Last season introduced us to the jumpsuit. SS11 said, "Here's the latest trend, why not try it on for size?", but of course, I immediately thought the jumpsuit wasn't for me: too many lumps and bumps to worry about.
The word jumpsuit brings to mind lithe, supermodel bodies scantily clad in slinky halter necks hanging off angular, tanned shoulders. Until now, for me, the word jumpsuit equalled tapered trousers encasing long, lean legs and for some reason (probably the Marc Jacobs effect), big hair. As the evening jumpsuit transcends into AW11, it seems that summer's introductory trend is this season's star trend.
Think of the winter jumpsuit as something special; glitzy, chic and oh-so-alluring. The winter jumpsuit is meant for after dark, to inject some high-octane glamour into your evening wardrobe. Satin was a major feature on the runway, which (when in the form of a sophisticated jumpsuit) oozes grown up sex appeal.
At Giles, flared psychedelic blue and yellow satin swished down the runway and was shortly followed by another satin jumpsuit, this time in black with a high, Victorian-esque white collar and matching white cuffs. YSL - the original 70s label - showed a white halter-neck jumpsuit with straight leg, while Ralph Lauren's plain black version was simple and chic.
Halston (another great 70s label) should be the first designer to look to when searching for your evening jumpsuit. The slate grey halter clings to the figure and thanks to a revealing slash from neck to navel, bares some flesh, while another Halston jumpsuit featured an oversize, seductive cowl neck. Alberta Ferretti's asymmetric number was like liquid lavender and Cynthia Rowley's olive green version was fluid, with a plunging neckline and pussy-bow tie left undone to reveal a glimpse of skin.
How to wear your evening jumpsuit? Unless you are of model proportions, choose tailored styles (or, at the very least, good undergarments) and black is great for most body shapes and skin tones. I recently found the perfect jumpsuit at Marks & Spencer in Glasgow: black, structured and cut with a wide-leg, topped off with cap sleeves and appliqued shoulders. Quite perfect.
Other failsafe options include muted colours such as midnight blue, which was seen at Derek Lam (perfect for blondes) and citrine as seen at Paul & Joe (redheads, take note). For investment purchasers, the Paul & Joe black wool jumpsuit will take you seamlessly from office to cocktails with the simple addition of a tuxedo jacket and a statement necklace.
One word of advice when donning a jumpsuit? Killer heels!