Does the mere mention of the word “romper” take you to a place where baby pink, drooling toddlers and cartoon characters roam free? Well, get over it, sista: The new romper is all grown up, ready for summer and wholly embraced by a slew of designers a la Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ella Moss and BCBGMAXAZRIA.
Following in the footsteps of the still-trendy jumpsuit, the latest incarnation of the one-piece wonder is fresh, functional and oh-so-easy to wear. Those who don’t always have time to contemplate Instagram-worthy ensembles will love this trend, which requires no real fashion math—as in: “Does this top match this skirt?” Plus, making a footwear faux pas is virtually impossible, as flats, heels and sandals of every type are romper-friendly.
Figure-flattering and gam-flaunting, there’s a romper for every body and every occasion. Simple-chic jersey versions, military-inspired styles and sportier takes are comfy and ideally suited for running around town, lunch with the girls and shuttling the kids every which way and back. Likewise, floral-print, all-black and silky numbers in sleek silhouettes with standout details—flutter sleeves, pretty pleats and sexy keyholes—are picture-perfect for cocktail hour, late-night dining and early morning breakfast (wink).
P.S. If you’re still having trouble with the “R” word, ditch it entirely and refer to your favorite new summer staple as a “shorts jumpsuit.”
Romper Room. Main photo, above, clockwise from top left: Tayla romper by Black Halo, $275 at ShopBop. Casli romper by BCBGMAXAZRIA, $198 at ShopBop. Reverse crochet-hem floral romper by Urban Outfitters, $69. Beachcomber tie-back romper in by Madewell, $75. Harrison rain print cross-front romper by Parker, $264, at Neiman Marcus. H&M jersey romper, $10.
Trina Turk Raissa jumpsuit, $228. Kelly petite zip jumpsuit by Bebe, $129. Express strapless printed jumpsuit, $88. T-Bags Los Angeles tie-front jumpsuit, $202, at Polyvore. Inda Teno fringe flounce jumpsuit, $127, at Revolve. Loveappella petite strapless pleated crop romper at Nordstrom, $88.
For more red-hot rompers and jumpsuits, visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page.
—Gail Goldberg is a San Francisco-based fashion and lifestyle writer—she’s always on the hunt for a good story and a great pair of shoes.
