The Jumpsuit – A One-Piece Wardrobe Staple For Casual, Intimate, Or Formal Occasions
A jumpsuit, sometimes shortened to romper or even dungarees, marries the best features of dresses and trousers. Wearing the right one can make you look several inches taller and slimmer.
Designer Caron Callahan offers jumpsuits that feel elevated but practical. She also has the short-sleeve Crawford and a cross-back Crista model.
Style
When your calendar fills up with casual, intimate, or formal events, you need a one-piece wardrobe staple that is both chic and comfortable. A jumpsuit is perfect for these occasions and can be dressed up or down with accessories and shoes. For example, you can wear a flared jumpsuit with heels to look glamorous for a party or go for a more casual look by wearing a pair of flat sandals.
While a jumpsuit is a great fashion staple for all occasions, you can make it even more versatile by choosing the right style and material for your outfit. There are many different jumpsuit styles available, from short sleeves to long sleeves, and tight-fitting jumpsuit to loose-fitting pant legs. You can also choose a fabric that suits your preferences and fits well, such as denim or subtle prints.
Once a fashion darling in the 1920s, jumpsuits took a hiatus until the late 60’s when designer Elsa Schiaparelli began to incorporate them into her collections. Later, the garment gained popularity with rock and roll stars, including Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury as Ziggy Stardust.
While you can dress a jumpsuit up or down with accessories, it is important to avoid over-accessorizing. Too many accessories can overwhelm the look of a jumpsuit, so you should limit your accessories to two or three items at most. For example, you can add a necklace, earrings, or bracelet to your jumpsuit for a polished look. You can also accessorize with a scarf or hat to add interest to your look.
Material
Whether you want to create a jumpsuit with a flowing silhouette or something more structured, the fabric you choose will impact how your garment looks and feels. Ideally, you’ll want to use lightweight fabrics that are comfortable for wear and easy to clean. A breathable material like rayon will be great for summer, while heavier options like cotton or linen will be ideal for cooler weather.
Depending on the type of jumpsuit you’re creating, there are many different ways to style it. For example, a utilitarian jumpsuit can feature a variety of pockets for convenient storage. For a more fashionable look, you can choose to add a wide array of accessories and embellishments. For a feminine touch, try an off-the-shoulder neckline that echoes popular gown designs.
Once you’ve chosen the fabric for your jumpsuit, it’s time to start constructing the pattern. You can print your sewing pattern at home on A4 or US letter sized paper, or take it to a copyshop to have it printed on A0 paper. Once you’ve done that, you can begin by edge-stitching the back hook-and-loop tape to its corresponding loop tape in the front of the jumpsuit, and to the shoulder seams of each arm. You can also sew in the sleeve tubing channels and upholstery cord with 3/4″ seam allowance, and match them with the corresponding points on the front of the jumpsuit.
Length
The jumpsuit is back, and fashionista hailed it as “fashion’s new moneymaker.” Some e-commerce sites have made room for the style on their clothing drop-down menu. Others lump it in with dresses, as Nordstrom does. This categorical confusion can be blamed on the jumpsuit’s relatively recent reemergence in the world of high fashion. After a hiatus, jumpsuits became popular in the late 60’s and 70’s when designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli began incorporating them into their collections. Then, they were spotted on celebrities such as Cher and Elvis.
When shopping for a jumpsuit, keep in mind its overall length. A cropped jumpsuit hemmed just above the ankle can be worn with heels or cute booties. A long jumpsuit can be paired with a cardigan or jacket, especially if it has a fitted top that lends shape and definition to the waist, as seen on Jess Keys in this button-front linen jumpsuit.
If your body type leans more towards one extreme than the other, consider a jumpsuit in a mid-length or long hemline. A long jumpsuit can be paired easily with flats, such as the pointed-toe pumps that Julianne Hough wore with her lace-up jumpsuit. A wide-leg jumpsuit can be paired with flats or ankle boots, as favored by Kim Kardashian and Emma Stone.
Waistline
A jumpsuit can be a striking fashion statement, but it’s important to know your exact size when purchasing one. Many people find that they are too big for their jumpsuit, but this is usually easy to fix. You simply need to do a jumpsuit few simple alterations, just as you would for any other piece of clothing.
To determine your correct jumpsuit size, start by taking your torso measurement. You should do this while wearing form fitting pants and a bra that fits well. The measurement should be taken from the highest point of your shoulder to the bottom of your crotch.
Once you have your measurement, you should divide it in two. This will give you the measurement for your front and back jumpsuit. Then, add the standard ease that is included in most sewing patterns to that number. For example, if your measurement is 60”, add 1” to the front of the jumpsuit and 2 – 2 1/2” for the back.
The other area that can be altered in a jumpsuit is the length. This is especially important if you plan on wearing it with heels. It’s a good idea to wear the jumpsuit with heels when shopping so you can see how it will look when worn with heels. This can prevent you from getting a jumpsuit that is too short and having to go get it hemmed later.
