Jumpsuits

If jumpsuits had a tagline it would be “One and done”. They are easy, comfy and chic, making them beloved to women of all ages. Some jumpsuits are more flattering than others, plus getting that perfect fit can change decade to decade. The sweet spot between too tight and too baggy is key, and choosing strategic design details that help accentuate, balance and camouflage your shape can work miracles visually. From boilersuits to tuxedo jumpsuits, here are the top design elements to look for when fitting your next jumpsuit:

1. Fabric
   Make fabric your top priority when assessing a jumpsuit fit. Thin polyesters often don’t conceal, hold and lift enough, and jersey knits tend to grow with wear, risking the silhouette becoming droopy, misshapen and — ultimately — unflattering. Instead assess fabric weight over content at first, making sure fabrication has substantial thickness that smoothes, contours, holds and molds in all the right places. Look for crepes, rayons and gaberdines with heft, plus denim and cotton canvas. Jersey knits can work too, as long as they’re a blend of at least 6 percent high-performance stretch fiber — Lycra®, elastane or spandex.

2. Neckline
   Necklines can be used to direct the eye, so use them to your advantage. If your shoulders are wide, try a halter neck jumpsuit to push the eye inward. Wear a V-neck to emphasize the waist, boatneck or off-shoulder style to balance wide hips, crewneck for long necks and scoop neck for short necks. Go sleeveless if arms are your best asset and try a cropped pant leg if you’re super tall.

3. Waistline
   Whether you have curves or not, a shaped jumpsuit can make anyone’s figure look like a million bucks. Shop contoured silhouettes that nip at the waist with thicker fabrics that really reinforce waistline hold. Wrap styles are the ultimate in shapely designs with their self-belt that cinches the waist with several rotations. Classic denim jumpsuits often have tapered, accentuated waistbands with button bodices that can be styled plunging — a sexy touch of femininity that balances rugged denim.

4. Pant leg
   Know your shape, so you can shop your shape. If the widest part of your figure is above the waist, stick with wide leg trouser-styles to balance bottom to top. Wide leg pants also work miracles to shrink and accentuate the waist for anyone whose midriff lacks definition. Go for tailored, straight-leg cuts if you’re thickest at the waist, and consider shoulder pads if you’re widest below the waist. Also remember that pencil legs are elongating, making your silhouette slimmer and taller — a great trick for petites.

5. Monochrome
   Above all, keep your jumpsuit bottom and top uniform. Head-to-toe monochromatic looks create a color column that elongates. Prints are camouflaging so use them to distract away from problem areas. Tone-on-tone patterns like lace add interest and texture that can harmonize with facial features and reinforce its lines. Be sure to match hues to your personal color palette and keep prints and patterns balanced with your own scale.

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