Jumpsuits & playsuits: women's 2010 fashion trend

Written by Tania Braukamper

It doesn't seem that long ago that cutesy playsuits & rompers were a summer must-have (albeit a short lived one). Well as luck would have it, one-piece anythings are back in fashion for Spring 2010. From overalls to jumpsuits read on for details on where the trend has been seen, as well as how to wear it.

Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 2010

• Styles
• Lengths
• How to wear it
• Inspiration pictures

Jumpsuit & Playsuit Styles

Overalls: while we saw denim overalls on the Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk, this was really an exception. We don't expect denim overalls to take off as part of this trend in 2010.

Evening: a new take on relaxed glamour, no-one has nailed this quite like Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Single-shouldered and sequin covered jumpsuits were a striking alternative to the traditional evening dress.

Tailored: smart and sophisticated, a tailored playsuit can be office-ready as well as dressed up for day or night. Look for crisper fabrics, cuffed shorts, and cinched in waists - a la Karl Lagerfeld.

Loose and flowing: the perfect take for Spring/Summer, this look has a dash of hippy - working best when combined with soft floral prints. Fabrics should be free-flowing, legs wide and long. The likes of Roberto Cavalli and Etro produced the perfect examples.

Sporty: Julien MacDonald, Lacoste and Walter all took sportier options, in line with Spring 2010's sports trend; from hoods and zips to simple cotton jersey fabrics.

Basic: while some designers have gone for prints and intricate detailing, the likes of Stella McCartney and Givenchy presented the ideal basic options. A more versatile wardrobe staple, go for black, white or nude colours and simple straight cuts.

Pictures of these styles and others can be found in the gallery of jumpsuit and playsuit pictures below.

Jumpsuit & Playsuit Lengths

Judging by the runways of Spring 2010, anything goes when it comes to length. At their shortest, we saw playsuits and rompers that were almost as tiny as hot pants (in a way blurring the lines between playsuits and bodysuits). At their longest they reached the ankles as full jumpsuits, and in between were knee length and mid-calf versions like those seen on the runways of Badgley Mischka and DKNY.

How To Wear Jumpsuits & Playsuits

While you can get a pretty clear idea of some of the style options via the paragraph above, here are some more general tips and ideas of how to wear the trend:

• If you have curves or a pear-shaped figure, try for a halter jumpsuit or playsuit, belted in firmly at the waist, for a bombshell silhouette.
• For night time opt for luxurious fabrics like silks; details like sequins or sheer panels; or leather for an edgier look.
• If you go for a basic block-colour piece, the options are practically endless. Try a cropped jacket in a contrasting colour, a la Givenchy; bold statement jewellery; any variety of belts or ties; or some out there add-ons like removable shoulder epaulettes, badges, chains, or interesting layers.
• Another way to wear the jumpsuit in 2010 is with an exotic feel: to work this style look for billowing harem-style pants with gathered-in ankles.

Visit the gallery below for picture inspiration on the jumpsuit and playsuit trend.

Trend updates

Written: 10th November 2009 at 04.07