It is a loosely held matrimonial tenet that the longer a couple live together, the more they begin to look alike.

        The Real Style twist on that is the more years logged together, the more couples dress alike. But we're not talking about matching “I'm With Stupid” T-shirts. These folks are savvy shoppers with an eye for color and harmony.

        Today's trio of sweethearts, culled from the hundreds of readers' letters on file, had one thing in common. Almost daily, they find themselves dressing alike — or in the same color scheme — many times without planning.

        “I get up and dress before him to get to my teaching job,” says Carolyn Mitchell of Hartwell, but “when we meet at the end of the day, we often have on the same color,” she says of her husband, the Rev. R. Nathaniel Mitchell.

        Ray Bauman of Western Hills says that after nore than 60 years together, he leaves the color choice up to his wife, Marie, “then I go according to what she picks out,” even if it's pink.

        Bernie Phelon of Reading says his wife, Darlene, “is the fashion guru of the family and makes me look good.” He synchronizes his clothes choice with hers, “often down to the color of the shoes.”

        These unions were made inheaven's dressing room.

Bernie and Darlene Phelon

        Occupation: Darlene, 52, plant supervisor at Coit Cleaners. Bernie, 50, Braille printer at Clovernook Center for the Blind and rock/R&B drummer at clubs and Montgomery Assembly of God Church.

        Married: Five years.

        How you met: “I was playing at a club and she caught my eye,” Bernie says. “I went up to her on the break and asked her about the Cadillac I had seen her in. I was trying to break the ice.”

        What was he/she wearing: She had on a purple outfit with a hat. “I remember because I admired it so much,” he says. He had on a tux.

        Bernie on her style: Fashionable, elegant, well-put-together and always color-coordinated.

        Darlene on his style: He had a very casual style then. Now, he's a total package from head to toe — colorful and classic.

        Where you shop: He buys from International Male catalog, and she shops everywhere — catalogs to Lane Bryant, Catherine's Plus Sizes, Added Dimensions, Dillard's, Lazarus, Kmart, Wal-Mart.

        Valentine's Day plans: “We hope to have dinner at Morton's,” she says.

Marie and Ray Bauman

        Occupation: Retired. Play cards, bowl, golf, travel and shop. “If you don't keep busy, you get old in a hurry,” he says.

        Married: 61 years. He's 87. She's 85.

        How you met: In 1937, at a roller skating rink in Walnut Hills near Peebles Corner.

        What he/she was wearing: (Neither remembers specifically.) He says she had on a skirt and blouse. She says he was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers.

        You dress alike because: “My wife always sewed and dressed our two daughters alike,” he says. Then we got some matching shirts years ago. Now I leave it up to her. She picks an outfit and I coordinate. It works better that way.”

        Favorite outfits: “I have a pink suit and he has a pink sportcoat and coordinating slacks. How he ever found a pink sportcoat I'll never know,” she says.

        Where you shop: They generally shop together — at Kohl's, Penney's, Lazarus.

        Valentine's Day plans: “We haven't decided yet,” he says. “We're off to Indianapolis to play cards. We'll decide when we come back.”

Carolyn and the Rev. R. Nathaniel Mitchell

        Occupation: He is pastor at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Silverton. Both are also teachers: Carolyn, 55, at Pleasant Ridge Elementary; Nathaniel, 55, at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.

        Married: 33 years.

        How you met: “I was going to a ball at Central State University and my original date left town,” he says. “So I went to the girls' dorm to find another. I was ready to give up, and one of my friends introduced me to her. We fell in love on that first date.”

        What he/she was wearing: She was wearing a formal gown, and he was wearing a tuxedo.

        Nathaniel on her style: She pretty much dresses for herself, not too trendy, sometimes conservative.

        Carolyn on his style: At one time he was very conservative. He's a little more flamboyant now, but I like that.

        Where you shop: Both like boutique shopping more than malls. He has a weakness for four-in-hand bow ties and favors K&G Men's Superstore. She likes TJ Maxx and Julia's in Kenwood.

        Valentine's Day plans: “We talked about going away for a few days, maybe to a spa to get a Swedish massage,” he says.

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