Jump to the beat
Jumpsuits have the oneand-done ease of a dress and the mobility of trousers but they’re really in a league of their own. Harriet Pudney reports.
Fashion is subjective, and rules are fake, so I’m really only telling you my own opinion when I say that there is no better outfit than a jumpsuit. With the one-and-done ease of a dress, the mobility of trousers and a winking sensibility that’s all its own, the jumpsuit has it all.
They’re not always the easiest items to buy – the top and the bottom half both have to fit and, if you’ve got a long or a short torso, you may struggle – but it’s worth a bit of trial and error.
Whether you seek an easy weekend option to throw on over a bikini, or a top-tier night out look, there’s a jumpsuit out there to suit.
Jumpsuits have a fine pedigree, too. Think Bianca Jagger at Studio 54. Possibly my favourite red carpet look of last year was Sandra
Bullock in a bold, sequinned jumpsuit from Zuhair Murad, and I’m still thinking about Diane Kruger’s tomato red Donna Karan one-piece from the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscars party.
Author Zadie Smith recently wrote in Vogue that boilersuits (an excellent subgenre of the form) now feel “as neutral a piece of clothing as a pair of Levi’s once were”. It’s a powerful co-sign in terms of wearability.
And of course, it’s impossible to talk about jumpsuits without mentioning the Fleabag one. You can get that exact one from UK site SilkFred for £38 plus postage (NZ$77), though unfortunately it doesn’t come with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s career and ability to pull off a bob.
Let’s put that aside, though, and look at the current crop of jumpsuits and how to wear them.
First up are the breezy linen numbers that are crying out for an afternoon barbecue. I’m seeing a lot of them in shades of green, whether that’s the sea foam of Assembly Label’s Pinafore Jumpsuit (A$130), or the moody army green of Glassons’ Linen Blend Pocket Jumpsuit ($60). You can put that price difference down to the fact that the Assembly option is 100 per cent linen, whereas the Glassons is 45 per cent viscose and may not last as long. However, they’re both extremely ready to be thrown on over a bikini for a walk to the beach. Add a floppy sun hat and some Birkenstocks. For the working week, jumpsuits can be a little trickier, but by no means impossible. If your office is very strait-laced, you might struggle, but for those with a bit more leeway, they can be an excellent option. Local favourite Penny Sage’s Yrsa Jumpsuit ($395) comes in a very cool two-tone tartan and is 100 per cent cotton.
You’ll look like a creative director and be extremely comfortable even in mid-January heat. Alternatively, there’s the Good American Military Jumpsuit (A$285). With fresh white sneakers and a top knot, this has a very New York-y appeal. This is what a music journalist in a romantic comedy would wear. Last up, and dead-on for an end-of-year party, is Zara’s Halter Neck Jumpsuit ($70). Look at that keyhole neck and low back and tell me you don’t feel like making some questionable decisions. Go right ahead – you’ll look so good no-one will be able to tell you anything. Wear this with your hair up to show off the neck, red lipstick, and some hoop earrings. Drama, yes, but also simplicity. Magnificent. The only downside is that this one is not particularly bra-friendly, but we can’t have everything. Get the strapping tape out and go to town.