LifeStyle

Next big thing: The Jumpsuit

If there's one piece that should be on the top of your list to buy for spring, it's the all-in-one jumpsuit.

Rita Ora in New York City.
Rita Ora in New York City.  Photo: Getty Images

At this time of year, if we can squint hard enough, we can almost look beyond the streaming gushes of water pouring from the sky and dream of warmer days ahead. Of course, when we're doing this, we try and picture what we'll be wearing in this lovely sunshine-filled vision. And if there's one piece that should be on the top of your list to buy for spring, it's the all-in-one jumpsuit.

Now, don't go a-running, for the jumpsuit isn't as scary as it used to be. I'm not talking about playsuits, those all-in-one shorts outfits that look better on teenagers than grown-ups. The new jumpsuit is long and elegant. And it is everywhere.

If you dismiss it because you think you're too old/fat/young/short/tall/wide/thin, that's rubbish. You're actually just scared. And that's fine, we can all be a little hesitant when it comes to branching out beyond our usual fashion and that's what usually dictates our choices. We play it safe. We wear the same things over and over again in the same shapes and similar colours until we almost have a uniform. Which again, is fine to a point. But often we find ourselves in a fashion rut that can be hard to get out of.

Enter the jumpsuit. Because it's one of those pieces that answers all kinds of questions in your wardrobe. It's new but it's an immediate classic. It's street but it's also elegant. It's cool but it's also chic. It can be worn on the red carpet or down to watch your neighbourhood skateboarding comp. In short, it is magic.

We see Victoria Beckham, in her usual streamlined style, wearing an all black, sleeveless jumpsuit with wide legs and heels. This is the look to go for if you're playing it safe. You can wear it casually with trainers or dress it up with gold jewellery. Then there's Rita Ora, pictured, in the absolute opposite way: a ballooning purple jumpsuit, all blousy and soft, but just as beautiful. Did someone say "your new favourite fashion piece"? Why yes, yes we did.

Here are four ways to choose a jumpsuit that's right for you.

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1. If your style is sleek and chic (hint, you're more inclined to dress like Victoria Beckham or Gwyneth Paltrow), the obvious choice is a sleeveless black jumpsuit. Go for a narrow leg if you want to wear it with flats, or a wide leg specifically for a nighttime jumpsuit. There are a number of styles around that range from spaghetti straps to sleeveless, tuxedo style tops, and all are equally as fabulous. Choose one that suits your body shape and you won't look back.

2. If you have embraced the culotte the past few seasons, the jumpsuit culotte is the ultimate in fashion forward. Wear with a pair of flat mules and flash your best Insta-worthy smile.

3. Feeling a bit more boho inclined? Printed jumpsuits will bring out your inner flower child, but can be sophisticated as well. Wear with flat sandals during the day for a festival flavour, or team with heels and a clutch for extra glamour. We Are Kindred has a beautiful floral number that gives you the best of both worlds.

4. And let's not forget about denim. It is the ultimate jumpsuit. Instantly cool, denim jumpsuits transcend any of those doubts you might have. Wear with tan platforms and round sunnies for a '70s vibe, or play it cool in trainers. The denim jumpsuit can be loose and baggy, but the latest are overall style, worn with nothing underneath and are really, quite the sexy piece. Are you rethinking the jumpsuit yet? You should be.