Styling guide.
Each piece in the collection is designed to work with things you already own. Here are some pairing ideas and styling notes for the key categories.
Dresses: let the fabric do the talking
The Mai&Co dresses are the most statement-forward pieces in the collection. The embroidered yoke and the applique details are built to be noticed, which means the rest of the outfit should stay quiet. Flat sandals or simple leather mules work well in summer. In cooler weather, a plain denim jacket or a neutral cardigan in oatmeal or black keeps the focus on the dress.
Accessories should be minimal. A single bangle or a pair of small gold hoops is plenty. The embroidery on the bodice is the jewellery. Bags in natural leather, woven straw, or canvas complement the earthy palette of the collection better than anything high-gloss or metallic.
For work settings, the wrap dress in indigo with the embroidered waistband pairs naturally with a structured blazer and low heels. The embroidery reads as a textile detail rather than something overtly casual, which makes it appropriate for most offices.
Tops and blouses: the weekday anchor
The button-front blouses and boxy tops are the most versatile pieces in the range. The embroidered placket detail along the button line gives them character without making them loud. Tuck them into high-waisted trousers (wide-leg linen in summer, tailored wool in winter) and you have a complete outfit that looks considered but not overdone.
The boxy cotton tops work untucked over slim jeans or straight-leg trousers. They're cut slightly cropped, hitting just below the waistband, so they look intentional rather than sloppy. Layered under a knit vest or a loose cardigan, they carry into cooler weather comfortably.
Colour pairing note: the collection uses a lot of indigo, soft red, and cream. These all sit well with denim, black, white, tan, and olive. Avoid pairing with competing prints. The embroidery is the pattern; everything else should be solid.
Jackets: the conversation starter
The diamond-applique chore coat is the showroom's most-ordered piece, and for good reason. It's the kind of jacket that turns a plain outfit into something memorable. The styling is simple: wear it over a white t-shirt and jeans, or over a simple linen dress, and let the coat do the work.
The kimono-style jacket works as a lighter layering piece. It drapes open, so it pairs well with fitted pieces underneath. A slim tank top or a fitted turtleneck provides contrast to the jacket's relaxed silhouette. The embroidered bombers are more structured and work the same way a denim jacket would. Throw them over anything casual.
One thing to keep in mind: these jackets are not lined (except the bomber), so they're three-season pieces. In Michigan winters, they work as indoor layers or under a heavier wool overcoat.
Kids: matching without twinning
The kids' pieces use the same fabrics and embroidery patterns as the women's line, which creates a natural coordination without literal matching. A mother in the indigo wrap dress and her daughter in the indigo pinafore will look connected without looking like a costume.
For everyday wear, the embroidered cotton tunics are sturdy enough for school and playgrounds. They wash well and the embroidery is reinforced to handle rough treatment. Pair them with leggings or simple cotton shorts. The small-batch nature of the kids' line means sizes move fast, so if you see the right size, don't wait.
Care notes
All Mai&Co pieces are hand-washable in cold water. Lay flat to dry rather than using a dryer, which can shrink the cotton-linen blends and stress the embroidery. For pieces with heavy applique, turning them inside out before washing protects the surface stitching. Iron on the reverse side at a medium setting if needed.
The indigo-dyed fabrics may release a small amount of colour in the first wash. This is normal for garment-dyed natural fabrics. Wash separately the first time, and the colour will stabilise.