The Jumpsuit Returns As a Top Summer Trend

You will have to jump into this fad with both feet and your entire body.

"Jumpsuits are definitely one of the biggest trends this summer," says Emilia Fabricant, president and chief merchandising officer at Charlotte Russe. "Right now, you'll want to buy a sleeveless or strapless jumpsuit in a shorts silhouette. We're offering beautiful, sleek looks for evening as well as fun, casual options with safari styling for daytime."

The jumpsuit is making a return from the 1980s. This season's most flattering and chic options come in solid fabrications, Fabricant says, because the silhouette is fashionable and doesn't require a pattern to add interest. Some of the shorter versions are geared toward the younger crowd. The full-length style is appropriate for a broad range of women.

Because of its comfort factor, the jumpsuit is great for summer -- especially if you are traveling, because it packs well, says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom fashion director.

A jumpsuit is the perfect alternative to a dress, he says, because it's also one piece and all you have to do is add a jeweled sandal and some jewelry, and possibly a belt.

"Jumpsuits also are very forgiving," Andrews says. "They aren't very structured. They drape the leg nicely and come in a short, to a mid-calf, to a full wide pant leg, which gives a woman a lot of options. The fabrics also are very soft and fluid."

Jumpsuits are a go-to item for weekends and evenings, says Amy Reed, owner of Chickdowntown.com. You can dress them up with heels, jewelry and a clutch -- or dress them down with flats and an oversize bag.

When you see a fad such as the jumpsuit in many lengths and styles, that means the trend is working, says Joanne Stoner, founder and chief executive officer of eDressme.com. Accessibility means it will be able to adapt to fit all body types, ages and personalities, she says.

"The jumpsuit is this season's biggest trend, and one that is expected to continue into fall," Stoner says. "Jumpsuits go from glamour girl to casual. They were popular in the '60s and '70s and then returned in the 1980s with the flying suits. We also have seen them in skiwear. And designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Georgio Armani have shown jumpsuits on the runway."

The jumpsuit is the canvas, and you accessorize it your way, Stoner says. "And it's more stylish than pants."

For the office, add a blazer or pair it with a cardigan. A strapless jumpsuit is dressy and can be worn for evening. There also are tuxedo-inspired jumpsuits. In warm weather, the romper should be worn with sandals versus a high heel.

Lindsay Taylor Huggins, senior fashion market editor for Self magazine, plans to wear jumpsuits all summer long at her beach house. She cautions that the romper is a tough look to pull off because a lot of them tend to look very "young."

A terry-cloth jumpsuit, such as one made by Juicy Couture, can be worn by anyone to the beach.

Denim and jersey are great fabrics for jumpsuits, she says. And they are available at all price points. Don't try to pull off bold prints, she says, because you'll look too much like a toddler.

Definitely choose one with a drawstring waist to keep from looking baggy or sagging in the wrong places. Add a Spanx-like undergarment to help enhance the look.

"Two very important things to remember," Taylor Huggins says. "You don't want to wear a jumpsuit around your mother-in-law or your boss."