In Defense Of The Holiday Jumpsuit

When the jumpsuit trend started to emerge a few years ago, I hated it. Every time I pulled a cute dress off the rack, only to see that it ended in pant legs, I boiled over with rage. Every time a celebrity wore an ill-fitted jumpsuit on the red carpet, I found myself wishing it was a dress instead. After all, what was suddenly so wrong with dresses? Where had this sudden desire to get naked every time one has to pee come from? I was baffled and annoyed.

Obviously I've since come around a little bit on jumpsuits, or else I wouldn't be writing this. Like all trends that I originally smirked at — rompers, puffer coats, and sneakers worn with dresses are just a few that come to mind — the day inevitably came when I found myself wanting to hop on the jumpsuit bandwagon. All it takes is one girl to make it look good, and then I start to think maybe I could pull it off too. I usually can't, but that's not the point. The point is to try new things and have fun with it, since fashion should be fun.

For example, look how cute and happy Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn look in their Stella McCartney jumpsuits:

And have you ever seen Jessica Chastain look more thrilled than in this jumpsuit at the Interstellar premiere?

Shailene Woodley was the last person was the last person I expected to see looking so sleek and happy in a chic black jumpsuit at the Divergent New York Premiere, but she really pulled it off (especially with those gold heels):

Gwen Stefani, ever the style risk-taker, combined two trends when she wore this partially sheer Stella McCartney jumpsuit in 2012:

Elizabeth Banks looked cheerful in this colorful, form-fitting Osman jumpsuit in 2014:

Selena Gomez looked insanely sultry and grown-up in this Zara (Zara!) jumpsuit in 2013:

Beyonce looked classy and modern in a black and white jumpsuit paired with red lipstick at the 2013 Grammy Awards:

Solange Knowles actually wore two jumpsuits to her wedding. That's how advanced Solange is in the Art of Wearing Jumpsuits. Solange also recently rocked this flowing yellow jumpsuit by Christian Siriano:

Inspired yet?

This holiday season, why not try something new and ditch the usual sequined party dress for a jumpsuit? It can be a sequined jumpsuit, if you insist on being the most glittery thing in the room.

Sequin Jumpsuit, $500, Free People

If you're more into the menswear trend it can be an androgynous jumpsuit, reminiscent of a tux.

Tuxedo Jumpsuit, $198, Ann Taylor

Nasty Gal has some great ones, such as this sexy red number (on sale!), this sophisticated black lace jumpsuit, this flowing, ladylike jumpsuit in soft lavender chiffon, and this gorgeous satin jumpsuit with serious Studio 54 vibes.

After Party Vintage 54th Street Satin Jumpsuit, $178, Nasty Gal

See? Something for everyone, just from one place.

Asos also has a huge variety of jumpsuits at all price points and sizes (I like this sparkly jumpsuit for petite ladies and this floral jumpsuit from their plus-size section).

Bandeau Jumpsuit in Textured Rose Print, $66, ASOS

If you're on a budget, try Forever 21: This sexy red jumpsuit is under $30.

Strapless V-Cut Jumpsuit, $27, Forever 21

If Zara is good enough for Selena Gomez it's good enough for me, and they have an entire section devoted to jumpsuits. You could wear a minimal black Zara jumpsuit to all your holiday parties and then go home and wear it as pajamas.

Crepe Jumpsuit with Back Bow, $100, Zara

Finally, don't forget that J. Crew made it OK — chic, in fact — to wear a jumpsuit instead of a wedding dress before Solange did it.

Eyelash Lash Jumpsuit, $750, J.Crew

When shopping for a jumpsuit, I recommend keeping a few things in mind. Jumpsuits have to be only slightly too baggy or slightly too tight to become wildly unflattering, so be prepared to try on a lot before you find one that fits perfectly. Look for a balanced fit, too. Personally I prefer to go with one that's either fitted on top with wide legs, or flowing on the top with fitted legs. A defined waist is always the way to go, so it doesn't hurt to look for a belted jumpsuit. Finally, pair your jumpsuit with bold lipstick, some statement jewelry, and sky-high heels. You're not wearing a onesie to bed, after all, so dress it up!

If you switch out your dress for a jumpsuit this winter, you'll be warm. You'll be able to do cartwheels and the splits, especially if you've had a few glasses of wine first. With the help of the right heels, you'll look taller. For better or for worse, you'll stand out from all the other girls at the party. If you don't feel 100 percent confident, just smile and stand up straight in your jumpsuit: You'll look cool, interesting, and fun, if a little offbeat.

Now that I've made my case for jumpsuits, you're free to go out and explore the exciting world of getting naked to pee. Enjoy (and good luck).

Images: Getty Images (8)