It was only a few short years ago that cutesy playsuits and rompers were a summer must-have (albeit a short lived one). Well, as fashion would dictate it, one-piece anythings are back in style. From overalls to jumpsuits, to playsuits and rompers, these one piece cuts are an option for fashionisers looking for pieces for their spring 2011 wardrobe. And for those who are, they can rest assured knowing that any investment pieces, particularly statement playsuits, will be a worthy investment with the one piece styles on the cards as sitting amongst spring 2011 fashion trends.
Jumpsuit & Playsuit styles
Overalls: while we saw denim overalls on the Ralph Lauren S/S 2010 catwalk, this was really an exception. Denim overalls aren't a part of this trend for 2010, and we don't expect to see them for on trend in spring 2011 either.
Evening: a new take on relaxed glamour, no-one has nailed this quite like Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Single-shouldered and sequin covered jumpsuits were a striking alternative to the traditional evening dress.
Tailored: smart and sophisticated, a tailored playsuit can be office-ready as well as dressed up for day or night. Look for crisper fabrics, cuffed shorts, and cinched in waists - a la Karl Lagerfeld.
Loose and flowing: the perfect take for Spring/Summer, this look has a dash of hippy - working best when combined with soft floral prints. Fabrics should be free-flowing, legs wide and long. The likes of Roberto Cavalli and Etro produced the perfect examples.
Sporty: Julien MacDonald, Lacoste and Walter all took sportier options, in line with S/S '10's sports trend; from hoods and zips to simple cotton jersey fabrics.
Basic: while some designers have gone for prints and intricate detailing, the likes of Stella McCartney and Givenchy presented the ideal basic options. A more versatile wardrobe staple, go for black, white or nude colours and simple straight cuts.
Pictures of these styles and others can be found in the gallery of jumpsuit and playsuit picturesbelow.
Erin Fetherston S/S '10 jumpsuit
Jumpsuit & playsuit lengths
Anything goes when it comes to length. At their shortest, we saw playsuits and rompers that were almost as tiny as hot pants (in a way blurring the lines between playsuits and bodysuits). At their longest they reached the ankles as full jumpsuits, and in between were knee length and mid-calf versions like those seen on the runways of Badgley Mischka and DKNY.
How to wear jumpsuits & playsuits
While you can get a pretty clear idea of some of the style options via the paragraph above, here are some more general tips and ideas of how to wear the trend:
- If you have curves or a pear-shaped figure, try for a halter jumpsuit or playsuit, belted in firmly at the waist, for a bombshell silhouette.
- For night time opt for luxurious fabrics like silks; details like sequins or sheer panels; or leather for an edgier look.
- If you go for a basic block-colour piece, the options are practically endless. Try a cropped jacket in a contrasting colour, a la Givenchy; bold statement jewellery; any variety of belts or ties; or some out there add-ons like removable shoulder epaulettes, badges, chains, or interesting layers.
- Another way to wear the jumpsuit in 2010 is with an exotic feel: to work this style look for billowing harem-style pants with gathered-in ankles.
