How to Style Jumpsuits

Last Updated: December 7, 2021 References

Jumpsuits are a versatile, trendy clothing piece that can be worn every day, or dressed up for a special occasion. Ready to rock your own jumpsuit? We’re here to help you find the perfect garment for your body type, along with some casual and formal outfit ideas that will help you steal the spotlight. Here are 16 tips to help you nail your new look.

1

Pick jumpsuits with narrow legs if you are petite.

The most flattering cut won’t overwhelm your small frame. Find a jumpsuit with pant legs that taper gradually towards your ankles. This cut will look good both dressed up and in casual outfits.^{[1]
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2

Choose a cropped ankle-length cut if you are short.

A jumpsuit that ends around your ankles will elongate your legs. If your jumpsuit drags on the floor when you are wearing shoes, it’s too long. Ankle-length cuts will flatter your height and figure best.^{[2]
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- If you’re tall or have long legs, you can wear a cropped jumpsuit as well. Find a jumpsuit with a longer inseam to make sure it flatters your body.

3

Select a long, wide-leg cut if you are tall.

This style of jumpsuit will really accentuate your long legs. Check that the jumpsuit length almost reaches the floor, whether you’re wearing flat shoes or heels.^{[3]
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- If you’re short or petite, you can still style a longer, wide-leg cut. Find a jumpsuit with a shorter inseam and a fitted top section to look casual yet put together.

4

Make sure there is enough room in the torso to move.

Since a jumpsuit is one piece of fabric, it can be tricky finding one that fits your torso. If the torso is too short and tight, walking and sitting will be uncomfortable and look unflattering. Find one that doesn’t pull at your inseam or shoulders.^{[4]
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- A jumpsuit with an elastic waist and looser top (called a “blouson top”) has more room in the midsection.^{[5]
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5

Flatter a plus-size figure in a flowing, high-waisted jumpsuit.

You want a jumpsuit that drapes over your body and conceals any areas you want hidden. A jumpsuit in a stretchy fabric like jersey won’t hug your figure too tightly or feel uncomfortable.^{[6]
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- If you have great arms and want to hide a little belly, wear a sleeveless jumpsuit with an elastic waist.
- Draw attention to a small waist by choosing a jumpsuit with a fitted top and wide, billowing pant legs.

6

Find a jumpsuit in linen, cotton or denim for a casual look.

These fabrics are comfortable and relaxed, similar to a T-shirt and jeans outfit. They’ll also keep you cool during warmer weather, but can be layered with a jacket in cooler weather.^{[7]
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- A linen or cotton jumpsuit in shades of white or blue will look (and feel) cool when it’s hot outside. Add cognac sandals and a straw purse for a fresh, beachy look.
- If it’s cold outside, layer a denim jumpsuit under a leather bomber jacket or wool varsity jacket for a chic, menswear-inspired outfit.

7

Dress down a jumpsuit with a lightweight jacket.

A denim jacket paired with a monochromatic jumpsuit creates a casual, classic look. If your jumpsuit has bold colors or prints, pair it with a neutral-toned cargo jacket. A jacket can make a jumpsuit look slightly more sophisticated but still easygoing.^{[8]
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- For example, a snakeskin or leopard print jumpsuit will look great under a gray or black cropped jacket.

8

Give a feminine jumpsuit some edge with a leather jacket.

A typical feminine jumpsuit might come in a flowy cut, color, or fabric. A floral or polka dot print can also look feminine. Contrast these kinds of jumpsuits with a leather bomber or moto jacket. It can dress down a formal, feminine jumpsuit and add some edge.^{[9]
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- Match your jacket to your shoe color, or wear a bold-colored jacket to make it the focal point of your look.

9

Wear low-heeled, neutral shoes for an everyday look.

All kinds of casual shoes go well with a jumpsuit. To stay cool and look casual in warm weather, pair flat sandals or flats with a white cotton or linen jumpsuit. Or stay comfortable by wearing sneakers or low-heeled sandals with a denim jumpsuit.^{[10]
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- Choose a pair of flats that flatters your height, legs, and body shape. For example, flats in a light or neutral color can elongate your legs.
- A pair of classic white Converse sneakers keeps a denim jumpsuit outfit casual and fun.

10

Highlight your shape by tying a shirt or jacket around your waist.

A shirt or lightweight jacket tied around your waist looks casual and effortlessly cool. It’ll also give your figure some definition, so you don’t look too slouchy or disheveled.^{[11]
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- Tie a plaid shirt around a neutral-toned cotton or linen jumpsuit. Or tie an olive-green jacket around a denim jumpsuit.

11

Look sharp a fitted jumpsuit in dressy fabric.

A fitted jumpsuit is an easy way to look polished. Try finding a jumpsuit in a business-appropriate fabric: twill, rayon, polyester, silk, or wool. A fitted jumpsuit that hugs your frame will make you look polished and appropriate for a formal event, like a wedding, office party, or fancy dinner party.^{[12]
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- Dressy jumpsuits for formal events often come in neutral colors like black, navy blue, gray, maroon, white, or beige.

12

Use metallic jewelry for a glamorous look.

Complete your formal look with a silver or gold statement necklace and simple earrings. Or pair a minimal necklace with eye-catching pendant earrings. Finish your look with a silver or gold bracelet and rings. ^{[13]
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- You can also use a small purse or clutch with a similar metallic design to pull your look together.^{[14]
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13

Add a formal blazer or vest to dress up your jumpsuit.

Layering a blazer or vest on top adds visual interest and dimension to your outfit. You’ll also look more formal. An added layer can also help you stay warm if you’re wearing a jumpsuit during colder weather.^{[15]
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- If you’re wearing a blazer over your jumpsuit, make sure it fits properly so you look polished.

14

Layer a fitted white dress shirt underneath.

This adds a lot of interest to your outfit. This look is similar to pairing a white dress shirt with dress trousers or a sleek pencil skirt. You’ll look elegant and appropriate for a fancier event. A white dress shirt can also help you stay warm in colder climates.^{[16]
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- Check that your white dress shirt fits neatly under the jumpsuit, and doesn’t cause any lumps or pulling at seams, which can look sloppy.

15

Wear high heels for a tall, sleek look.

Heels are the perfect complement to a formal outfit. Choose heels that you’d normally wear to a formal event with a dress or skirt, such as strappy sandals or platform pumps. Wear heels that match your jumpsuit color for a monochromatic look, or wear heels in a bold color to make your shoes the focal point of your outfit.^{[17]
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- If you’re going to be standing at a formal event for most of the time, consider wearing heels that will be as comfortable as possible and won’t cause pain.

16

Wear a skinny belt around your waist.

Adding a belt to your jumpsuit instantly defines your figure. It can make you look slimmer and hourglass-shaped. Find a belt in a different color or fabric than your jumpsuit, or match your belt to your shoes to look put together.^{[18]
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- For example, you can add a belt with metallic designs to a black jumpsuit, or wear a black patent leather belt to a beige or gray jumpsuit.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do jumpsuits look good on everyone?

Christina Santelli
Professional Stylist
Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

Christina Santelli

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Most jumpsuits are fitted for long waists. If you're on the shorter side, focus on the rise length when looking for a good fit.
Question

Would a shoulderless shirt underneath a striped jumpsuit look good? Or would it look tacky, etc.?

Community Answer

That sounds really cute! Make sure that the pattern of the shirt does not clash with the stripes and you should be good.