Jumpsuits and rompers resurfaced six years ago as a fringe trend. Although they’ve gained momentum, they still aren’t a mainstream look at all. And come to think of it, I don’t think they were ever a mainstream trend back in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

The all-in-one piece has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Pros

• It’s an easy pull-on-and go item that requires minimal styling effort. 
• You’re covered when you bend over, and don’t need to fuss with keeping tops tucked into bottoms. 
• It’s a fun look that is as Modern as it is Retro. 

Cons

• It’s impractical when nature calls. 
• It can look overly matchy-matchy because the top is often in the same fabric as the bottom. 
• It’s sometimes perceived as juvenile. 

I wore jumpsuits as a child and teen in the ‘70s and ‘80s. I loved them then, but didn’t feel the same love when they became fashionable again several years ago. I thought they were fun, retro and glam but was not prepared to put up with the inconvenience when I needed the loo.

But I have warmed to the idea. The look is so fabulous that I might be prepared to put up with the inconvenience. So for the last couple of years I’ve been keeping my eye out. I’ve been looking for one in thicker fabric that has a collar, sleeves, tapered pant hems, and is dressy. So far, I’ve only found casual versions of that style, so perhaps I’ll relax that requirement and make 2015 my year for the casual jumpsuit. 

Over to you. Have you invited jumpsuits and rompers back into your wardrobes, or are you a nay forever?

Skinnies, or slim-fit straight leg jeans and trousers, still have their place. Whether they are body-con, tailored or a little relaxed, the ultra mainstream silhouette, which is going into its tenth year since it resurfaced from the ‘80s, has incredible staying power for three good reasons. 

They Are Very Practical

Skinnies are the item to tuck into weatherproof boots in snowy, slushy and wet weather. Dry pant hems and feet are a wonderful thing, full stop. Plus, the snug fit around the lower leg is warm and insulating. Skinnies paired with all sorts of short or tall boot styles allow you to look fashionable and stylish in nasty weather, which is quite remarkable. 

They Look Great with Flats

The tapered leg fit of skinnies is a proportional match made in heaven with flat footwear (heels that are between half and one and a half inches). So if you gravitate towards very low heel heights, wearing skinnies makes sense. Wearing flat footwear with wider pant hems is not impossible, but the “stumpy feeling” sets in more easily, especially if you have a relatively short inseam. 

They Are an Effective Structural Tool 

The slim-fit of skinnies adds a tailored element to outfits with fluid and oversized tops, making it a handy structural tool. Wearing volume on the top and bottom is very fashion forward, but not everyone’s cup of tea because it can make you feel bigger than you are. Wearing slim-fit pants helps to create a streamlined effect.  

I am over body-con sausage-casing skinnies. But I love to wear skinnies, straight leg jeans and cigarette pants that aren’t that tight. A tailored or relaxed fit is crucial here. I wear them because of the three reasons above, but also because it is nice to have a change from boyfriend jeans, flared jeans, wide-leg pants and slouchy trousers. Plus, I have a soft spot for the classic equestrian look. The tailored and tapered silhouette will probably stay an integral part of my style. 

Over to you. What are your thoughts on skinny jeans and pants these days?

A tiny sneak peek at the Alexander Wang for H&M collection, Gwen Stefani returns to New York Fashion Week, Yoox branches out into activewear and more news from the style trenches this week.

• This Fall, London’s Design Museum will stage an exhibit that explores the relationship between powerful women and their wardrobes.
• Here’s a teeny tiny sneak peek of the much anticipated Alexander Wang for H&M collection.
• I’m looking forward to Gwen Stefani’s return to New York Fashion Week, where she’ll be showing the L.A.M.B. Spring/Summer 2015 collection.
• This week Amazon launched a shopping section that focusses entirely on wearable technology.
• Eileen Ford, co-founder of famous modelling agency Ford Models that launched the career of Lauren Hutton and many others, has died at age 92.
• After Net-a-Sporter, Yoox is next in line to jump on the activewear bandwagon.
• Rag & Bone presents its Men’s Spring 2015 collection through a portrait series that features Jerry Seinfeld.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that this year alone 6.9 million sunglasses were sold on eBay, with Calvin Klein being the most popular brand purchased by US shoppers (nearly 1 million pairs), and Ray-Ban the second most popular brand (over 200,000 pairs).

Casual Summer dresses are a joy to wear in the heat because they’re breezy, feminine, and an easy pull-on-and-go option. Add a bag, pair of shoes, and off you go. No topper required. 

An effective way of refreshing last year’s Summer dress is by wearing it with trendier footwear options. Casual high-heeled strappy wedge sandals and espadrilles are classic, and by no means dated. But flat and lower-heeled shoe options, in closed and open styles, seem more current at the moment. 

Choose neutrals or colours across patterns and solids. Here are the components of the ensemble: 

Dress: Think simple Summer dresses in tailored, flared or sack silhouettes. Silk, linen and cotton fabrications are extra ventilating, but blends work well too. I’ve shown a jersey fit-and-flare, a sleeveless watermelon shift, a waistless shirtdress, a fitted V-neck Grecian style, and a high-low T-shirt dress. High-low maxi dresses and strappy sundresses are other options. Remember to maintain structure by wearing voluminous dresses that do not taper back at the hem above the knee. 

Footwear: This is the crucial part. Think on trend Summer footwear like sneakers, Birkenstocks, pointy toe flats, slipper flats, loafers, ankle strap wedges, dainty thong sandals or gladiators. Sandal booties, ankle strap flats, d’Orsay flats, laceless flat oxfords, and cut-out booties are further options. Choose a colour that works with the dress. 

Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a casual tote, satchel, crossbody or upscale backpack. I chose a cognac tote because it’s extra casual, a nice break from metallic, and quite rich with just about any Summer dress. Add jewellery, watch, eyewear and hat as desired. 

I wore this outfit formula last weekend in gorgeous warm weather and loved it. I combined a boxy dark denim shirtdress sans belt with sporty white loafers and fashionable backpack. I scrunched the sleeves and added sunnies, silver watch and wedding ring. Next time I’ll wear the same look with white sneakers.