Spring Trend: Jumpsuit

You guys… I live in Maine. If you live anywhere other than Maine, you probably don’t realize that we’re getting walloped by a foot (or more) of snow right now. So it seems a bit unfitting that I’m doing a blog post about Spring Trends… BUT the snow will quickly melt and we all need something to look forward to. Spring trends, it is. Let’s talk about my favorite: Jumpsuits.

They’ve been around for decades. Used more for function than fashion, Jumpsuits quickly started showing up on runways in the late 60’s. Looking a lot like what I’m wearing above. A fitted bodice with a flared hem. And unlike a lot of trends that tend to come and go, the jumpsuit has changed silhouettes, but stuck around. “I could never wear that”, you say? Maybe not this particular style, but there IS a jumpsuit for every BODY. Come with me as we discover what jumpsuit styles are in and which fits your body type best.

As a Wardrobe Consultant, some jumpsuit concerns I hear a lot are: “I don’t want to look like a toddler”, “I have a long torso”, I don’t want to lose my shape”. All valid concerns when considering a jumpsuit.

A little side story, I had a neighbor, grown woman, probably 50 years old, that dressed like a small child. She put her hair in high pigtails, she wore character pajamas (I know this because she sat on her porch all day in them) and LOVED her (in my opinion) ill fitted overalls. SHE is the reason why women think jumpsuits make you look like a toddler. That was exactly her intention.

Let’s learn from said neighbor and NOT do that. Let’s actually focus on styling your onesie in a more mature fashion.

For example: My We The Free (a division of Free People) denim overalls. Alone, they can feel a bit juvenile, with the shapeless waist and barrel bottom, but paired with a sheer top (Intimately Free People), nude flats and a structured purse, it’s a look. That’s the key… Pair your jumpsuit with more mature pieces and the contrast will completely transform the look.

Now, “what style is right for me?”, you’re asking. Well, that has everything to do with your body type. I’m an apple. I know, everyone laughs at me when I say that. I’m tall, thin, but ultimately, my shape is an apple. All my weight is carried in the middle of my body. You haven’t noticed because I’m trained in silhouettes and know how to conceal my least favorite part of my body. Give me a call if you’d like to learn how to do the same for your body type. There’s lots of tricks to the trade.

Anyway, back to jumpsuits and body types. Let’s start with an inverted triangle. That means your shoulders are the widest part of your body. Wider than your hips. ACTUALLY, you hit the jumpsuit jackpot! Jumpsuits tend to have more volume on the lower half of your body, so it’s going to balance out your body. Be sure to pair your jumpsuit with a fitted top, to enhance that balance.

A pear? That means that your hips are the widest part of your body. Wider than your shoulders. Go for a jumpsuit like the FP Movement Hot Shot Onesie. It’s voloumous on the bottom half, which conceals your hips and let’s you show off your more slim top half. Pair with a baby tee, sheer turtleneck, even a slim fit sweater.

Now, two body types that are tricky in jumpsuits are apples (largest in the middle, with more narrow hips and shoulders) and hourglass (same size shoulders and hips with a small waist). These are two body types that more children don’t develop until their teens years, so there’s little risk of looking too young in a jumpsuit. I would definitely recommend finding a jumpsuit that follows your body type. Try a more loose fitting overall, to conceal your tummy, if you’re an apple. And if you’re hourglass, follow that shape. Find something that is more forgiving in the bust and hips, but sucks you in at the waist. The flared denim jumpsuit (from Windsor) I’m wearing with the white lace top is perfect for an hourglass.

Lastly, if you have a normal or even long torso, you’ve probably avoided a one-piece your whole life. There’s a super simple solution… adjustable straps. Be sure to focus on where the chest part of the jumpsuit hits. If you have to extend the straps so low that the chest part of it is below your bust, try a different style. That one just doesn’t fit.

I see jumpsuits sticking around, so feel free to invest in a great one that fits your personal body type.