Several years ago, the word romper – or onesie or playsuit or all-in-one, for that matter – conjured up images of little girls with pigtails playing hopscotch in the driveway. Doesn’t that seem like another lifetime? Now no woman’s warm-weather wardrobe would be finished without one of these in the mix. Just choose your accessories sagely. Opt for sleek flats or high wedges with a swipe of lipstick over braids and sidewalk chalk!
There are two routes to take: Overtly frisky, going all-out with childlike details and embracing the inherently spunky silhouette (let’s face it, you are wearing something called a “romper!”). Or a more refined direction, putting a grown-up spin on the innocent look, with fluid fabrics and mature draping. Whether you’re going for nubile Lolita, hot child in the city, or precociously preened, these are the cream of the short romper crop.
Baby in blue! A demure neckline and silk to spare on The Addison Story‘s modified polka-dot one-piece is about as sweet as it gets for daytime casual. The Addison Story “Medallion” Romper. On ShopBop for $154.
All it takes is a properly positioned shawl collar, pleated shorts, and khaki silk to keep you in touch with your womanly side. Catherine Malandrino‘s romper has more sophistication than most sundresses.Catherine Malandrino “Simone” Romper. On ShopBop for $325.
In a shade called “Barbie pink,” you don’t have to wonder if Marc by Marc Jacob‘s confection of cuteness will bring out the kid in you. Floral cotton, buttons down the front, and an itsy-bitsy belt – so retro. All you need are a pair of cat-eye sunglasses to match. Marc by Marc Jacobs Button-Front Romper. On ShopBop for $173.
What’s black and white and sexy all over? You are, in Dsquared2‘s “Monsieur,” the French maid uniform of rompers. With a deep-V lace lapel neckline cut down to there and even more skin on display in the halter-back, this playsuit is not for kiddies. Dsquared2 “Monsier” Romper. On ShopBop for $785.
Thakoon‘s deep-crimson romper has all the fixings of a chic cocktail dress: a delicately twisted front for delicious draping, a blouson bodice, and a flash of décolletage. Thakoon Twist Front Romper. On ShopBop for $620.
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent‘s dangerously short playsuit, a pattern that’s a playful take on tribal, has a flattering elastic waist for a proper cinch and molded bra cups complete with underwire, to keep everything in place. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Bra Cup Romper. On ShopBop for $295.
