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What Was She Wearing

How They Wear: Jumpsuits

Here at Who What Wear headquarters, we've raved about the reemergence of the jumpsuit for ages. The all-in-one first piqued our interest a while back, but this season there are great new variations on the style that keep us wanting more. We love the look's effortless and easy appearance, though admittedly, this exact aspect is the trickiest part of wearing said item. As we learned the hard way, when styling a jumpsuit, you definitely need to have a specific strategy in mind (lest you end up looking like you're wearing a shapeless sack). That said, rather than going through the hard work of hashing out an exact plan, instead, just look to a few of our favorite fashionable ladies for cues on how to wear this key piece. Whether they pick an eye-catching pattern, a luxurious fabric, or a smart accessory to spice up the assemblage, these six prime examples illustrate how to wear the jumpsuit well.



Unsurprisingly, our stylish subjects offered a range of riffs on the jumpsuit, but there are a couple of ground rules that they all seemed to honor. Specifically: voluminous tops must be cinched at the natural waist, while bottoms should stick to the season's harem pant proportion and have slightly tapered leg. And while some of our trendsetters opted for statement accessories (belts, shoes, and big jewels are all welcome at the playsuit party!), they all chose to keep their add-ons simple, ensuring that the core of their ensemble could really shine.

Silhouette and styling decisions aside, we've noticed that many members of the fashionable-and-famous crowd are quite fond of patterned jumpsuits—the more interesting the print, the better. While running errands around Studio City, Lindsay Lohan picked an airy and loose-fitting number with small animal print; try Sunner's Long Slip Jumpsuit ($284) for a lookalike indigo style. The wide balloon leg of her selection looks smart with a pair of fantastic heels, like her Fendi Budior Mesh Heels ($504, 212.759.4646) or Nine West's Jay Sandals ($79). Beyonce also provides another excellent exhibit of how to smartly wear a playsuit in a subtle mauve pattern. The Sasha Fierce singer's low-cut, sleeveless, and rolled-leg selection is perfect for any daytime activity, and provides a nice backdrop for her showy sandals and futuristic shades. The Floral Jumpsuit ($68) from ASOS or Warehouse's Popper Front Jumpsuit ($85) are both great alternatives that bare a strikingly stylish resemblance to Knowles' choice. Pop star Katy Perry also decided on a printed garment—specifically zebra stripes—to attend an event at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas. Her H&M Zebra Jumpsuit ($60) is playful to the nth degree and looks particularly precious with her brightly colored ankle boots, H&M Wide Belt ($20), and H&M Crafty Necklace ($15).

Of course, some fashion-forward forces prefer to wear simpler styles. For example, Kate Bosworth donned 3.1 Phillip Lim's Accordian Neck Jumpsuit ($450) to run errands in New York, which looked unfussy and chic—the epitome of the jumpsuit allure. Her sleeveless piece with a drawstring waist is ideal for a luncheon or an outdoor afternoon event. To achieve Bosworth's easy-going vibe, try Myne's May Silk Jumpsuiticon ($198) or Geren Ford's Rivet Jumpsuit ($340), just keep the jewelry to a minimum and throw on your favorite sunglasses.

While Bosworth went for a casual look, a monochromatic jumpsuit can be dressed up easily, as long as you pay attention to fabric, fit, and accessories. At Harry Josh's Spring Fling Party at the Gramercy Park Hotel rooftop, star stylist Rachel Zoe wore a vintage Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit accented with a vintage sequined beanie. Her long-sleeved, sleek look is easy to achieve: just pair ASOS's Jersey Harem Jumpsuit ($50) with a sparkly accessory. Whitney Port offers another fine example of how to seamlessly incorporate a jumpsuit into your evening rotation. Rather than wearing the expected gown to a charity event at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in New York City, Port picked Diane von Furstenberg's Carolette Charmeuse Jumpsuit ($169, on sale) in champagne. Her haltered selection has a low-back, draped-top, and cropped-length that creates a flawless, flirty warm-weather silhouette (try the Silken Roma Sleeveless Jumpsuit ($149) by bebe for a similar look).—KM


And finally, before we go, a question: are you a student with back-to-school style questions? WhoWhatWear.com can solve your worst wardrobe worries, just click here for more info.


Photos of Lindsay Lohan, Whitney Port, from Splash; Photo of Beyonce, from Pacific Coast News; Photo of Katy Perry, from Getty Images; Photo of Kate Bosworth, from INF.
Beyonce , Katy Perry
DISCUSS/27 post(s)


Stop Staring has cute jumpsuits!www.stopstaringclothing.com

        Posted by: riley  |  2009-06-16 21:33:30

I don't know, personally, I'm not a fan of jumpsuits. One trend i will not be wearing this summer.

        Posted by: Emma  |  2009-06-16 20:18:27

the only people it looks Great on is kate bosworth and rachel zoe. on the others it looks silly and looks like something they'll regret they once wore.

        Posted by: D  |  2009-06-16 17:45:48

oooops! sorry, the website is www.shopadam.com and look up the jumpsuits or the jumpers if you're feeling like showing off some leg b/c they're super sweet too!

        Posted by: alexleeadam  |  2009-06-16 12:52:13

I LOVE the Rachel Zoe jumpsuit and I really wanted one for summer but I didn't want to spend a ton of money buuut I got really lucky and found a fabulous jumpsuit that looks exactly like the one Rachel Zoe has from the ADAM by Adam Lippes Spring/Summer 2009 collection! It's black and super chic and didn't even break my budget at all because he's having a sale on this collection and an even better one at the end of this week! P.S. If you sign up to be on the ADAM e-mail list you can get even more special sale offers and, I mean, what's not to love about that?!

        Posted by: alexleeadam  |  2009-06-16 12:46:50

love rachel zoe and katy perry. so chic.

        Posted by: lovesgemma  |  2009-06-16 01:14:45

i love jumpsuits and rompers..only problem is it sucks when you have to go pee...
tofuscloset.blogspot.com

        Posted by: cassie  |  2009-06-15 21:35:19

Jumpsuits are too cute! But they just don't look good on me :( For your fabulous fix, visit http://beautyandthebudget.onsugar.com !

        Posted by: Valerie  |  2009-06-15 21:21:16

LiLo looks AWFUL....Beyonce looks surprisingly good..I didn't think a jumpsuit would flatter her curvy bod

        Posted by: lulu  |  2009-06-15 20:49:58

gross. seriously am i the only one who thinks they look like they are either going to sleep or...collecting garbage? only kate bosworth's is bearable.

        Posted by: alice  |  2009-06-15 20:12:24

hate to admit it, but katy perry looks great

        Posted by: ami  |  2009-06-15 19:18:11

I love Kate Bosworth's Phillip Lim!!! I found it 40% off in black at www.shopdiavolina.com

        Posted by: Lauren  |  2009-06-15 16:08:04

I've got to say, I hate this trend! The only one I think looks good in it is Rachel Zoe, and only by a hair - she'd look much better if she didn't look like she had a rod somewhere vital all the time! At least Beyonce is pulling it off with a smile... http://dreamingspiresandoldcartyres.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: MJ  |  2009-06-15 15:41:10

The number that Lindsay is wearing actually look good??? C'mon are you blind? The animal pattern makes it look like she's wearing pj's. I'm not so crazy about the trend, but I think a solid color or a subdued pattern would work.

        Posted by: Vic  |  2009-06-15 15:01:27

I like the jumpsuit trend if the accesories are kept simple. I suggest wearing a pair of gladiators or flats. Goldyn as a great pair of OTBT galdiators which come in a variety of colors. Check them out at www.shopgoldyn.com

        Posted by: Claire  |  2009-06-15 14:00:59

i dont like this look at all. i like rompers though

        Posted by: Lianna  |  2009-06-15 13:00:43

who makes Bosworth's bag??

        Posted by: g  |  2009-06-15 12:23:32

I really like this trend! Although I don't think a ll of them pulls it off. Lindsay's is nice, it should just be a bit skinnier in the leg. Beyonce looks extremly pale, she could use 20 minutes in a tanning bed...Whitney, who I usually love, looks really frumpy and the colour is so old-ladyish. Katy and Kate manages to look well put together and I think this is the most sympathic I've ever seen Rachel Zoe look... And she still looks like she had fun with 2 pounds of botox...

        Posted by: Lima  |  2009-06-15 09:55:25

I like K-Boz the best and love her shoes. Beyonce's is actually flattering!

        Posted by: MEP  |  2009-06-15 09:46:04

wait really on lohan? That's terrible, the proportion is all wrong, as is the pattern. Really I think only whitney port pulled this off, the cropped pant on hers is perfection. Kate bosworth is a near second, though I wish she would fill out her clothes a little better. Overall I love jumpsuits, though I'm sad that next summer, my rompers I've had for years will look dated instead of interesting because everyone else finally jumped on board...

        Posted by: b  |  2009-06-15 09:36:27

love it! xo http://yvetteyeau.com

        Posted by: Yvette  |  2009-06-15 08:18:26

I love jumpers, I have a romper, so I want to upgrade to a jumper if I can find one that fits me while.

        Posted by: Champagne  |  2009-06-15 08:11:37

I think Katy Perry is like one of the most "real" celebs. I mean, she could be flaunting a $500 jumpsuit, but instead she goes for the one from F21 that anyone can afford! I love her for that!

        Posted by: Alex  |  2009-06-15 07:50:56

Jumpsuits: they either stumpify you, or make you look 15 years older. Unless you are Beyonce. Then you look fun. I don't like those particular sunglasses, though: I would've gone with something more like these Oliver Peoples: http://www.popularglasses.com/Product_Category/Sunglasses/Oliver_Peoples/SOFIANE_DTBWITHSPICEBROWNGRADIENT.asp

        Posted by: Allie  |  2009-06-15 07:38:21

I love jumpsuits! They are sooo comfy! Everyone looks great here. obsessionsandinspirations.blogspot.com

        Posted by: tina Tsuchiyama  |  2009-06-15 04:32:38

beyonce and lindsay look the best......i would nt even want to comment on the rest!

        Posted by: kainaz  |  2009-06-15 04:10:21

I really do not like Rachel Zoe at all and her inability to pull a smile or look enthused. Out of all of these, I think I like Beyonce the most, maybe its the shorter pant leg?

        Posted by: rach  |  2009-06-15 02:08:19

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