Jump into Summer

Note to self: bicycles and dresses do not mix.

As a relative newcomer to the world of cycling this may be an obvious point, but I definitely displayed more than my lack of cycling proficiency as I rode along the streets last week. No matter how much I hitched up my stretchy jersey dress (which I had to wear as it was the only item of clothing I possessed – bar a roll neck jumper – with a high enough neckline that I could find to cover up my sunburnt neck), it just wasn’t quite enough. So there was nothing for it other than to keep going until the saddle and basically my pants were flashing along the streets of south west London.

However, not so with a jumpsuit for this is definitely something you could cycle around in without fear of immodesty. There is no denying that these are a practical item of clothing – unless of course you are in desperate need of a wee – but they are also a great addition to your wardrobe.

Since having kids I can’t quite bring myself to wear a playsuit again – I just feel that I am too close to a nappy-wearing little one if I put one on. But a jumpsuit is a whole different stylish ball-game.

I have bought this lovely SS Jumpsuit £75 from Hush which I will be packing for holidays and donning for nights out. Just enough with a pair of heels but not too much – effortless. Well that is how the lovely model makes it look. This comes in khaki as well but black would be a more obvious choice. Wear with block heeled sandals, wedges, court shoes or flat sandals for a more laid-back look.

Boden has a lovely navy Rebecca Jumpsuit £99.50 which is in a crepe fabric and looks a touch more eveningy than the Hush one. Love the navy colour, don’t like the tassely shoes with it and not sure the photography does this justice: difficult to tell where bottom ends and tree begins.

If you are fairly straight through the middle and want to create a bit more dimension to your shape, then a jumpsuit is a great option. They fall and drape nicely through your torso and the blouson-effect hides a multitude of sins. If you go for a belted style then this can also be the perfect way to cinch you in and show off your curves.

ME+EM has this 2 in 1  Cigarette Jumpsuit £98 – proof you can dress down with a pair of flats for daytime too. But this would look just as good with heels, a clutch and a nice cuff. Love the tapered leg shape too.

If you are looking for something modern to wear pool-side on holiday then Oliver Bonas Zoe Beach Jumpsuit £45 is a great option. You could also sling on a pair of heels for some post-pool cocktails.

ASOS is a veritable jumpsuit paradise and has this Sisley Jumpsuit £110. Very cool.

This Wrap Jumpsuit with Pocket Detail £45 is a bargain to be snapped up.

There is also this Wrap Jumpsuit with Collar Detail reduced from £45 to £27.

If you are tall, then the world is your oyster and you can look for a style with a wider leg such as this: Belt Long Jumpsuit £65 Mango. Midget me would probably not pull this off and would look more Charlie Chaplin impersonator than sophisticated style guru.

If you want the fashion choice then it would have to be with a wide cropped leg like this Milford Jumpsuit £75 from Finery. Again not convinced if you aren’t blessed with height or serious heels.

So if you want an alternative to a dress for the summer, something you can dress up or down, then a jumpsuit could be your thing. For me – keep it plain, keep it simple and keep it slick (and definitely avoid the particularly hideous pink lacy number at Topshop. So wrong.)