Fashion + Beauty

Friday, December 4, 2009

Related Topics:

Would You Wear a Bodysuit?

partner

    • Dress rehearsal: Backstage before Donna Karan's Spring 1986 show.
    • American Apparel's sexy (what else?) take on the bodysuit.
    • Stella McCartney accessorizes her one-shoulder version with cargo gauchos.
    • Francesco Scognamiglio's star-studded style has Gaga's name all over it.
    • In nude with black epaulets from Celine's Phoebe Philo.
    • Bruno Pieters' second skin.
    • Donna does Donna: An update on Karan's classic look.
photo 1 of 18

Dress rehearsal: Backstage before Donna Karan's Spring 1986 show.

Courtesy of Donna Karan

Back in the mid-eighties, Donna Karan launched her simple dressing system, Seven Easy Pieces, and made black stretch-jersey bodysuits (along with leggings and strong-shouldered jackets) part of the modern woman’s uniform. That’s Paulina Porizkova and assorted other runway lovelies modeling the look for Spring 1986. Lately, the one-piece has been revived by Dov Charney’s American Apparel, partly, it seems, for the opportunity it gives him to produce leggy advertising campaigns. Now, the look seems to be crossing back over from low to high.

There’s no doubt that a leotard sans pants is sexy; see Alexander Wang’s designs. But the bodysuit’s real appeal lies in its streamlined simplicity. Wear it solo for sleek lines, or layer on a blazer or a pencil skirt, as Francesco Scognamiglio and Hussein Chalayan did, respectively, on their Spring catwalks. Celine’s Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney, both champions of practical chic, showed one-pieces this season. And Karan herself put Sasha Pivovarova in a sleeveless version with a breezy skirt.

Check out the slideshow, then tell us how you rate the bodysuit’s high-fashion makeover. Will you wear one?

By Nicole Phelps

MORE FROM STYLE.COM

Learn How to Shop the Trends from the Runways

Follow Style.com on Twitter!

Style.com’s Picks for the Top 10 Collections from Fashion Week

Tommy Ton’s 5 Street Style All-Stars

All the Shows and Reviews from the Spring 2010 Runways

Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-9 of 9
  • davido's Avatar
    Posted by davido Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:12pm PDT

    #15 looks the hottest of all the girls. I just love how runway models look angry on the cat walk. who would want to buy expensive clothes and shoes that would make you look mad at the whole world. perhaps if there were trays of cookies and ice cream at the end of the run way they might have something to smile about.....

    Report Abuse
  • chiken_n_pie's Avatar
    Posted by chiken_n_pie Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:16pm PDT

    Personally, I wouldn't wear a bodysuit by itself or with tights under it unless I was in a dance or aerobics class. They would function well as a top if you were wearing a highwaisted skirt or pants, since nothing would rise up....

    Report Abuse
  • opiniononly's Avatar
    Posted by opiniononly Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:50pm PDT

    Oh the hassles of peeing during a night out in the 80's body suit...not sure if I should cringe or just smile at the idea that they are coming back.

    Report Abuse
  • Liz's Avatar
    Posted by Liz Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:33pm PDT

    These made a comeback in the late nineties when I wore them in middle school. they were terrible then, and no matter how high fashion they may be, they're terrible now. They are unforgiving, no matter the material and a poor choice going into late fall/winter. I don't understand American Apparel's desire to make those of us over a size two look and feel worse in addition to diluting classic fashion with overpriced half season costume wear. Do I love Gaga? Of course and i envy her self confidence and eye for cutting edge. Does that mean I want to see people walking down the city streets or in line at the movies rocking the bodysuit without pants on. No. Just, no.

    Report Abuse
  • David's Avatar
    Posted by David Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:35pm PDT

    #15 is the hottest. If I saw the rest on the street I would run for cover! Nobody I know looks so pathetic as these girls. Some dysfunction running rapid in the majority of these dyslexic girls!

    Report Abuse
  • mel's Avatar
    Posted by mel Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:37pm PDT

    NO WAY! these are all ugly. i used to wear them back in the 80's but i stopped because the snap critch really hurts. are all of these women ill? they all look like they have undergone chemo.

    Report Abuse
  • Rebekah's Avatar
    Posted by Rebekah Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:35pm PDT

    I wore these in the 90's, too. I liked them, and I'd consider wearing them again; I hate tucking shirts in because they never seem to stay tucked right, but that's not a problem with bodysuits. The only problem is going to the bathroom--and then it just depends on how the bodysuit is made. I like the ones on here paired with pants or skirts. So--maybe.

    Report Abuse
  • Christina's Avatar
    Posted by Christina Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:17pm PDT

    I am wearing one as I sit here typing and I love it! I think it's so cute.

    Report Abuse
  • Adam's Avatar
    Posted by Adam Sat Nov 7, 2009 2:05am PST

    i thnk they are so cool !!! i wish they were ok for men to wear

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-9 of 9

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Does Your Hair Color Measure Up?

Get 10-minute hair color in 27 designer shades.