The `70s Revival in Jumpsuits
Women's Fashion Trend in Catsuits for Spring/Summer 2008
This season's trend in sleek, sexy jumpsuits are a far cry from the flying suit styles of the `70s. Add a chic silk or cotton catsuit to your list of summer must-haves.
For those of you not old enough to remember, initially jumpsuits were hot little numbers during the `70s, although admittedly we termed them “flying suits” way back then due to the copious amounts of zippers and parachute-like material. In those days, given the maculine styles, it was easy to be mistaken for a garage mechanic or an extra from the movie Top Gun.
Part of the `70s women's fashion revival, playsuits (shortened versions of jumpsuits) and catsuits have re-emerged this season in new fabrics and cuts. Not to be confused with shell suits, jumpsuits should definitely be avoided in the nylon rip-stop style parachute. Go for soft slouchy silk, satin or cool cotton for a much more chic look.
How To Wear a Jumpsuit
Fashion magazines are touting the jumpsuit, playsuit, rompersuit, catsuit (so many names, just take your pick) as a go-anywhere, slimming outfit that befits any occasion. Dress it up with lots of jewelry and killer heels or “play it down for work with pumps and a jacket,” says Liz Jones of the Daily Mail. For casual daywear pair a suit with this season’s must-have shoes, the gladiator sandal.
More forgiving than pants, jumpsuits solve the problem of what to wear on your top-half and versatile and comfortable. They can make the body look long and lean but choose unwisely and you can end up looking like a workman in a boiler suit.
Jumpsuits for Spring/Summer 2008
From the spring/summer runways, jumpsuits have now filtered down to high-street stores and are flying off the shelves, according to UK retailers Gap and Marks and Spencer. Evoking memories of Charlie’s Angel’s or the Avenger’s (for those old enough to remember), British giants Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams are selling floral or slinky, slouchy numbers in keeping with the season’s wide-leg and baggy trend. These are a far cry from the horrendous flying suits of the `70s and are sure to be a big hit. Online store Asos also has a large range of jumpsuits and shorter-length playsuits.
Stella McCartney’s ready to wear spring and summer collection features four very feminine jumpsuits, including a sexy and slinky white low cut silk number, reminiscent of a early `70s Halston ensemble, and a cute and quirky blue paisley print, perfect for summer days. Although florals are one of the "it" prints of the season, McCartney’s brown floral printed jumpsuit has met with some opposition. Thefashionpolice.com refers to it as a crime of fashion on a grand scale, although Liz Jones of the Daily Mail hails it as one of her favorites.
The Disadvantages of Jumpsuits
One problem with jumpsuits is their tendency to “make your bottom look long and flat, rather than pert and round,” according to Jones of the Daily Mail in her 7th April 2008 article “Maxi dresses, jumpsuits and high waisted trousers: They’re the summer must-haves but can you wear any of them in public.” As she observes, another major drawback is the time (and effort) it takes to go to the bathroom – a major operation.
In the Telegraph’s article of 30th March 2008, “Is anyone actually wearing jumpsuits?” the Closet Thinker notes that “For a garment that sells itself on can-do practicality - a go-to-work outfit for a hit-woman or a spy - it has a basic design flaw, as anyone will know who has tried to wrestle her way out of an all-in-one in a lavatory cubicle.”
So, just as long as you don't have a weak bladder, then this season's soft and feminine shapes may just influence you to give a nod to the trend!
