Fashion 101: The jumpsuit

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BACK IN VOGUE: The jumpusit is back, having made an almost unparalleled return to fashion fabulous in the past two years.

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Was your first memory of the jumpsuit Marianne Faithfull in zip-front leather in Girl on a Motorcycle? Or Abba lined up on the cover of their Arrival album in white zip-ups?

Or perhaps Elvis with his sequin-insert flares and zip-front that only stopped where his belt buckle began? The jumpsuit is an item that started its ascendance in the late 1960s and was firmly etched into the fashion psyche of the '70s.

This disco-era favourite was frequently seen in lurid colours and patterns in fabrics best kept far from flames, often with super-wide legs and halter-necks or floaty sleeves.

WHY YOU NEED IT NOW

Princess Mary's turn in Adelaide recently was proof enough of the star wattage of the jumpsuit at its best. From absolute obscurity for more than a decade, this item has had an almost unparalleled return to fashion fabulous in the past two years.

(And if the last time you wore one was in terry towelling circa 1978, the first time this time around is bound to be a little confronting.)

International designers have been jumping over themselves to put their designs on the catwalk but Australian designers have been leading the way with this trend, probably given the national obsession with the playsuit.

Thankfully, this one's for grown-ups. Zimmermann offered up fun printed styles while Little Joe Woman has army-regulation utilitarian; Gary Bigeni's twist-front take is unique while Fleur Wood has strapless silk and printed pinafore styles.

Muccia by Melanie Cutfield has cute ruffled off-the-shoulder versions with cropped pants while LIFEwithBIRD has sexy sewn up with its inky, slinky styles.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

You can opt for relaxed styles that are quite shapeless through the middle or have drawstring waists for a little definition; alternatively, you can find all-in-ones in sexy styles to suit a night out, perhaps with plunging backs or fronts and in beautiful, sensual fabrics such as heavy washed silks.

And there are more utilitarian styles with sleeves and practical detailing such as external pockets, or printed and floral varieties that are fun and playful for summer.

STYLE TO SUIT YOU

Athletic shapes

Try the more utilitarian styles, such as aviator and biker shapes that mean business; wide-legged varieties will also suit and try sexier, plunge-front styles for evening.

Petite shapes

Avoid wide-leg jumpsuits as they will drag you down and out. Look for cropped legs or styles that taper at the ankle.

Busty shapes

Look for waist definition and for pants that are more voluminous than the top of the garment. Temper the slouchier styles with a chic blazer to make the look more streamlined.

Pear shapes

Beware the bottom line - trousers with a little volume or draping may be the better option, as straight-leg styles with blousy tops may end up hugging your derriere a little tightly.

- © Fairfax NZ News