I've never had a jumpsuit. They've always struck me as vaguely problematic, requiring strapless bras, fake tan and an endless search to find one where the waist is in the right place and the trousers aren't making my legs look short.
I thought it would be good to break out of my comfort zone and see if I could find a good one. I have two weddings this summer and I've started to look for outfits. But, I asked myself, are jumpsuits even still a thing?
The answer is Yes: a quick search on Asos (my go-to site to see what's currently trendy) revealed dozens of jumpsuits, with the most fashionable having cropped or ankle-length trousers (pants). They weren't all sleeveless: some had long or short sleeves.
This was the most expensive one I tried, from Whistles, at £165. It has a zip up back with a partly elasticated waist, and I liked the length of the trousers and the neckline. I was less keen on the pockets (particularly a ludicrous pocket on the bum!) as you can't resist putting your hands in them, which suddenly makes it more utilitarian. It also came up quite big and was a bit baggy around the waist. So it was a No from me. Jumpsuit: Whistles from Next; sandals, last year; red Seduction necklace, Eternal Collection.
This one, from Asos, was the best fit with a button pulling me in at the waist. I liked the length too. But it was extremely low cut so I wore a black tee underneath. This instantly made it look like a boiler suit. I'm sure you could put something on that was more alluring, but to me a lacey camisole or a pussy bow blouse would look too much like "trying too hard." What do you think? Maybe a very thin, fine lurex or gassato cashmere top would work?
Wrap jumpsuit with horn button and culotte legs Asos; t-shirt, Ted Baker (last season); polka dot sling back shoes, Miss Selfridge.
This was another very low-cut number, and the jumpsuit I liked the least. The material is a forgiving jersey and it was easy to pull on, plus there's a separate belt. It seems more like a winter jumpsuit with the long sleeves and long length trousers. However, when I looked at the picture of the model wearing it, it actually has three-quarter length trousers on her, which looks far more modern. She must be more than six feet tall. On me it looks a bit dated, and there's no way I'd wear it with The Girls on show. See below!! Eeek.
Jersey jumpsuit with batwing sleeves, Asos; red and black boots, Lotus, AW17; red necklace as before.
Finally my wild card. Originally I planned to try only black jumpsuits. Still in a comfort zone. But then I threw caution to the wind and added two patterned ones to the order. The first, in red and white stripes, was so unbelievably hideous I didn't photograph it. All I will say is that I gained two stone and the Titanic wanted its deckchairs back. But the second patterned jumpsuit, from Next, was a pleasant surprise.
I don't really do florals, not even for spring, but I think this would be a good look for a wedding. The jumpsuit is in a pleasingly substantial feeling fabric, and there's a pretty lace insert at the back as well as at the waist. I paired it with last year's gold mules and a white clutch, plus pearls, but if I was styling it for one of my weddings, I might try a bright colour for my accessories.
The only thing I don't love about this jumpsuit is the fact the waist is in slightly the wrong place for me. If it was a little lower, I think it would be more flattering. As it is, it makes me look straight-waisted and wide. The legs are also a bit too wide for me. But I'm sure you'll all say this is the best one. What do you think? Lace insert jumpsuit, Next; gold mules and white bag, last year.
Sharing this post with: Fake It Until You Make It at Fake Fabulous, #IwillwearwhatIlike at Not Dressed as Lamb, Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style; Style with a Smile at Stylesplash; Creative Mondays at Claire Justine, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Chic&Stylish at Mummabstylish, Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style and Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots.
No items were gifted for this post.
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