The jumpsuit stumps many. A favourite of babies and toddlers, rocking one as an adult is a bit tricky. Many are too short in the torso giving you the dreaded camel toe, while others are too baggy and shapeless, making you look more paratrooper than effortless fashionista.
Don’t even get me started on the whole bathroom issue too. Lesson learned? Never, EVER wear a jumpsuit on a plane. You have to be a contortionist to get it off on time before peeing yourself.
I’m considered tall at 5’8″, and finding the perfect jumpsuit for my frame which I consider “skinny-curvy” is HARD. Like, the struggle is completely real.
After a particularly good workout at Premium Performance Fitness, I popped into Tallow, one of my favourite boutiques here in Ottawa to see what’s new. Owner, Jasmine, is warm, funny and cute and has a healthy dose of style. Her boutique is beautifully curated with awesome “California-chic” brands like Free People and Jen’s Pirate Booty – a personal fave of mine.
Jasmine just happened to be wearing this Jen’s Pirate Booty jumpsuit that day and I bought it because it looked so cute on her! It was easy and effortless, and the light colours were straight up my alley. Also, the fit was on point for me. Not too tight, not too loose, not too short…just right.
This jumpsuit got me to thinking and I thought I’d round up a quick list of tips to help you all pick out a perfect jumpsuit for you. Read on!
Accentuate Your Waist
Jumpsuits with defined waists are ideal. Choose a jumpsuit where the pant section is higher waisted or belted. If you have a bit of a tummy, look for designs that drape nicely over your midsection.
Pear-shaped and think jumpsuits aren’t for you? Find an option that fits your bottom section (palazzo pant jumpsuits are lovely on this type of figure) and have the top altered. It’s worth the money!
Solid Colours Are Just Easier To Wear
Head-to-toe monochromatic is not only très chic, it’s more versatile. If you choose a red or black jumpsuit, you can wear it to work, out for drinks and on formal occasions. It’s also a more flattering look than let’s say a bright pink jumpsuit covered in jalapeño peppers. Yes – I’m serious. Yes – I saw this travesty of a jumpsuit in real life. No – it was not a Halloween costume.
Add Some Heels
Heels are a great way to elevate your look! If you choose a wide-leg jumpsuit, heels are particularly flattering as they lengthen the leg.
This is also a great look for the office or a formal event. A total go-to look of mine.
Opt For A Looser Fit
When I shop for jumpsuits, I take my size and a size down into the changeroom. Unless it’s custom made, jumpsuits are not easy to design, even for top brands.
I find jumpsuits that are a bit on the looser side more flattering. A baggy jumpsuit wouldn’t be my first choice, but neither is a skin-tight one. Looser designs are easier to wear, easier to sit in, easier to get into and out of…you name it.
If you go the route of a palazzo-pant style jumpsuit, make sure the hem grazes the floor while you have your shoes on. I love ankle-length and mid-calf length jumpsuits too, but I wouldn’t go any shorter than that.
Are you a fan of jumpsuits? How do you style yours?
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.