Ladies Jumpsuit

A ladies' jumpsuit is a classic piece that has endured for decades. Though it tends to go in and out of style, its legacy as a sexy, feminine garment has secured its place in fashion history.

Women's jumpsuits have endured for decades.

Believe it or not, the jumpsuit's origins have no connection to the world of high fashion we're all so well acquainted with. In fact, the jumpsuit was originally designed as a work garment. During the early 20th century, the jumpsuit was worn by military pilots, who would strap parachute packs to their backs. Factory workers also utilized them, because they provided protection from the various types of debris, like grime, grease and dirt. Its one-piece construction lent itself well to such industries, because the body remained fully covered.

Today, jumpsuits are used in a variety of professions, ranging from pilots and astronauts to motorcar racers and speed skaters. Many tradesmen, such as auto mechanics, also wear them to protect their regular clothing from grime. Jumpsuits are also rather functional for children, who may not wear them for work but certainly do for play! For them, the jumpsuit is exceptionally convenient and practical.

The jumpsuit became a bit of a glamorous thing during the late 1930s, when actress Katharine Hepburn stepped onto screens nationwide in the film Stage Door wearing a monogrammed, silk jumpsuit. Hepburn being the stylish icon she was, she had no trouble making a name for the then-unfamiliar garment. Several years later, American sportswear designer Vera Maxwell designed her own take of the jumpsuit. It enjoyed near instant popularity and was born by numerous Rosie the Riveter-type women during World War II. Later, Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli designed one especially for air raids – it was the same functional style, complete with a gas mask, flask and velvet turban.

Of course, none of these styles – save Hepburn's, perhaps – could act as predictors of what the future of the jumpsuit would bring. It wasn't until the '60s that the jumpsuit became a runway sensation when designer Andre Courreges debuted a collection of Space Age-influenced one-pieces. This paved the way for acts like Elvis Presley and Cher to wear the pieces on stage.

The '80s also found the jumpsuit enjoying immense popularity. In fact, the onesie-like garment was so popular that just about every woman owned at least one! It was undoubtedly practical – all a woman had to do was step into it and she'd be out the door in minutes. The variety was immense, ranging from exorbitant floral prints to wide legged, palazzo-style pants.

If you're fond of this classic piece, you're in luck: The jumpsuit is back with something of a vengeance. Today, the style is worn less frequently by the average woman and perhaps more often by trendsetters, but it still has sneaked its way into the pages of fashion magazines, onto runways and even into the occasional celebrity's closet. If you're interested in pulling this look off yourself, look no further than the following retailers, all of whom carry some variation of the look:

• Shopbop is a great place to shop if you're on the hunt for the trendiest, most of-the-moment pieces out there. You'll find everything from harem-style jersey jumpsuits, complete with belts and exceptionally draped fabric, to wide-leg, strapless jumpsuits that tend to resemble a tank top and loose pants (ideal for the woman who's not quite sure if the jumpsuit is really appropriate for her).

• Bloomingdale's is another no-fail option when it comes to finding the jumpsuit of your dreams. These pieces are admittedly sexy, with a penchant for body-conscious fits that look outstanding with sharp heels. Cinched at the waist with a belt, a skinny leg jumpsuit looks edgy and feminine at once.

• Newport News is a practical place to look if you want something slightly more functional and less fashion-forward. Though certainly attractive, these ladies' jumpsuits are made of timeless cotton and feature buttons and straight legs, as opposed to more risqué cuts from dressier styles.

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