Why Matching Knit Skirts and Sweaters Have Become My Winter Uniform

The older I get, the more streamlined my style has become. Gone are the days of trendy dressing, and I find myself gravitating to similar silhouettes time and time again for the ease of knowing what already looks put-together and fits me well. We at Vogue have often heralded the minimalist uniform as a path to dressing success—consider sustainability editor Tonne Goodman’s white jeans, contributing editor Grace Coddington’s Prada black pants, or fashion director Virginia Smith’s Dries Van Noten knits.

For me, that winter uniform has taken shape in the form of a matching knit sweater and midiskirt. It started a few years back, when Gabriela Hearst first launched her eponymous collection, and I preordered an oatmeal-colored, stretch, knit turtleneck with a matching midiskirt. I always felt comfortable in it, and yet totally put-together. So I ordered it again the next year in black. When Proenza Schouler brought out a similar silhouette in their signature fun prints I couldn’t help myself and ordered it over the phone—no try-on necessary for a fit so familiar. I already knew it would work. Just last week, itching for something new to celebrate the changing of the season, I found myself online once again gravitating to a Weekend Max Mara heather gray, A-line skirt and oversized sweater.

When everything else feels uncertain, wearing something familiar feels so good. For me, the ease of a structured knitwear set fulfills my desire to look put-together and simultaneously comfortable. It’s a minimalist canvas—just add a great piece of jewelry and the outfit can transform. As I head back into the office next week for the first time in months, you better believe I’ll be wearing my tried-and-true winter set!

Shop some of my favorites here: