“Playsuit” may not be the most appealing name, but this versatile one-piece can look as good in the city as it can by the beach, and as the name might suggest, be a lot of fun to wear. Essentially the summer version of a catsuit, with a top and shorts combined. Last year we saw a minor trend for playsuits on the high street, but they’ve come back with a bang in 2010. They’re everywhere from H&M to Urban Outfitters, but it’s hats-off to Topshop and Miss Selfridge who have the widest variety, offering both ends of the playsuit spectrum from super-cute to super-sexy.
If your whole body shudders at the thought of how revealing a playsuit could be then fear not. There are of course the old reliable black opaque tights – salvation to us Irish women of the bluer than white leg variety. But if black tights are a little too wintery for your look then opt for pastel colours such as peach and dusky pink or pale greys, Penneys have a great selection at the moment priced at a very reasonable €3. They also have a fantastic ultra sheer tight that really does look like a bare leg, perfect if you are not too handy with the fake tan. However, do avoid wearing leggings or footless tights under shorts, this was a very strange practice that had a short stint of popularity a few years back, never to be repeated hopefully.
H&M have playsuits with elasticated waists in both leopard print and cream with black polka dots for a very reasonable €9.95, but avoid elasticated waists if you have a bigger bust as you will look far too flouncy. They also have a very retro style gingham playsuit with a sweetheart neckline for €29.95, and if you are only going to buy one playsuit this summer make it their black halter neck style also at €29.95, team it with leopard print or floral print tights, though be careful of bare legs with this one as from a distance you might look like you are wearing a swimsuit.
A word of warning when it comes to festivals, yes we’ve all seen Kate Moss and Fearne Cotton at Glastonbury in a playsuit, but thinking logically these girls probably hang out in the vip area with access to proper loos, whilst for the rest of us playsuits in portaloos is no easy endeavour. Of course you will require a healthy dose of confidence to wear a playsuit but with so many out there you’re sure to find a cut and fit that suits you perfectly. So the message for this summer is be bold and romper!
By Lisa Magrath
Lisa is co-owner of ShotsyVintage. Shotsy stock a wide range of gents and ladies clothing dating from mid-century to the early 90s.
