One-Piece Chic
The style of our times that is both modern and comfortable: one-piece outfits. Long, mini, colourful or plain, they appeal to every taste; these are the bright, cheerful dresses and jumpsuits we reach for especially in the summer months.
These one-pieces, which we often choose to wear in seaside towns, are very stylish. They are also women’s go-to choice for pool or beach parties, those summer essentials, and for countryside weddings. So there’s no need to wonder what to wear or waste time! Just put it on and go!
For me, for example, sneakers paired with pencil dresses and small shoulder bags with long chain straps are the chicest pieces of street style. Colourful, patterned dresses and jumpsuits are the stylish choice for beaches, pool parties and countryside weddings.
First of all, let’s take care to pair patterned pieces with simple accessories so the look isn’t overwhelming. Plain one-pieces, on the other hand, we can liven up with colourful, cheerful accessories, creating outfits that suit the warm months. Summer means colour!
Broad Shoulders
If you have broad shoulders, opt for strapless or spaghetti-strap styles. If you have narrow shoulders, styles with wide straps or puff sleeves will flatter you much more. And if you have a full bust, V-necks are just right for you!
Image: A model wearing a strapless black jumpsuit in front of an old wooden wall (representative image) — Liz Welsh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
A dress and jumpsuit guide to one-piece chic
The greatest advantage of a one-piece is that it cuts the time spent thinking about an outfit almost to zero. Choosing the right cut, however, is the key to achieving comfort and style at the same time. With a jumpsuit, it is important that the waistline sits in the right place and that the leg length works with your shoes. A long-legged jumpsuit, for example, looks more balanced with wedge heels, while an ankle-length style looks better with sneakers or sandals.
One-pieces from day to evening
- For daytime, finish a cotton or linen jumpsuit with trainers and a crossbody bag.
- For evening, refresh the same piece with a thin belt, heeled sandals and statement earrings.
- Keep accessories simple with patterned styles and colourful with plain colours.
- And for cool evenings, throw a cropped jacket or a light cardigan over your one-piece.
Fabric choice is just as important as the cut. In summer especially, breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton and viscose keep you feeling fresh all day.
For those looking for one-piece chic, another classic is the shirt dress; for different styling ideas, see our article on shirt dresses. Finally, for the history of the jumpsuit and its different uses, the jumpsuit entry on Wikipedia makes for an enjoyable read.