Product week: the elegant jumpsuit

What is it:

In line with the return of events and the attendant popularity of evening wear, the elegant jumpsuit makes a comeback, offering a more practical alternative to party dresses or the classic ‘jeans and party top’. For the coming season, many fashion houses have reimagined the jumpsuit, with skin-tight, catsuit-like designs enhanced with glittering materials, flared bottoms and unexpected silhouettes. These often over-the-top variations are popular with a young demographic who are looking for something a little more daring for going out that challenges outdated notions of evening wear while still offering them a non-seasonal party piece.

Image: Michael Kors

Why you should order it:

Elegant jumpsuits are closely related to the current going-out trend that is affecting people of all ages. With lockdowns lifted in most countries, parties are once again becoming part of the cultural scene. With that comes party fashion, with many looking for daring looks to stand out from the crowd. While jumpsuits are primarily practical because they dress their wearers comfortably and beautifully, they also offer an alternative look to typical evening wear. New variations of the design are inspired by the looks presented on the catwalk. And that’s not all: Thanks to the different cuts, jumpsuits are independent of the season and offer the wearer an outfit option that can accompany them through all seasons and is therefore a good investment for their wardrobe.

Image: Stella McCartney
Image: Stella McCartney

Where we saw him:

While some fashion houses, like Chanel and Ralph Lauren, showcased simple black jumpsuits with simple cutouts or eye-catching embellishments, others took the trend even further. Amid the leather look dungarees trend, Isabel Marant took inspiration from the Y2K look and presented a glittering, bodycon catsuit with a plunging neckline paired with thigh-high boots. Dolce & Gabbana also embraced the catsuit look, with a sheer lace one-piece worn over matching underwear with the addition of fingerless fishnet gloves. London fashion house Harris Reed, however, took the jumpsuit to a new level, offering it in genderless styles, including a velvet one-piece that featured an exaggerated flared leg and dramatic, structured shoulder design.

Image: Nicowa
Image: Nicowa

How to style it:

The jumpsuit works well as a loner because it doesn’t require its wearer to think too much about her look. “Slip on and you’re done!” is the motto of the jumpsuit. It is therefore an effortless yet stylish option for the evening. To upgrade the look, combine it with simple accessories and high heels that elongate the silhouette and accentuate the outfit. For colder evenings you can combine it with either a long coat or a cropped jacket, both of which go well with a form-fitting design. If you’re looking for ways to minimize the effect of the jumpsuit, take inspiration from Reed’s styling and add understatement to the look with a turtleneck base layer made from a contrasting material. Alternatively, you can also combine a cardigan or sweater with the jumpsuit, making it suitable for the office.

Image: YAS
Image: YAS

The elegant jumpsuit may not be a new fad, but it’s back in fashion, especially when it comes to going out. It is not only a practical piece of clothing, but also a statement that gives evening wear a little quirky and daring touch.

Image: Molly Bracken
Image: Molly Bracken

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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ

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