Jumpsuit Mix Tape

The jumpsuit has so much history. It was originally designed by Italian designer Thayaht in 1919 to be a practical garment for sportsmen–hunters and skydivers. During World War II, it was used as a work uniform by men and women. Elsa Schiaparelli–one of my favorite designers of all time–saw its potential as a fashion statement and, in the 1940s, she crafted a jumpsuit that could be worn to work, to play, or–yikes–to the bomb shelter.

Since that time, jumpsuits have taken all kinds of forms. To this day, women wear them dressed up or casual. They make frequent appearances on designer runways. Below are just three versions from the 2018 Spring/Summer Fashion Runways in London, Paris, Milan, and New York.

Even the guys are getting back into the jumpsuit fashion scene. Check out this one designed by Bartle B. last summer for a Seattle Mariners fan. It made big news around town.

Sure, it’s more of a romper with shorts instead of long pants, but the romper is a close cousin to the jumpsuit. Besides, James Bond wore a romper, so…it’s cool.

100 Years of Inspiration

Normally, when I put together an outfit for this blog, I start with a photo that inspired it. The jumpsuit can’t simply be boiled down into just one look, though. For the 100 years it’s been around, it has taken all kinds of shapes and forms. Each style has its own voice and is deserving of its own post.

In the 1920s and 30s, women wore jumpsuits called beach pajamas. I wrote about this a couple of summers ago but it’s worth revisiting because they’re just fabulous and summer is just around the corner. (Right?)

In the 1950s, jumpsuits became a little more streamlined to show off the hourglass figure. Here’s Janet Leigh showing how it was done.

Prior to learning about the history of jumpsuits, I tended to equate them with the 1960s and 70s. David Bowie had a famous affinity for jumpsuits.

As did Elvis, of course.

And, while the guys opted for flashy rhinestones and big prints, Farrah Fawcett went with satiny solids.

Even the Farrah action figure wore a jumpsuit!

Inspiration for My Jumpsuit

My jumpsuit has its roots in the original meant for aviation and factory work. It is a Genuine Issue Style Flightsuit from the Federal Army Navy Surplus store in Seattle. Although lots of people–men and women–have worn these suits over the years, I like to think about the Women AirForce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II as the greatest inspiration for my outfit.

These women flew newly built airplanes to various military bases around the country.

Learn more about them by listening to the Radio Diaries podcast below.

Updating the Look Rihanna-Style?

For as much as I love a good fashion item rooted in history, I wouldn’t own this style of jumpsuit had it not been for the urgings of Maggie Gialamas of Blue Hour Photography who convinced me to try it on, touting its modern significance.

Once I stood in front of her camera, Maggie grinned and said I was getting my Rihanna on. Maybe that’s why I felt so cool wearing it. After all, Rihanna knows her jumpsuits. If Farrah was the Queen of Jumpsuits in the Seventies, Rihanna reigns supreme today.

Sure, I am no where near as cool as Rihanna, but it felt darn good to tap into her energy and try on her style. Without further delay, I present two looks, each based in history and inspired by Rihanna as well.

Come Fly With Me

You can’t wear a jumpsuit and not fantasize a little about flying. The photo above is the closest I will ever come to actually jumping out of a plane. I photoshopped myself into a cloud-filled sky.

In the photo below, my feet are planted on solid ground but I seem to have a very bold onlooker.

This jumpsuit is available online here for about $40.
Before purchasing, take note of the measurements.
My jumpsuit is a children’s size Large.
The website has adult sizes too.

You’ve seen this jacket before. The style I was going for today called out to be paired with this jumpsuit and my Converse patchwork sneakers.

Here’s a glimpse of the back of the jacket. The embroidered details are what make it special to me.

Similar styles here and here.

The sneakers were a lucky $5 find at My Sister’s Closet in Vancouver when I met up with the intrepid Mel, Suzanne, and Sue. In case you’re wondering, the shoes have a zipper up the back to make it a little easier to get in and out of them.

Similar styles here and here.

Mix It Up: James Bond + Amelia Earhart

This next style brings it all back to female pilots, specifically Amelia Earhart, and James Bond. (This time he’s in something fancier than a romper.) For reference:

Maybe my take on these two is a bit of a stretch, but here goes….

Instead of a red flower on my lapel, I have red boots on my feet. As usual, I purchased these in a thrifting situation–I think eBay.

Similar style here and here.

My tuxedo jacket is thrifted J.Crew and my necktie is the same one I wore with my red pantsuit. It’s from Smith Lab on Etsy.

Similar jacket here and here.
Neckties by Smith Lab here.

This last photo reminds me most of Amelia Earhart. This is what the jumpsuit looks like without a jacket.

Jumpsuit Jive

What fun to tap into Rihanna, James Bond, Amelia Earhart, and the WASPs with just one jumpsuit. It surprised me how many ways I could style it–and these were only two outfits I came up with. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing more of this jumpsuit before the year is out.

Below is a Jumpsuit Playlist with music from Rihanna and from the 1930s and 40s. I must admit, unlike the mixing of fashion styles with a jumpsuit, the styles of these songs do not mix well together but it was fun to try.

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Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday.

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