INSTEP Magzine

Jumpsuits are referred to as the original parachute one piece garments used by skydivers. But this summer, jumpsuits aren't only confined to those jumping a few hundred feet from the skies- trend states one must own a jumpsuit or two this summer so as to beat the heat, but make sure the garments you use are thin in terms of feel and texture, unless you want to burn to ashes of course.

The rule of thumb here is to make your jumpsuits as simple as possible. Leave the frills and laces to the lawn shalwar kameezes and baby doll dresses. Your jumpsuit should define class in the simplest manner- add collars and cuffs to it if you please, or stick to simple round or V-necklines.

It is advised not to go too bright or bubbly with your jumpsuit- avoid bright pinks, parrot greens or striking oranges and stick to the summer colour- white. There isn't anything better than a plain white jumpsuit with fine red or black lining. The point is as simple as it can get- use neutral colours for the one piece suits rather than candy pinks, it's not appealing to dress like a Jolly Rancher lollypop and it's always advised to play it safe. And what is safer than white itself?

Another way to carry off a jumpsuit is to add beads on the neck or the sleeves, but please don't decorate the flappers of your jumpsuit with the similar colourful designs. Keep the beads confined to the sleeves and neck only to give your jumpsuit a classy and summery look. Add a cap or a minimal hat to give your jumpsuit a stylish feel, but keep away from accessorizing in the heat- save the caps for a dinner or an outing in the evening as it's too hot to carry them off in the hours of daylight.

Jumpsuits look best with pointed heels, though matching causal flip flops would also go with the look. But do remember, jumpsuits aren't meant to be poppy and colourful- keep them within the parameters of simplicity and elegance. And don't try to copy Elvis Presley's red jumpsuits please - those belong in the seventies and they should stay there!