Worn to excess in the 90s, the jumpsuit is back this year, having undergone a serious makeover. The item of clothing once predominantly worn by plumbers, busy mothers and disco-goers has climbed its way up the fashion hierarchy, into the pages of Vogue and onto the red carpet at every major awards ceremony.
The jumpsuit was a wardrobe staple in the 60s and 80s, and has recurrently crept back onto the catwalk at every period in between. Now, however, it appears that the popular, versatile article of clothing has shed its convenience-garment vs. Saturday Night Fever aesthetic, and finds itself firmly wedged between tops and trousers at every key highstreet retailer. This season in particular, it is impossible not to find a jumpsuit to flatter every figure and match every budget. Hailed as being the 2014 alternative to a LBD, we are spoilt for choice with jumpsuits in every length and style being made available; from short, slack, Summery daywear, all the way to floor-skimming black-tie-affair pieces.
Samantha Faiers from TOWIE wore a high-waist, wide-leg halterneck jumpsuit for her Celebrity Big Brother entrance back in January, and from then on it seems a domino effect was triggered amongst UK celebrities. Sam’s ‘Leah’ jumpsuit from AQ/AQ, £125, showed off how well her outfit transitioned from day to night. With her hair worn in loose waves and no visible accessories, Sam let the distinct neckline of her one-piece be the focus, and showed off her Dubai tan against the backless, off-white number – Gucci wedges optional.
If that price tag exceeds your student funds, fear not because Missguided, ASOS, Topshop and Oh My Love have jumped on the trend – no pun intended – at a much lower price point. This black and stone lace scalloped-edge jumpsuit by Topshop concession Rare would look perfect paired with a neutral coloured pointed-toe heel, discreet black box-clutch, and a single pop of colour with a bright red lip. For something a bit subtler but still punchy enough to wear at night, this ASOS spaghetti-strap jumpsuit is contemporary, yet classic. The low-cut neck contrasted with high criss-crossed straps ensures that this piece is sexy, but not too revealing. Being all black, you can go all out on coloured accessories, so a bright yellow or leopard print clutch bag, chandelier earrings and strappy summer sandals would look best.
If it’s more celebspiration you’re after before committing to the jumpsuit trend, British TV stars have followed Sam’s lead and are constantly seen out and about sporting the one-pieces. It makes accessorising so much easier, having only one item of clothing to coordinate with, even if going to the toilet does become the most dreaded part of an evening out. If it’s cost you’re worried about, try and convince your mum to go halves by promising her you’ll share. Warning: your mum may just turn into Kris Jenner.
Samantha Faiers Leah Cream Halterneck Jumpsuit, AQ/AQ, £125
Black & Stone Lace Jumpsuit, Rare at Topshop, £35
Black Jumpsuit with Spaghetti Straps, ASOS, £50
Daria Loose Fit Matte Grey Jumpsuit, Missguided, £20
Black & Cream Long Sleeve Wrap Jumpsuit, Oh My Love, £55
White Collar Jumpsuit, Reformed Kat at Urban Outfitters, £15
Lucy Mecklenburgh Black Cropped Length Jumpsuit, Zara, £39.99
Laura Whitmore Black Strapless Tailored Jumpsuit, The Kooples, price unknown
Nicole Scherzinger, Naya Rivera & Alesha Dixon, all in Three Floor Sky High Blue Jumpsuit, £145
Julia Pimentel