Most of the time when we think about dressing for a more formal or evening occasion, we think about dresses first. However dressier jumpsuits can make a great alternative and work brilliantly for more mature as well as younger women. Recently I decided to ring the changes and wear a jumpsuit for a formal evening occasion. Here are a few reasons why they can make a great option:
- They provide coverage e.g arms, legs and tummy without introducing the frump factor
- While particularly great for hourglass and pear shapes – there are styles to suit most body shapes and sizes including petite and tall
- You will stand out from the crowd (in a good way)
- They really can be one and done, for example long sleeved versions won’t require a jacket or wrap for evening wear
- Can easily be dressed up or down – just swap out the shoes, bag and jewellery to move from daytime to evening
For this particular occasion (a black-tie dinner) I didn’t have anything in my wardrobe that would work – so I ordered a few jumpsuits to try on from Next as they have a great selection. I also narrowed down the search down by selecting on sale items. This was a good tactic as Autumn-winter season options are likely to be in dressier fabrics and also offer long sleeve options I am also going to Abba Voyage so fancied a more 70’s style jumpsuit. (Apologies some of the links below may not go directly to the item as the Next website does not seem to allow this!)
However Next delivery times (which can be a bit longer for sale items) did not work out, so I also made an “emergency” trip to my local Matalan to find something for the black tie event. Happily I did find something I could go with as well as a few excellent and affordable accessories that I used to style up all the jumpsuits. For reference I am 5 feet 6, and most of the jumpsuits I tried on were a size 8 with a couple of 10’s.
1 Et Vous Monochrome Jumpsuit – Matalan
What was great?
This is a great day time to evening jumpsuit, and would also work for all seasons. You could also use this for workwear with a more formal jacket. Animal print is versatile like that as its trans-seasonal. For this one – you can use accessories emphasise the black tone in winter and the cream in summer.
The fit was also really good for me. I am a cross between an hour glass and pear. It fitted well on the waist and the trousers are relatively relaxed and flared
It was really easy to put together with items I already had in my wardrobe like the the sequin blazer. It comes with a self tie belt but I swapped it out for another one from Matalan (for accessories see below).
Overall at under £30 great value for money.
What was not so great?
If I am being totally honest I am a tiny bit bored with animal print – it is a classic but as a statement print it may have had its day for now?. I think I will enjoy wearing this again sometime this summer though (maybe with wedge espadrilles)
Its a synthetic fabric so I did find myself sticking to the chair a bit half way through the evening
2. AX Paris Blue Jumpsuit (via Next)
What was great
This jumpsuit did not arrive in time for my black-tie event, however it is something I would have worn.
I really like the way it looks in the photos and the culotte length works quite well with my black top-shop mules. The mules look better as they elongate the leg rather than ankle strap sandals which would cut off the leg and make them look shorter
I also like the colour and print – this colour blue is currently very on trend which helps to make it look more fresh and contemporary. This is an affordable option in the sale and is less than £30
What was not so great
The sleeves are a bit long and have a gathered detail then a cuff which I am not sure works. It really did need belting in around the waist and would not have looked good without this. The fabric is a tad flimsy and did not hang 100 percent well around the legs
Overall – I like this a lot but have not decided whether I will keep it or not – I am on the fence!
3. AX Paris Green Jumpsuit (via Next)
What was great
I really like the fabric and style of this jumpsuit, with its high neck and sleeves. Its comfortable to wear and a good length. I felt it looked quite glam with the Matalan belt (with the gold buckle detail) and the green and gold necklace (also Matalan) though that possibly tones in a little too much. Again its a good price.
What was not so great
From the photos you can see that this jumpsuit is not very flattering over the tummy area. It also makes my bust look a bit square. These are not usually problem areas for me so I don’t think I will be keeping this one.
4. Cobalt Blue Jumpsuit Next brand
What was great
This was not the jumpsuit I chose with the Abba Voyage concert in mind. It was a real bargain at £12 reduced from £50. I ordered two sizes, the 8 and the 10. Next sizing tends to be relatively generous so the 8 fitted very well once I had added my own white belt. (It does not come with a belt so you can add you own or not as you please).
Its soft, and comfortable to wear and the fabric has give but at the same time is not too clingy. Its great for a pear or hourglass type figure as It emphasises a smaller waist and skims over the hips. The bag is vintage but the gold sandals are new for Spring from Matalan.
I will definitely be wearing it for the concert.
What was not so great
I have nothing negative to say about this. It would be great for next year’s autumn-winter party season, and I would plan to wear it again then if I get the opportunity!
5. AX Paris Brown Jumpsuit (via Next)
What was great
This sort of animal print in neutral tones is definitely my sort of thing as it goes with everything. It does make a statement but at the same time you could definitely dress it down with trainers, or espadrilles in summer. The fabric is not too heavy so it would also be a good occasion wear all-year-rounder.
Again very affordable, less than £30 in the sale.
What was not to great
Well I don’t know if you see what I do? There is something very unflattering about the pattern. These are also the most flattering of the photos I took… The way the stripes cross the lower half of the body make my hips and thighs (not my smallest area anyway) look much bigger than they are. Conversely the smaller stripes on the top half make that area out of proportion. The fact that the stripe pattern is uneven on each side of the chest does not help either. Basically my verdict is the size or the print is too big to be flattering on this type of garment which needs to be slinky and body skimming.
Regrettably this jumpsuit is therefore not for me, and I am not sure I would recommend it.
Accessories
Most of the accessories that I used to style these jumpsuits came from Matalan. The Matalan website does have all of the items I used but does have these two belts
I do however recommend you take a look at Matalan’s jewellery and footwear range in store.
These gold sandals are a great Spring-Summer option if you prefer a lower heel like me.
