Jumpsuits are one of those items that should be a fashion flash-in-the-pan but that turn out to have real legs (pun intended). Style spotters trace the return of jumpsuit outfits back to 2010, when Céline designer Phoebe Philo wore a strapless black version to the British Fashion Awards.
In one sophisticated swoop, she clearly signalled the fact that not only were jumpsuits for women back on the fashion agenda, they were also a piece that could – and should – be worn to even the most well-heeled evening affairs.
Since then, any time it’s looked like women’s rompers and all-in-ones might start to take a backseat in the style stakes, it becomes clear that designers and real women alike just won’t give them up. This no doubt has something to do with the one-and-done appeal of this piece, which makes dressing for almost occasion, from picnic to party, such a breeze. These jumpsuit outfits are as straightforward as a dress but so much more directional. Need further proof? Here are four different ideas for how to wear jumpsuits, no matter where you’re headed.
Wear to a picnic
Established designers and up-and-comers alike just wanna have fun with casual jumpsuits that are made for a summer picnic (truly, nothing is easier when your day involves sitting on the ground). Whether it’s a navy pinstriped version from Chloé for SS17 or one of the khaki all-in-ones from Apiece Apart’s Resort17 collection, these more casual styles feature cropped culotte-style legs and loosely belted waists. These are truly ready-to-go outfits, and deserve to be paired with flat statement sandals so you’re ready for anything the day presents. Or look back to the 1940s style of Lauren Bacall, who wore her wide-leg jumpsuits with a chic pair of espadrilles.
Wear to a smart lunch
With their long, unbroken line and simple silhouette, jumpsuits for women are the perfect foil for a statement print. And when you’re dressing for a fashionable lunch, the benefits of a printed version are very clear: no mixing and matching, no need for coordinating pieces and no time spent accessorising, save a great pair of heels. The only decision left is which print to choose? Fendi's dark florals and the abstract geometric prints that MaxMara are equally appealing for a dressier daytime event. Or if geek-chic is more your style, Gucci's blue and pink polka dot version will be on high rotation. On the runway it was worn with a knitted sweater vest and a cravat – ideal for trans-seasonal daywear.
Wear to cocktails
Although the traditional jumpsuit silhouette is fitted through the torso and nipped in at the waist, a newer draped model makes for a more louche alternative for evening. Lanvin showed this elegant style for SS17 in ivory silk with a deep red stripe. In the hands of creative director Bouchra Jarrar, these jumpsuit outfits were accessorised with only an oversized floral brooch and flat embellished sandals. At Nina Ricci, the look was interpreted for Pre-Fall17, where a black jumpsuit with a draped front was layered under a lightweight coat. Depending on the season, either style of evening jumpsuits looks right at home with a cocktail in hand – that's lean on the effort, yet big on impact.
Wear to make a scene
Who could forget the most glam of all jumpsuit wearers, David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust phase, resplendent in a metallic striped version with oversized shoulders and collar? If you’re daring, you’ll take a leaf out of Bowie’s little book of how to wear jumpsuits because while the latest styles aren’t quite on his interstellar level, they come pretty close. You couldn’t help but turn heads in one of Saint Laurent's skin-tight sequined evening jumpsuits in black or hot pink. They were worn with an extra-wide waist belt, the sharpest stilettos around and some pretty fierce eye makeup.
Meanwhile, Chloé’s memorable black leather version with a zip front effectively channelled Marianne Faithfull in Girl On A Motorcycle. It was even styled with an eye on that classic film, right down to the motorcycle boots, breezy silk scarf and loose flowing hair. If there is any case to be made for the go-anywhere appeal of the jumpsuit, surely this is it!