There’s a trend that is emerging again and sweeping the world of formal wear. Formal jumpsuits aren’t an entirely new trend, but has resurfaced and better than ever. From galas to the red carpet, ladies are dropping the traditional gowns for sleek, classy jumpsuits. Whether they are solid black with a hint of shine or brightly patterned, long-sleeved or strapless, structured or loose, this essential fashion piece has captivated formal attire.
Celebrities have adorned themselves with jumpsuits for many years—Elvis Presley in embellished white, Diana Ross in sparkling orange, Cher in skintight lace—but recently there’s been a surge of one-pieces on the red carpet.
At the 2015 Golden Globes, Emma Stone dazzled us all in a Lanvin jumpsuit with a silver sequined bodice and a huge bow at the waist that draped down to her pointed black pumps. The sharp black pants on the bottom contrasted beautifully with the shimmering, intricate designs on top. Lorde donned a similar look for the occasion, wearing a custom pantsuit by Narciso Rodriguez with a crop top underneath for a little edge.
The People’s Choice Awards red carpet was brimming with this sophisticated new trend. Portia De Rossi sported a strikingly blue, figure-hugging jumpsuit by Zuhair Murad complete with a plunging neckline and a gold geometric pattern. De Rossi and her wife Ellen DeGeneres, who wore all white, were impossible to miss. Ellen Pompeo of Grey’s Anatomy fame looked stunning in a peachy one-piece that outlined her figure and flowed at her ankles. The lacy cutouts that traced her arms, revealed her waist, and dipped at the neckline added to the elegant touch of the outfit.
But the jumpsuit has permeated beyond Hollywood high fashion; even high school dance
s have caught on. Girls have begun to show up to their school dances in the fabulous jumpsuit getups previously only seen on the red carpet. A senior at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, Alexis Payne, wore her first jumpsuit to the semiformal dance at her school in December. She had decided that a less traditional outfit would complement her less traditional hairstyle: dreadlocks. So, she opted for a beautiful black jumpsuit from the Burlington Coat Factory with a thick sash belt at the waist, a high neckline, and loose pants. She enjoyed the simplicity, the way it stood out among the many gowns, and how comfortable she felt on the dance floor. Although she doesn’t think she’ll wear one for prom, Ms. Payne thoroughly relished the experience.
The jumpsuit has spurred a change in formal attire at every level of fashion. This norm-breaking piece has won the hearts of fashion-forward high school girls and Oscar-winning celebrities alike. I can’t wait to see what jumpsuit madness this upcoming awards season and the following prom season will bring us. Long live the jumpsuit!
