Bodysuits once were the province of ballerinas. Now, the blouse, sweater and shirt tops that end in snapped-crotch closures have become a fixture in the wardrobe, anchoring everything from a flowing evening skirts to sweatpants.
”It`s the perfect canvas on which you can create dozens of looks,” says Jill Adzia, a Chicago-based fashion/image consultant. ”It`s one of the most versatile pieces you can own.”
Lynn Pearl, an image and communication consultant and president of Chicago`s Executive Communication Inc., agrees. ”Besides its versatility, a bodysuit always keeps its shape, so it`s perfect for travel,” she says.
”It`s also trans-seasonal, which goes a long way to maximizing your clothing dollars.”
Chicago fashion stylist Ron Laxamana adds that the suits, which come in a variety of fabric weights, styles and necklines, also add ease to dressing.
”You never have to worry about your blouse coming untucked,” he says. And, if you choose a substantial-weight fabric, it can be a shape enhancer.
”Just because it`s fitted doesn`t mean it`s fattening (to your figure),”
he says.
We asked these experts, experienced in putting together wardrobes for professional clients, to provide some options and tips for putting a basic white bodysuit to work for three arenas: on the job, weekend and evening.
Their caveats: Be certain the bodysuit is comfortable (raise your arms and sit in it); skims your skin but isn`t too tight; and, if the fabric is sheer-our choice is a medium-weight cotton/Lycra suit from Cignal stores-don`t remove your jacket in the office.
Work
Laxamana: Polish the look by teaming it with a clean-lined suit in a vibrant hue, such as fuchsia, and add classic accessories such as a gold or silver chains and earrings.
Adzia: Choose a long, navy, Chanel-like cardigan; long, pleated skirt;
suede boots and pearl-and-gold jewelry.
Pearl: A tailored silk blouse in matching white or contrasting color, worn over the bodysuit and tucked into a slim skirt with a gold chain necklace, ”creates the look of a tucked-in jacket,” she says.
Weekend
Laxamana: Partner it with jeans. ”Punch it up with a jacket,” he says.
”One of my favorites is a houndstooth.”
Adzia: For true ”activewear,” add a bright hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, leggings or stirrup pants with athletic shoes or ballet flats. Another option, pull on an oversize V-neck sweater and add dark tights, a flippy skirt and flats.
Pearl: Wear it under a denim shirt, corduroy pants and accent with a dynamite leather belt.
Evening
Laxamana: ”For evening, you can show a little more skin.” A short, flirty skirt in a satiny fabric and shiny patent-leather accessories up the glamor of the suit, he says.
Adzia: Choose a long, cardigan sweater shot with metallic threads or with faux pearl trim over stirrup pants with faux pearl jewelry. Any color is appropriate, but right now, an all-winter white outfit is especially dressy. Another possibility: a black dinner suit with a sensational scarf in a shiny fabric or with sequins and beads, draped at the neck.
Pearl: Try a velvet pantsuit with a dramatic ”jeweled” pin on the shoulder for a striking minimalist look, or a long pleated crepe skirt with a glittery, flowing chiffon scarf and faux jewel earrings.
