Back in the day - and by 'the day' we all know I am talking about the late 90's/2000's - I think we all though that jumpsuits were a bit naff.
They were a little bit of a laughing point, like leotards with leggings underneath - something relegated to the 80's. Typically, I am a pretty basic jeans and t-shirt girl. And while I've always had lots of dresses, there is something transformative about the power of a well-cut jumpsuit. Whenever I've had one, I find that it's place in my wardrobe is special and amazing things happen.
From the time I had my first decent New Years Eve, however, when I turned 18, I realised that jumpsuits or playsuits are basically Gods gift to women. It was a New Years Eve to be remembered, where I hung out with my cool new friend from retail, and while others took prescription drugs to stay awake, I proudly took 'No-Doze'. Yep - a real rebel and party starter I was.
The playsuit in question was a 'Woodcut' playsuit from Zambesi which although was really pricey, I knew I was destined to be with. Somewhere at my Mums house, it is still stashed away. It was the most elegant and beautiful thing I had worn and because the year was 2007, I have fished out a photo of me in it for your viewing pleasure. You're welcome. I wore that playsuit all Summer long, a Summer where I slept in Civic Square between shifts at my retail job (and still managed to be chic I believe) and would eat an apple for lunch because I was so poor from spending all my money on flying down from Whangarei for New Years so I could work extra shifts and have New Years Eve with my new friends. Those were golden days.
I wore a Huffer jumpsuit to my twenty-fifth birthday party - hands down the best party I've had ever, and since. It was also the night that Matt and I officially decided to date one another. Romance, wine and jumpsuits - a match made in heaven. Sadly, after we met I recovered from the neurotic stress I was suffering while being a miserable solicitor, and as a results I never fitted that jumpsuit ever again. It has since been sold on at Recycle Boutique to some other lucky girl in Wellington.
Apart from sentimental reasons, there are many practical reasons that I love myself a good jumpsuit, and you will too. It is the ideal piece for a capsule wardrobe if you are looking to downsize the number of clothes that you own because it is both edgy, warm, stylish and elegant. Pair with a jumper and boots and it is perfect for day! Pair with heels? Hey, presto! You have yourself a going out look! The possibilities are endless and as I’ve started to look into the genre more, I’ve realised that there truly is something for everyone and every slot that needs filling in your closet.
The Boiler Suit... is one particular look that rocks. Typically made out of a more industrial cotton-drill, I fell in love with one worn by Zanna Roberts Rassi in her interview with Sali Hughes. Zanna is one of the founders of Milk Makeup and looks SERIOUSLY cracking. The thick fabric creates an oddly flattering cut. While you can find dupes, investing in something quality will ensure that you don't end up with a dud. Good As Gold do a great one by Native Youth which I had a play with a few weeks ago!
The PJ-Style Jumpsuit... is my personal favourite and one that Twentyseven-names do this super well, as modelled above! The Pompidou Jumpsuit is a dream! Ideally made from a soft fabric, with a little stretch, this style is the most comfortable choice and can be elegantly paired with a pair of high boots like these Meridian ones from Chaos and Harmony. A patterned fabric is a great choice so that it doesn't look too much like nightwear and distracts from the lounge-wear drape. I honestly love this jumpsuit so much and I think I need to possibly buy this one (sadly, I don't keep all the clothes). A structured coat completes the look like the Bridges Coat.
The Casual Jumpsuit...is one that I wear often for smart-casual, like a day at work with a blazar or black pullover, collar peaking out, or can wear when I am mooching about town, rushing here and there for my life as blogger about then city. KowTow have a few great options and I have one in my wardrobe from a few seasons ago which I wear all the time. There are also some chic styles from Twentyseven-names like the Starry Night Jumpsuit which is currently on sale!! This style is baggier, and has a flare to the pant, so is best worn with short boots, brogues or heels. Alternatively, head for a good old fashioned pair of dungarees, like these cute KowTow ones. Now that's TRULY 90's.
