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Top Five

Top Five: Rompers

In these trying times, we always have our eyes peeled, searching for sartorial solutions that will solve our wardrobe needs efficiently and effectively. Though we've occasionally wandered off the map in our adventures, these explorations have also introduced (or reintroduced) us to a directional item that is the epitome of easy dressing: the jumpsuit. Accordingly, it's with a real sense of glee that we present our favorite trouser-and-top combos in today's Top Five!



Proving that fashion always comes full circle, this new iteration of the playsuit is not just for kids, as evidenced by the decidedly grown-up fare sent down the Chloe, Dries van Noten, Gucci, and Lanvin Spring 09 runways. We are also seeing this fashionably fused item on red-carpet ready celebs like Taylor Momsen (snapped in Jen Kao's version at a fashion week presentation), Mary-Kate Olsen (spotted in a short black satin Calvin Klein number at a premiere) and Kate Bosworth (sporting a taupe Topshop jumpsuit to dinner at Nobu in Malibu).

Unlike its more casual cousin (overalls), rompers and jumpsuits create a look that is sophisticated, unfussy and perfectly pulled together in one fell swoop. They're also incredibly versatile, outfitting everyone from kids in sandboxes to mechanics on the job to Jerry Hall in her disco heyday. The good news about this vast spectrum and crazy adaptability is that you can achieve any desired result, depending on how you choose to style it. Whether you opt for an all-in-one that is long or short, it is important to pay attention to the fabric and fit. A luxurious material or eye-catching pattern can compliment this voluminous silhouette and create a feminine look. Remember that accessorizing will always help you achieve a polished ensemble; a strong heel and statement necklace will no doubt bring this shape to new stylish heights.

Though this garment will seamlessly fit into your transitional spring wardrobe, it definitely is a lot of work to find the most desirable jumpers out there, at different price points for every occasion. After all, the point of this piece is to create an easy all in one outfit, so we went ahead and did the grunt work for you by gathering a group of particularly stand out jumpsuits—enjoy!

1. ADAM Sleeveless Silk Jumpsuiticon ($345)
First on our must-have list is ADAM's Sleeveless Silk Jumpsuiticon ($345). We love the bright hue, drapey blouson top, and ruching detail at the bottom of the shorts. Dress it down for an upscale bar-b-que or style it in a slightly more grown-up way and wear it to a lovely luncheon with a boyfriend blazer and a knockout clutch. Make sure to add a substantial shoe like Steve Madden's Raceyy Bootie ($150) and layer Erickson Beamon's Abigail Necklace ($803, by special order 310.360.8008) to get a refined final look.

2. APC Pilot Jumpsuit ($360)
APC is our go-to-resource for elegantly simple and well-constructed casual staples, so its no surprise we found and fell in love with their Pilot Jumpsuit ($360). Leave it to this insider-favorite French label to elevate a workman-inspired onesie to a tailored and sharply sophisticated piece. We would leave the top of the neck unzipped and layer it over a stripped tee. Pair this playsuit with simple peep-toe heels in a neutral color, like N.Y.L.A.'s Peeker Pump ($97), and you've got this utilitarian-chic ensemble nailed!

3. What Comes Around Goes Around Jasmin Romper ($230)
With its floral print and spaghetti straps, What Comes Around Goes Around's Jasmin Romper ($230) is begging to be taken to your favorite outdoor music festival. The airy shape looks perfect with a wellie or boot (very Kate Moss at Glastonbury, n'est pas?), though it lends itself to warm-weather footwear too. Try Steve Madden's Benitaa Bootie ($170) for an après party outfit—sans muddy mosh-pits, thank you very much! You can also take the sweetness down a notch by wearing it with a fitted olive green military jacket or play up its retro girly vibe via a wedge heel and your favorite belt. Keep the jewelry simple and you'll have a rocking outfit to rock out in!

4. Jen Kao Karadogon Playsuit ($1045)
We were over the moon when we spotted Jen Kao's Karadogon Playsuit ($1045), as Kao is one of our favorite up-and-coming American designers. This runway-quality piece is a perfect example of why Kao deserves all of the hype and celeb love she has been receiving lately. The evening-appropriate silvery color and strategically placed cutouts make this jumpsuit a beautiful alternative to your standard nighttime options. Style it with an ankle-strap platform sandal, like BCBG's Monroe Patent Leather Heels ($240), and Super Candy by Candace's Ang Satin Ruffle Necklace ($48) to get a sexy, of-the-moment look.

5. Helmut Lang Knit Feather Jersey Jumpsuit ($290)
Another great way to transition the jumpsuit into after-dark apparel is to find a piece that mimics popular nighttime silhouettes (think: tight, slightly revealing). We like the Knit Feather Jersey Jumpsuit ($290) by Helmut Lang, which is simple, stylish, and completely on trend. Belt this flirty piece and pair it with a laced-up peep-toe platform bootie, like Nine West's Twyla Pump ($169), for a night on the town.—KM

COMMENTS (25)

Hey Stylistas! We have a HUGE selection of vintage rompers and jumpsuits on our site..come check it out! http://www.theurbancollection.com

Posted by: theURBANcollect |  2009-06-25 10:01:20

i love the what goes around romper..it's sooo cute

Posted by: cassie |  2009-04-26 14:36:06

Stop Staring has the best playsuits!

Posted by: riley |  2009-04-09 11:40:08

love the bright pink of the ADAM jumpsuit and the brights colors of the What Comes Around Goes Around jumpsuit

Posted by: freckles |  2009-04-08 05:43:20

i LOVE the look of that navy APC one. i do however have a hunch that if i wore it i might look like a custodian.

Posted by: RJAY |  2009-04-07 21:31:40

i like the jumpsuit look, but wouldn't pay more than maybe $50 for a new one, or pick one from the myriads of them at my local thrift store for $5 on half price Wednesdays. hey, maybe i'll go tomorrow and look for one!

Posted by: Kelly |  2009-04-07 16:46:04

these are so expensive! listen to SJP, fashion isn't a luxury! I found some good ones in forever 21: http://www.forever21.com/search.asp?keyword=jumpsuit or AA: http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa8359.html http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa8359p.html http://store.americanapparel.net/search.html?s=romper&x=0&y=0 or even Topshop: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultCmd?langId=-1&storeId=12556&catalogId=19551&beginIndex=0&searchTermScope=3&searchTermOperator=LIKE&searchType=ALL&sort_field=Relevance&searchTerm=jumpsuit all A LOT cheaper than the ones displayed here

Posted by: GaGa |  2009-04-07 14:06:16

i tried some of these on at a high-end department store (holt renfrew for those canadians out there) and they all looked terrible. these look good on the anorexic models but don't do much for the girls with curves. i like the look, just not on me.

Posted by: tbagz |  2009-04-07 13:23:13

Even Target has jumped on this train with the American Apparel rip-off they are selling. I believe Forever 21 has some ok ones, and also check out etsy/ebay for actual vintage/affordable versions.

Posted by: SheShe |  2009-04-07 11:57:25

All TERRIBLE. Last year, no one was wearing these unflattering throw-backs to the 80's and now everyone is - just because the fashion mags tell them to. Don't be a sheep, ladies! If you seriously love jumpsuits then I hope to God you were wearing them before they became "trendy." www.ontheblogbandwagon.blogspot.com

Posted by: Wanderlusting |  2009-04-07 11:28:40

Love them all..! But yeah they are all to expensive for me :( Please do a post with cheaper options :)

Posted by: Molly |  2009-04-07 11:23:28

I think jumpsuits are great and sophisticated while rompers are for the most part sweet and girly. I can't really pull off rompers with my thunder thighs but a sleek jumpsuit do wonders. I like the picks but as someone said a budget friendly one would have been much more beneficial.

Posted by: shannon |  2009-04-07 11:15:17

Jumpsuits are totally cute, but what does one do in the restroom? Take the whole top off?

Posted by: Katy |  2009-04-07 10:56:02

Love the floral romper. xoxo beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com

Posted by: Amber |  2009-04-07 10:05:33

i dont agree that little kids are who should be wearing the rompers. i just recently bought one and i think its bloody adorable and i work it just fine. i mean i think they are pretty trendy, but something worth investing in, for at least one. but i mean WWWD, these are too expensive when you can buy ones just as cute for not even a fraction of these prices. and i mean maybe it is a trendy piece but its not going out of style for awhile. im a firm believe of the jumpsuit/romper and i will proudly sport it.

Posted by: ami |  2009-04-07 09:57:35

You could at least show one piece that is budget friendly.

Posted by: Jenny |  2009-04-07 09:54:33

I think if you know how to dress it, a person can wear a jumper and a romper. Just because some people can't wear a certain outfit doesn't we all can't enjoy it for ourselves.

Posted by: Champagne |  2009-04-07 09:24:50

If you're interested in affordable vintage jumpsuits, we have a selection we think Who What Wear readers will enjoy! www.theURBANcollection.com xoxoDree

Posted by: dree |  2009-04-07 09:19:30

Jumpsuits, Rompers, and more One Pieces at FreePeople.com! Under $100!

Posted by: Megan |  2009-04-07 09:09:16

Cool. Nothing under $250.00 - and that's for the shorts. Please wake up, WWWD.

Posted by: Llew |  2009-04-07 09:01:53

totally agree with the comments above - it's too trendy for such a splurge - i'd rather invest in a nice bag or shoes or something classic! yours truly, \\yy xo http://yvetteyeau.com

Posted by: Yvette |  2009-04-07 08:53:22

I would not spend so much money on such a trendy piece.

Posted by: Katie |  2009-04-07 08:28:27

Jumpsuits are one thing, but no one over the age of six should be wearing a romper. In fact, I can't even think of a six-year old that would wear a romper. We're not in preschool, people.

Posted by: T |  2009-04-07 07:15:37

i'm sorry but who can afford a 1000 dollar onesie in this economic climate?

Posted by: ladyy |  2009-04-07 06:40:33

a must have item for this season, they can be formal yet casual. sport your rompers immediately! you'll look FAB!

Posted by: garnettha |  2009-04-07 06:05:05

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