Style Sleuth: Jumping Into The Jumpsuit Trend

Rachel Yeomans

It all started upon running into a fellow writer at a fashion show last October - she was wearing a black halter capri jumpsuit with tall strappy heels - and she looked fabulous! Then the ever-lovely Michelle Monaghan on the Craig Ferguson show happened to be wearing a black strapless jumpsuit with an elegant loose wrap draping in front. I was sold.

I am usually a very conservative dresser. I wear mostly black and grays and then accessorize with colorful shoes, statement jewelry and great jackets. Well I decided that I would take a risk - more notably, a fashion risk. I would buy my very first jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit/romper can easily be associated with mechanic's gear or faux spacesuit (admittedly, I was guilty of those assumptions myself). However, now with fashionable cuts and flattering lines and patterns, these ensembles have gone from utilitarian to fashion statement.

My favorite versions of the jumpsuit - because I have discovered that there are many - are the wide-legged pant with halter or strapless top in a dark solid tone, and the short pant with short-sleeved top with lots of color and pattern. I can easily take the wide-legged pant ensemble and dress it up for an event or throw on a buttoned cropped cardigan with pumps for the office. And the shorts option is just fun - with gold jewelry and sandals, you have the ideal springtime weekend look!

As much as I fight falling into trends, I now proudly admit that I am not just falling for, but literally jumping in to the trend of the jumpsuit!

1. Rachel Rachel Roy Strapless Harem Jumpsuit $109
2. DKNY Large Dot Romper With Short Sleeves $295
3. Karina Grimaldi Diana Romper $240
4. Free People Springtime Romper $118
5. Robbi & Nicki Jersey Jumpsuit $275
6. Madison Marcus Journey Jumpsuit $194.50

Image Layout: Tiffany Carlin