Vintage Floral Jumpsuit

In recent years, the jumpsuit has gone from ‘eighties throwback to style staple. A quick Google yields two pages of fashion brands selling the item of clothing before you even get to a definition, courtesy of Wikipedia on page three. It may be catwalk and high street star these days, but the traditional one-piece has far more humble roots: originating from utilitywear, this now-iconic piece of clothing needed to be practical, comfortable and protective, worn by the likes of pilots, drivers, parachuters and manual labourers. The style first segued into high fashion in the 1960s, before reaching its heyday in the ’80s. Worn by music stars from Elvis Presley to Mick Jagger, Britney Spears to the Spice Girls, there’s something almost insouciant about the effortlessly stylish one-piece. Perhaps its the futuristic nature of the garment, or maybe just the glamorous souls who popularised it. And while the ongoing trend for novelty loungewear onesies is best left just that, in recent years its acceptable daywear sibling has experienced a resurgence; something about its unbroken line and minimal aesthetic fits a modern mood.

I love the style’s utilitarian roots and original status as a unisex garment, which gives the jumpsuit an attractive androgyny. That said, while I’d love to don a chic tapered style or fashionable khaki boiler suit to maximise those origins, a more voluminous cut, nipped in at the waist in a retro print, is more flattering to an hourglass figure. When I spotted such a brightly coloured floral number in my favourite vintage clothing shop, Armstrong’s, I almost squealed when I realised it was a one-piece! And although it might not be the most practical these days (involving a degree of stripping off for trips to the loo) I still adore its effortless elegance and surprising versatility. I’ve worn this to garden parties, on day trips and everything in between this Summer and it’s certainly provided excellent style mileage – dressed down with sandals and sunnies, or dressed up with a leather jacket and heels.

Are you a jumpsuit fan?

What I’m wearing: vintage floral jumpsuit, bag c/o Laura Ashley, Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, rose gold Saltwater sandals, vintage accessories.