Thinking ahead.... Jumpsuits !

Jumpsuits were starting to make an impact last Season. Looking ahead it seems that their popularity has grown. Come the Party Season they are going to be huge and the usual cocktail dresses and posh frocks will, I suspect, look a little dated. I bought one last Autumn ( black with a lace bodice from M&S at a ridiculously reduced price) and wore it to our Reading Group's Posh Dinner Dance in Harrogate . Yes, really, I'm a walking cliche ! Anyway. I felt fab - smart but not staid, a little racy even, the freedom of trousers on the dance floor was a revelation !! 

The new styles are already dribbling into the shops, vying for space with the dreg ends of the sale, but the truth of the matter is that no matter what the fashion industry would have us believe, there are only so many variations of the same theme. The new styles of jumpsuit are virtually the same as the old so....I've had a look at what's on sale from this season which will carry you forward to the next. At less expense. Why pay more ?..... As they say !!

There are a lot of patterned jumpsuits around, great for this weather  but not so good as we reluctantly glance ahead. I restricted the search to black and navy on the basis of versatility. Dress them up with statement jewellery or play them down for a more relaxed feel.


Hotsquash The Jumpsuit at Debenhams £92 (was £115)

This sleeveless jumpsuit in jersey is made from 'clever fabric' which, apparently, regulates temperature. Who couldn't do with that? It is at the top end of what I would want to pay but in addition to a brilliant clean cut it has the benefit of this wonder fabric which is designed for low maintenance. it doesn't even need tumble drying as it dries so quickly and needs little, or no ironing.

This jumpsuit nicely illustrates the leg lengthening effect of this style. The waist is, effectively, shifted up slightly to produce the illusion of legs that go on forever.


 

 

 

 

 

Phase Eight Viola Jumpsuit £79 (was £99)

 

A wider leg jumpsuit, as opposed to the tapered ones above. This means it works well with flats but, if you want more height and to wear heels, make sure the hem is long enough to cover most of your foot. Nothing looks worse than a hem waving about around the ankle !

 

 

 

 

Quiz  Navy Lace Belt Palazzo Jumpsuit £29.99 (was £39.99)

 

I really love this jumpsuit but think that it would look a 100 times better if the leg length was a bit longer. The back view, to me, highlights this in particular. Another 2 inches would be better. Wouldn't it always ?!  Still its a great alternative to a smart dress. The gold lace bodice is feminine and the co coordinating belt a nice touch, drawing attention to the waist and covering the transition from trouser to bodice very well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laced in Love Black and White Lace Jumpsuit at Debenhams £28 (was £40)

 

I like the neat silhouette of this one, with its tapered leg and rich lace bodice. Very much a going out style which really needs a pair of heels to give it the clout it needs. 

 

 

 

Phase Eight Black Kristina Embellished Jumpsuit £140 (was £295)

This is the Mother of all posh jumpsuits ! I'm not sure if Soraya Kashoggi is still with us but, if she is, I'm sure she'd adore it !! The flattering transparent sleeves with gorgeous embroidery on the arms and the sweetheart neckline, the way it flows to a fluid wide leg , all add up to a stunning feminine silhouette. Quite a large investment, certainly, but this one is sure to make you stand out at any formal occasion. And, crucially for me, the right length !

 

 

 

 

Phase Eight Asami ace Top Jumpsuit £99 (was £130)

Nowhere near as grand as the Kristina Jumpsuit above,  this navy lace overlay (on the bodice) option can be dressed up or down and represents a sound investment.

 

Quiz Navy Contrast V Neck Palazzo Jumpsuit £34.99

 

This colour combination, with its nod to the nautical, makes it a perfect transitional piece.

Quiz Navy Palazzo Jumpsuit £29.99 (was £36.99)  at Debenhams

Am loving the halter neck and the silver sparkly belt. Again another optical leg lengthener.

Coast Tansy Jumpsuit £59 (was £115)

Difficult to see from the photograph but with typical attention to detail from Coast, this sleeveless jumpsuit has sheer embroidered panelling at the shoulders and discreet keyhole detailing at the front. Use  the belt to cinch you in at the waist, add a pair of heels and a clutch and you're good to go.

 

Coast Vander Jumpsuit £59 (was £115)

 

A minimalist piece appropriate for all occasions . The Vander Jumpsuit is a loosely fitted design , with a bandeau neckline and a waist which is tailored for a defined look. The overlay at the boned bodice softens the front whilst the tapered legs balance out the shape.

 

 

 

Little Mistress Autumn Rose and Black Jumpsuit £22 (was £56) at Debenhams

 

I've allowed a little colour in here, despite my earlier assertions. Even though I have a worrying image of the model here playing pool in some Texas Bar, I think its an unusual combination at a great price, so its in.

 

 

 

Little Mistress Nude and Black Embellished Scallop Trim Jumpsuit £58 at Debenhams

 

 

Another pretty party option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wallis Navy Wrap Jumpsuit £22 (was £45)

 

 

The wrap on the bodice is a way to create a waistline where one doesn't really exist so this style is a great choice if you find yourself wanting to create a more hourglass shape. As with a number of the jumpsuits, its simplicity means that you can choose the vibe you want to create-either really dressy with big, bold or sparkly accessories, or more chilled and relaxed with minimal adornment.

 

 

 

Warehouse Tie Neck Navy Jumpsuit £40 (was £70)

 

This,from Warehouse falls into the same category although its a little more of a faff to wear. The halter neck is going to require a strapless bra ( for most of us ) but the understated elegance is the pay off for that inconvenience. I love the drapey tie at the neckline at the back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somerset by Alice Temperley Jumpsuit £69 (was £99) at John Lewis

 

There is something effortlessly cool about this Alice Temperley number. Initially I was put off with the teaming with the monochrome flats, but the look has really grown on me. The delicate bow neckline,  the tapered waistline, the cropped leg and the subtle pleats on the reverse all add up to a chic and feminine ensemble. With flats I bet you would feel you could take on the world - comfort and style- but I think its going to look and feel equally empowering with a pair of block heels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whistles Claribel Fray Edge Jumpsuit £70

 

The Alice Temperley above has a Utility  framework so  to speak, but swerves the full look with its soft necktie and pleating. Not so this Whistles Jumpsuit which completely embraces the trend with its collared neckline, two breast pockets and a frayed edging for added interest.

 

Mango Wrap Jumpsuit £29.99 (was £59.99) at John Lewis

A great buy for a classic jumpsuit shape.

 

 

 

 

Oasis Wrap D Ring Jumpsuit £25 (was £68)  at John Lewis


Ditto with the added interest of the stylish D ring belt which draws the waist in.

Ted Baker Sleeveless Jumpsuit £90 (was £179)


Effortlessly elegant with a flattering V neckline.

There are still loads of Jumpsuits out there. This has just been a selection but you can guarantee that, when you finally get your head around wearing one, they will be nowhere to be found ! If you're not sure, go and try, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.