Harriet Phillips' periwinkle blue co-ord is our seasonal reminder that separates can be as elegant as dresses - but twice as versatile
Fed up with frocks? A breezy set can be styled in many different ways and Harriet looked so polished at Wimbledon last year
I've been wearing my summer dresses more than any other item during the heatwave but co-ords are a chic alternative that I shouldn't forget about. They come in various forms and although trouser and top sets are most common, Harriet Phillips wore a stunning skirt and blouse co-ord to Wimbledon last year.
At the time she wasn't a Royal Family member and her style was a little more lowkey, though the colour is something she still wears a lot now. The Wiggy Kit Esti top and skirt were a pale periwinkle blue and had delicate white Broderie Anglaise detailing.
The blouse was slightly longer at the back and the scalloped trim sat perfectly over the skirt's high-rise waistband. If you didn't know it was a matching set it's easy to mistake this for a dress and you might wonder why you'd ever invest in a co-ord instead.
Shop Blue Co-Ord Sets
You can also get this Aspiga set in cream, but if you've been inspired by Harriet's outfit, you might be more drawn to the pastel blue shade. There are subtle pin tucks at the front and the short sleeves are relaxed, giving you coverage without being restrictive in hot weather.
Currently on sale, the Boden Rae top is crafted from pure linen and comes in a variety of different colours, including this soft chambray blue that reminds me of Harriet's co-ord. The design features box pleats for shaping, puffed short sleeves and a V-neckline that will frame your favourite necklaces.
This navy blouse is covered with delicate hand-painted florals that immediately draw the eye. It's got a timeless, faux-wrap bodice and feminine puffed sleeves that give it a gorgeous shape. The peplum frill at the bottom is very on trend and drapes beautifully over trousers and skirts.
This linen skirt looks so elegant when styled with the matching blouse, though you could easily make it more casual by going for a different top. The A-line silhouette is classic and the lace detailing along the hem is a feminine touch.
The Valentina skirt is selling fast and it would look so pretty with a matching chambray blue top, or with a plain white Tee for a pared-back feel. The pleats give it a voluminous drape and there are functional hidden pockets too. It's designed to fall to mid-calf length and is made from linen.
Whether or not you want to style this elegant skirt with the matching top, it's a stunning piece to have in your collection ready for any summer events you've got coming up. The A-line silhouette skims your frame and it's got a discreet zip fastening.
However, as someone who loves a throw-on frock even I have to admit that separates give you more styling potential. A co-ord like Harriet's can be worn together as one outfit, or paired with your other summer capsule wardrobe favourites.
Her top would work as part of a blue or white jeans outfit, or with light linen trousers. Equally, the skirt could be made more casual by wearing it with a plain white T-shirt or vest top. Wide-leg trouser sets can be just as useful as skirt co-ords too, so if you prefer structured silhouettes you can still enjoy the versatility of a matching set.
Harriet Phillips clearly loves pastel blue so she would've known she'd have items that go with it when she picked up the Esti designs.
Soft blue is gorgeous for the season and even when autumn arrives, it works well with darker hues like chocolate brown or even burnt orange. It's not too bold and adds a hint of colour to an outfit, though if blue isn't for you then look for sets in muted shades.
White, brown and black are a breeze to mix and match with different items so you can get even more wear out of a neutral co-ord. Your choice of fabric is also a key factor. Harriet's set was made from linen which is breathable and quite relaxed.
For a versatile evening-wear combination go for satin or crepe instead and style with heels and plenty of glimmering jewellery. Princess Anne's daughter-in-law accessorised her Wimbledon outfit a bit more simply, with a dainty necklace and a powder blue bag by Aspinal of London.
Her shoes were platform wedges by another British brand, Penelope Chilvers, and the tan suede was a subtle contrast against all the blue.
This is the kind of outfit you can imagine Harriet re-wearing year after year, giving it a slight style update each time by going for different pairings. In July she wore a dress in a very similar blue to the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup and the Anya Hindmarch straw tote she carried would look just as summery and chic with her 2025 co-ord.
