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cut chat room
January 6, 2015

Could Jumpsuits Be the Perfect Uniform?

By the Cut

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This week on the Cut we’re exploring how to get your act together when it comes to personal style — from organizing your closet, to finding your signature scent, to figuring out your work uniform.

Molly Fischer: Allison, please tell us about your many jumpsuits.

Allison Davis: At current count I have nine, including one VERY FANCY Marc Jacobs one that is sequined and weighs 100 million pounds. Most are vintage. My favorite is a vintage DVF that makes me look like I am a sexy garage worker.

Molly: HOT.

Allison: Jumpsuits are my winter going-out wear. Also for when I feel bloated, because they hide all my shapewear. I haven’t figured out how to make a jumpsuit office-appropriate.

Ella Cerón: I mean this sincerely: How do you pee in a jumpsuit?

Kathleen Hou: You just get naked in the bathroom and shiver.

Isabel Wilkinson: I feel like the office jumpsuit is awkward for a few reasons — chief among them the stall nudity.

Kathleen: I think I’ve worn the only one I’ve bought to the office several times. Oops.

Isabel: There are like three inches between stall and door here! How did you do it?

Kathleen: I swear, every time I almost dislocate a shoulder.

Lauren Leibowitz: I have a great jumpsuit my mom wore to weddings in the ‘80s. It’s low-cut, so I wear a camisole underneath, which also guards against nakedness.

Kathleen: Right, it’s winter, so I’ve been trying to layer my jumpsuit. Basically, I spent too much on a jumpsuit at Reformation over the summer so I’ve been trying to “transition” it.

Stella Bugbee: I wore a Cynthia Rowley jumpsuit to my prom. I am a big fan of jumpsuits as long as they’re tailored. It’s like wearing a dress, but you don’t have to worry about showing your underwear when you bend over.

Allison: Exactly. All the effortlessness of a dress without the fear of exposing yer bits.

Isabel: My main problem with jumpsuits — and the reason I’ve worn only one in my life — is that they have a way of tugging up on your butt. They are not flattering for butts. It is a very exposed feeling!

Allison: I don’t know. I have a huge butt and I think I look amazing in jumpsuits.

Stella: Me too, and I love them.

Véronique Hyland: Resident penny-pincher here: Cheap jumpsuits don’t look as obvious as cheap dresses (though maybe I am deluding myself). I wore a Kohls one to a party at the Plaza and I don’t think anyone could tell.

Molly: Interesting. Why is that?

Véronique: Maybe because they hang more flatteringly than dresses?

Ella: Yeah, I have a Forever 21 jumpsuit that people always think cost way more than it really did. Though someone did ask me if it was Kardashian Kollection. I took it as a compliment, TBH.

Kat Stoeffel: I’m really longing for a jumpsuit, but I’m still waiting to find the right one.

Allison: There are so many different cuts of jumpsuit.

Kathleen: Very key: The waist seam needs to hit high so you don’t look like you have short legs.

Ella: Oh, that’s a good point. Like, if you have a short torso or a long torso, Lord help you.

Kathleen: And the crotch needs to be short, if the waist is high.

Kat: I think what we’re saying is there are a lot more fit variables when it comes to jumpsuits compared to dresses and separates, but that it’s worth it if you find the one? Or the nine? If you’re Allison.

Molly: If you’re Allison, it’s worth it.

Kat: Allison is like the inverse of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. All jumpsuits fit her.

Click through our slideshow for 20 jumpsuits worth trying out even if your name isn’t Allison P. Davis.

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1 / 20 Photos
If you get a jumpsuit with a slight sheen like this H&M one, it's dressy enough to be your go-to evening option for years to come.
It's easy to fall into a neutral rut, but a bright-red jumpsuit with a cinched waist and deep V-neck is as flattering as a black one.
The notched lapels on this Topshop jumpsuit act just like they would on a blazer by adding structure and giving off a professional feel.
With its V-neck and wide leg, it's about as Zéline as you can get without actually spending a ton.
Cinched cuffs keep the leg slim and add a casual sweatpantslike vibe, meaning you can wear it with flat boots or lace-up sneakers.
A subtle pinstripe is a nice detail to set this jumpsuit apart from the others. The looser top combined with the cropped fitted leg will look great wi... A subtle pinstripe is a nice detail to set this jumpsuit apart from the others. The looser top combined with the cropped fitted leg will look great with a loafer or a pump.
This is the chicer take on a Forever Lazy that you can justify wearing out of the house.
This Zara one is a strong contender for best jumpsuit: The color looks luxurious and it's inexpensive enough that you can tailor it for the right amou... This Zara one is a strong contender for best jumpsuit: The color looks luxurious and it's inexpensive enough that you can tailor it for the right amount of slouch.
After seeing this jumpsuit on a Cut editor, we can vouch that it's flattering, especially to shorter girls who don't want to hem their pants.
Check out makeup arist Alice Lane for white boiler-suit inspiration. She wears them as her work uniform, changes up the shoes, and looks fan... Check out makeup arist Alice Lane for white boiler-suit inspiration. She wears them as her work uniform, changes up the shoes, and looks fantastic.
The Aritzia jumpsuit had chest pockets, which don't always flatter large boobs. If you're bigger, opt for this Splendid one with the same silhouette. ... The Aritzia jumpsuit had chest pockets, which don't always flatter large boobs. If you're bigger, opt for this Splendid one with the same silhouette.
A classic navy jumpsuit will look good with almost every shoe option: sneakers, menswear-inspired flats, stilettos, and the list goes on.
Wear with black pumps, messy hair, and red lips to look like a chic French editor.
The best part of this jumpsuit is that it zips up the front, making it that much easier to get dressed in the morning.
If you're going for a denim style, look for back pockets to give your butt shape and a slim leg to balance out the oversize top.
A.P.C.'s simple jumpsuit resembles another (much more expensive) French jumpsuit, especially if you ditch the belt.
Add a blazer and this short-sleeve J.Crew number can be worn all winter.
The best patterned jumpsuits will match up to create a clean line head-to-toe like this windowpane-check one.
If you can't wear a drop-waist jumpsuit (which counts for a lot of styles out there), one that ties at the waist will give you a more flattering shape.
Base Range is known for its clean and versatile under-the-radar designs like this washed silk jumpsuit that can be cinched or left slouchy for a drop-... Base Range is known for its clean and versatile under-the-radar designs like this washed silk jumpsuit that can be cinched or left slouchy for a drop-waist look.
1 / 20

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