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As Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner step out in matchy matchy orange outfits, we look back and some of the best celeb couples to do the double over the years
Timothee Chalamet, 29, and Kylie Jenner, 29, are not the only famous faces to commit crimes against fashion in copycat clothes. Britney Spears appeared at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards with Justin Timberlake – both wearing matching patchwork denim ensembles. Not the ‘ Oops!… I Did it Again ‘ singer’s finest idea! Cher clearly thought ‘ I Got You Babe ‘ when she and hubby Sonny stepped out in 1968 wearing matching hippy regalia.
Looking back, like Victoria Beckham, now 51 – pictured with David wearing matching head-to-foot black leather at a Versace fashion dinner in the 90s – she may find like the former Spice Girl that the decision to ape each other’s clothes “still haunts her”. Even Spiderman actors Zendaya and Tom Holland stepped out last year wearing ‘ matchy matchy ‘ burgundy for a date night in New York City.
So why do they do it? Fashion stylist Antonia Kraskowski tells The Mirror: “The primary reason anyone wears matching outfits with their partner is either they’re deeply in luuuurve and, therefore, a little mad, or quite simply they want attention. This kind of peacock behaviour is bound to make eyes swivel and not always in a good way..
” When I first saw Kylie and Timothée’s orange get-up, my initial thoughts were ‘ Oh wow, easyJet’s released their new uniforms! ‘ In a more subtle colour, such as navy, perhaps the co-ordinated outfits could’ve been almost cool. But bright orange just feels a bit desperate for column inches. It certainly worked, but they won’t be getting onto any best dressed lists with this abomination any time soon! “
Opting for black jeans and white T-shirts, or something more subtle, would be a better way for couples to coordinate, according to the stylist. She says:” For us civilians, I would recommend swerving the loved-up looks, but if you do want to match your partner, do so in more subtle ways – opt for similar tones of the same colour, or style the same pieces in different ways. But avoid matching designer logos, anything with Mr and Mrs on it, or easyJet Orange! “
Fashion psychologist Dr Dion Terrelonge agrees. She says:” Mostly, when celebrities dress in sync it’s performative and very much about the brand that they want to project as a couple. If you think about a brand that a celebrity is selling, be it to win fans or to attract deals, they are the product and their clothes are the packaging.
“It’s something known as social signalling, too. They’re telling the world via their outfit that they are a strong couple. And for this reason, celebrities often do this after rumours swirl about a breakup, or to create a diversion around some other press they’ve received – a bad review, for example. In Kylie and Timothée’s case, there has been so much questioning and doubt about their relationship, I think they’re setting the record straight”.
Extreme coordination can be fun, though. Take the actor Jeff Goldblum and his wife, former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Emilie Livingston, who enjoyed a night out in Los Angeles wearing matching Prada shirts. “It’s a way of bonding, and enjoying another part of your day together”, says Dr Terrelonge. By wearing the same thing, you’re reflecting each other, sharing something. And, let’s face it, probably having a laugh while you do. “
And in some countries, couple’s dressing the same is a genuine fashion trend. Dr Terrelonge continues:”Here, in this country, the social norm is to dress as individuals. But in Asia, in countries like South Korea and Japan, it’s not uncommon for couples to dress alike – and it’s a romantic gesture. So would it be seen as mad in Japan? No. But would it be frowned upon in Burnley? Probably yes. Do so at your peril. “
