a fresh, look is achieved instantly. If the concept of 'less-is-more' needed a brand ambassador, the co-ord set would be it!

The shift of trends from fitted to loose clothing has been another contributing factor towards the popularity of the co-ord, and people in the South Asian region have adopted the trend for its traditional and climate-friendly avatar. Mostly made of breathable and sustainable fabric, the co-ord set is perfect for the unforgiving summers of the region as well as its environment.

The versatility of the co-ord trend is boundless. From skirt sets to suits and kurtis, the concept can afford classy looks across a wide range of outfits. Thanks to runway models and celebrities, even those who are wearing co-ords for the first time can do it like a pro.

Take, for instance, office wear. Rather than tediously matching leggings to kurtis, kameez to dupattas and all of that, simply pulling out a matching co-ord set can make mornings much simpler. It's put together by default, be it a kameez and pants set or a pantsuit. Fusion wear such as fatuas with matching bottoms in bold prints and even one-coloured outfits are all great options for work. A pair of classy wedges or a statement necklace can complete the look, quickly and simply.

The appeal of the co-ord does not stop at quick fashion, however. The upcoming Eid, just like some of the ones before it, will see several co-ord sets gracing the occasion. From matching kaftans and slim-fitted pants, and capes, to even crop tops and pants worn over long shrugs, the number of festive outfits one can make with the concept of matching clothes is limitless.

Off-shoulder co-ords, Anarkali co-ords and peshwas are all great options for the festive season. Thanks to the heat that we have already begun to feel, the comfy and fun cotton co-ord set is already a top favourite among the fashionistas of the town. For those who like to keep things simpler — bright, one-coloured co-ord sets in chikankari can be hit looks for Eid this year, without going too overboard on accessories.

The soaring popularity of the co-ord set reflects a fundamental shift in contemporary fashion. As more and more people choose comfort, ease of styling and versatility in their choice of clothing, the co-ord has proved a point for simplistic fashion, emerging as a popular trend that's quiet, cohesive, and captivating.

No more does matching have to be painstaking and time-consuming. No more wasting time picking out the right size and shape of jewellery to go with embellished or simple office or festive wear. In a world that leans towards minimalistic style, co-ord sets are fun choices that save time, effort and money!