Jumpsuits: to jump or not to jump? 

I'm constantly baffled by jumpsuits, I half think they are completely amazing and need to be worn, but the other half of me says no, the world is not a John Waters movie; I should not throw caution to the wind. Of recent years the jumpsuit has been making a tentative comeback, slowly but surely it is working its way back into our lives, but should it really be there?

Of course the jumpsuit is complicated; it comes in so many forms, the party jump suit, the slouchy jumpsuit, and multiple variations of the shorts playsuit. I work in a vintage clothes shop and have discovered a whole plethora of these amazing spangled get-ups, which always obtain an excited squeal of joy. The squeal reaches new heights when I realize that the long flowing skirt is actually a pair of preposterous trouser legs. Of course having discovered these gems, eyed them curiously with half awe and half bewilderment, it soon becomes time to take them to the changing room. One by one the jumpsuits are tried and tested, they should all look magnificent but unfortunately they seem increasingly awkward fitting, ugly and SO unflattering.

I have sadly learnt that if a jumpsuit is to be attempted it should very rarely (if ever) be vintage; people in the 70's were clearly just different to us. However we luckily do now have the option of modern jumpsuits, same basic principle but made from breathable fabrics and with certain structural allowances (a lower crotch par example).

The Spring/Summer 08 collections were full of these new takes on an old theme, demonstrating just how amazingly well they can be worn. My favourite by Preen is a loose fit denim all in-one with a wide middle and tapered legs, which could presumably not hide a multitude of sins, but perhaps a few at least. Alexander McQueen took the power of the jumpsuit up a notch giving it a fabulous dipped colour look with a massive structured waist belt, it looks regal and supreme, the way a jumpsuit should look!

The high street has also come up trumps with options, mostly sticking with the safer and more wearable short-legged playsuit. Topshop rarely missing a fashion-fad beat have a really cute black and white gingham playsuit; they also have a cute floral wraparound of a similar style. American Apparel can also always be relied upon for all of your all-in-one needs, my favourite being a scoop backed, and halter-neck playsuit in a pale blue colour.

I have decided that as a general rule the full-legged jumpsuit should be avoided, Playsuits on the other hand are a necessity for summer lounging and should be embraced by all!

Helen Rendell

Written by:
charlie

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