The return of jumpsuits

The epitome of humble beginnings, the jumpsuit was literally a one-piece worn by parachuters to jump from planes, earning it its name. Created in 1919 as a functional garment, it never really took off in the world of fashion until the 1960s when it appeared to have gone through quite the metamorphosis. It appeared in the Vogue, a statement black number designed by Yves Saint Laurent and from then on, there was no turning back for this one-piece wonder.

The jumpsuit really had its moment in the sun in the late '60s and '70s, with athletes and dancers wearing the comfortable piece for work time and disco goers donning the unisex attire in the evening with equal zeal. The jumpsuit has been hanging around the fashion scene ever since and now it is considered to be that one golden piece from the seasons past that has held on fast. If anything, it has become even more trendy.

Jumpsuits can be simple or embellished and there is a lot to play around with. The necklines for instance.

Halter necks can make the simplest outfits stand out and collar embellishments can 'bling up' the plainest of the suits. Capes on the jumpsuits add more drama to the attire by giving it a business-like polish. And then there are the pants — slim fits versus wide palazzos can make all the difference between a formal and casual look.

There is another specialty of the one-piece suit. It works on all body types. It gives glamour to long legs and length to short ones. It has a slimming effect on rounder figures and makes even the slightest frames look filled out and noticeable. It can add style and appeal to women who wish to turn heads without showing much skin.

The jumpsuit is a versatile garment that one can wear to parties, family dinners, workplaces or to outdoor events like a friendly neighbourhood barbeque. In vogue literally everywhere and with styles that vary to suit every kind of event, the jumpsuit is adaptable and worth a buy or two. Some of the most common jumpsuit styles are blazer jumpsuits, boiler suits, cape jumpsuits, culotte jumpsuits, flared jumpsuits, sweatshirt and tank jumpsuits.

Blazer jumpsuits are the ones that give you that extra professional oomph while at work. With a blazer neckline, and paired with light jewellery and heels, this outfit is one of the best official looks for those who have a pear-shaped body.

Boiler suits, in direct contrast to the blazer, are sporty and maxed out on comfort. Made with plain nylon or denim material, with slight detailing on the waist, a clinched pant and deep pockets, this suit makes an uber cool style statement, especially when worn with sneakers.

Cape jumpsuits recreate the blazer-over-shoulders look with an attached cape. The flirty look is great for office wear as well as evening cocktail attire. With boat or V-neck, this stylish number takes away attention from the top and arms and add the touch of glamour to the shoulders.

Cullote jumpsuits usually sport rounder or higher necklines and higher hemlines. This cut-off hemline is what makes this style popular among the petite framed women, as it creates the illusion of long legs, especially when paired with heels or wedges.

Creating a jazzy, snazzy party look is the flared jumpsuit style where one can experiment all they want with the sleeves or pants. Go off shoulder, bare one shoulder, add frills or high-low flares on the hems— make it your style canvas.

Sweatshirt jumpsuits and tank jumpsuits are both informal attires that can be sported with hoods or without. The slight difference between a tank jumpsuit and a sweatshirt jumpsuit is simply what their names imply — a tank jumpsuit looks like a tank top while a sweatshirt jumpsuit is made of warmer material, creating scope for this summery style in winter.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Surjo

Wardrobe: Poushee

Makeup: Masum

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Location: Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden