fashion

'I just found the next "it" matching set that looks designer. It's only $50.'

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Look, I'll be honest. I have a problem. I see a cute matching set and the universe stops turning.

"This is it. This is the set that will transform me into the effortlessly chic European woman I was always meant to be," I think to myself.

Case in point: I just got back from Greece (humblebrag, sorry) and have been looking for a blue and white Santorini-inspired outfit ever since.

Camilla was the first brand that came to mind.

The Australian label's gorgeous new Ceramic Garden print is an homage to Turkish stamps, but a matching 100 per cent silk twill set will set you back around $1,300.

JAG also does fantastic matching sets with a tropical and Mediterranean vibe.

Their chocolate brown print in mix-and-match wide leg pants, mini skirts, short sleeve shirts and strapless tops from last summer sold out, and they've just launched a red print for spring.

I love it, but I've had my heart set on blue.

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Over the weekend, I stumbled across BIG W's latest Spring/Summer drop.

I panic purchased the Greek Islands matching set of my dreams. But there's nothing to stress about, because it's only $50 for the entire set. Bargain.

A few details about the fit:

The pants - wide-leg, high-waisted with an elastic waist and drawstring (because comfort is queen), plus actual functional pockets. Vital.

The shirt - relaxed button-down with a collar and short sleeves. It's giving "I threw this on effortlessly" but in the best possible way.

This set comes in &me (sizes 6-18) and Avella (sizes 18-26), which I love because inclusivity should be standard, not special.

It's created as a loose and generous fit. I'm typically a size 10, but I sized down to an 8 for a more fitted look. So I would go for your regular size if you want a relaxed fit, or size down for a more fitted look.

Plus, the beauty is you can buy the pieces separately, so mix and match sizes if needed.

To tuck or not to tuck… Image: Supplied.

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The fabric is a viscose/nylon blend, but here's the thing - it looks and feels like soft linen. The kind that makes you want to dramatically throw a blazer over your shoulders while sipping wine at sunset.

In terms of how I'd style it, this is where matching sets really shine in girl maths.

You're not just buying one outfit, you're buying at least seven.

The full set worn on its own gives "I probably own property in Europe." You could wear the same outfit, but with the shirt worn open over a white singlet or your bikini top to go from beach to bar.

Pair the pants with a t-shirt or a crisp white shirt for casual weekend perfection. Throw the shirt on with denim or a slip skirt. Add some gold jewellery and slides to elevate the look, too.

Bring on summer! Image: Supplied.

Naturally, I wore the set to work and honestly, I've never felt more coveted. People were literally grabbing my sleeves going, "WHERE IS THIS FROM?!"

One colleague actually said, "This reminds me of the set from JAG that's nearly $400."

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(I went and found it if you're interested, it's the JAG Lovebird Relaxed Short Sleeve Shirt, $150, and Relaxed Pant, $160.)

Many of the Mamamia office have ordered this set. We're basically going to look like a very chic, very coordinated cult.

So if you're feeling the European holiday fantasy (and let's be real, who isn't?), I'd move fast.

And at $50? Your bank account will thank you, too.

Shop the BIG W set online.

&me Women's Relaxed Print Shirt, $25 (size 6-18).

woman wearing blue and white set from Big W Image: Big W

&me Women's Relaxed Print Pants, $25 (size 6-18).

woman wearing blue and white set pants from Big W Image: Big W

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Avella Women's Relaxed Print Shirt, $25 (size 16-26).

woman wearing Avella set top from Big W Image: Big W

Avella Women's Wide Leg Print Pants, $25 (size 16-26).

woman wearing Avella Big W set pants Image: Big W

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Feature Image: Supplied.

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