In, I guess you'd call it mainstream corporate american fashion.
Complete 2-piece outfits are either extremely formal (skirtsuit, business suit, uniform) or extremely casual (tracksuit, pyjamas). Why? Something about being too matchy has the air of being juvenile.
I am talking where you have at least top and bottom together as a set which are created to be worn together, not mix n matched. Sometimes it is more than 2 pieces. A jacket, vest, hijab, scarf, hat, gloves, hairpiece, bag or other garment/accessories can be included.
What is the deal with that? I've seen so many beautiful outfits on people where there are 2+ items that are an obvious set. Piece dyeing, embroidery, applique, screen prints and other techniques used to create wonderful, cohesive effect from top to bottom. These are a global influence most seen on people who grew up outside NA or in enclaves of extra-NA community.
I feel that there are some material (heh) conditions that can partially the difference in prevalence but am not sure what those are. The US focus on blue jeans and khakis is involved?
Anyone know what I am getting at? Not sure if I am articulating properly.
I am having a hard time searching for anything to do with fashion that doesn't result in AI stock images on facebook marketplace. but here are some examples. they just show the concept of the complete outfits, not the highest manifestation as can be seen out n about.
some images
also I have hit a rate limit on uploading. so some other images I tried to include are lost.
I think it is more to do with the general shift away from uniforms and toward casual dress, which has only increased since the pandemic lockdowns.
Cost is a factor too. If an item can only be worn as part of a set, that limits its versatility. If you wear suit pants as a separate too many times, they will wear faster than the jacket and you eventually ruin the set. Mass manufacture also abhors clothing set because they require more consistency =higher cost per item.
Anecdotally it seems that influencers really like designer sweatshirt+sweapant monochrome outfits that look “lazy” and are typically more expensive than you would think.
I was going to respond related to your comment. But your user name reminded me of STDS9's best dressed character who had some fucking colossal outfits which are topical and somewhat caused me to start thinking of this idea a while back. So I am distracted.
images
Apparently many of which are now (or were) owned by a guy named Francis who hasn't updated his blog, The Ferengi Costumes Of Star Trek, for 10 years. I hope he and his collection of amazing clothes are OK.
Though if material conditions forced the redistribution of the ferengi fashion collection, that would also be OK.
Quark's outfits are not only constructed to be worn as a unit, which as you do imply, conveys a sense of richness. But they also heavily feature upholstery material, which I love. I love a person who somewhat gives the impression of a nice chaise long. It's for another thread. But I guess it's compliments to garak.