Fashion Friday: Jumpsuit Recant

I take it back. A little bit.

I have written, passionately, women shouldn’t be buying the same outfits they purchase for their babies at Carter’s.

This has included rompers and… jumpsuits.

Sigh.

Today’s Fashion Friday: Jumpsuits Might Be Okay…  Otherwise known as the Fashion Friday Jumpsuit Recant.

Rompers, I maintain my preexisting position.

Here’s how the dilemma played out.

I had some events coming up in Austin, and I didn’t love my “after work” wardrobe. So, one evening in late July, I went shopping at the Macy’s near my house while the kids were gone.

I tried on nearly two dozen dresses. They were either too formal or not flattering.

Then, on a lark, I tried on this jumpsuit (these are super professional dressing room photos w/my phone).

I sort of loved it.  I texted it to a bunch of girlfriends.  They also loved it.  Though on commented it was a little Stevie Nicks.

I ended up not purchasing it, but it led me to try more on.  And, I thawed toward the jumpsuit (which I used to adore, it’s just I was more than 20 years younger).

My rules, based on the several I tried on, are as follows:

1. Don’t wear a jumpsuit with a cropped pant (usually).  It didn’t feel nearly as sophisticated.  Like you were trying to pair a dinner-out outfit with clam diggers.  (I realize only my grandmother used that word.)

This, by contrast, is a lovely full length black jumpsuit with feminine ruffle detail:

2.  Generally (because I’m not making bold edicts anymore), buy one in a solid color. Patterns can often make the jumpsuit look like pajamas.  It doesn’t have to be black and navy, though there are more of those out there, just solid.

Exhibit A (I actually really liked this one on, the picture doesn’t do it justice, but it has a p.j. vibe).

Here’s a lovely orange red one from Nordstrom’s:

3.  Don’t’ stock your closet with them. Jumpsuits are still an on-trend ensemble.  And just like happened in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they will go out of fashion faster than you can say Kardashian.

Cute, but ON trend!  Off the shoulder AND a jumpsuit:

4.  Continue to avoid these if you are petite. These are overwhelming items of clothing.  Fabric everywhere.  If you are short, it is hard to pull off.  Especially since they are designed for taller women (everyone I tried on was the right length and I am 5’10).

However, if you are carrying extra weight like me, jumpsuits (the right ones) can camouflage a myriad of issues.

This bloused cap-sleeve number in navy would beflattering if you’re trying to lean out your look:

They are not for everyone.

And there are still A LOT of bad ones out there (y’all, these denim jumpsuits, I just can’t…).

But, I recant.  I bought this solid black one!  I wear it with heels and a lot of turquoise and love it.  Go enter “jumpsuit” into Nordstrom or Macy’s websites and you’ll see there’s a design for almost everyone (over 5’6).