As the air turns warmer and daylight hours grow longer, it’s time to reassess our sartorial options. For an easy, breezy choice that will keep you as cool as you look, consider trying this season’s most pervasive trend, the jumpsuit. Not the first item to pop into your mind, I’m sure – perhaps you have retro visions of Charlie’s Angels, a guaranteed wedgie or maybe you’ve just dismissed them as a passing teenage trend – but if eco style is about leading the pack, let’s get to the bottom of how to wear this latest look.
As seen on the recent runways of Stella McCartney, Etro and Givenchy, many designers have included the look in their recent collections. Some of the easiest-to-wear are from eco designers. Josh Podoll, Prairie Underground and Feral Childe all have some great jumpsuits this season.
With short dresses currently saturating the fashion landscape, jumpsuits are a look ahead of the curve. Despite their 70s connotations, there is something so fresh about them. “It is usually the edgier client who gravitates to a jumpsuit, ” says Joslin Van Arsdale, owner of Eco Citizen in San Francisco. “A person who is not afraid to try the most recent trend and individualize it.”
Danish eco-designer, Sofie Ølgaard included a superbly flattering version in her spring collection, “I love jumpsuits, because they are easy to wear. It is a complete outfit all in one. No decision making is necessary.”
You’ll certainly stand out in one. To ensure it’s for all the right reasons, you must pay attention to fit. This season’s are fitted looser than those sported by Angels, Kelly, Jill and Sabrina. When designing hers, Ølgaard knew she wanted “something loose and drapey, so it was actually easy to fit, which also means that it flatters lots of different body types and sizes.” Arsdale recommends ensuring “you have lots of room to move around in. If not, then go up a size. Jumpsuits should be roomy and comfortable.”
Designer Tara St. James has a unique take on her latest version with a high draped cowl neckline and cropped leg, and a relaxed approach to wearing them. “Picking the right jumpsuit is no different than choosing the right pant or dress. Know your body and know what feels good. The one faux pas to avoid is to make sure the torso length is right for your body. Say no to camel toe.”
Jumpsuits have long been a part of the Mr. Larkin line by designer Casey Larkin. Heidi Pettit of Vie PR and Showroom is a fan of Mr. Larkin’s “Beth” style. “It is amazing,” she says. “The fit is very flattering and the style reflects the designer’s mix of the feminine and masculine.”
It’s this contradictory appeal that makes the jumpsuit so exceedingly versatile, versatility being the byword of the thoughtful, environmentally tuned-in shopper. Depending on your accessories and choice of layers, this one-piece can take you from the beach to work and onto rooftop cocktails on a warm summer evening.
As many different jumpsuits as there are available there are different takes on how to accessorize them. Arsdale suggests “a 1940’s vibe, early Hollywood Glamour mixed with Summer Safari. Circular vintage sunglasses a la Edith Head, printed ikat scarves, and chunky necklaces and bangles from Royal Blush and Kris Nations.”
Pettit likes “a white tank, flats and a hat during the day. Platform booties, bangles or cuffs, a large cocktail ring along with a silk camisole – replacing the white tank – turn it into a sexy little number for a night out.”
St. James who loves and wears her jumpsuits regularly prefers to dress them down using few accessories, advising to keep the simplicity of a jumpsuit intact.”