Jumpsuited and Booted
Photos: Claire Pepper
This week’s style session: how to winter-proof and whoop up the jumpsuit. Two birds, one stone. Now, I know there are several readers out there yet to be converted to the joy of the jumpsuit, and so I’d like to share my theory on faffage: consider the time saved getting dressed in the morning as a trade-off for the extra time needed to visit the loo. It works for me. This cosy, navy corduroy boiler suit is from Kate Sheridan, and to winter draft-proof, just add ankle boots and an old Liberty print silk scarf. When jumpsuited I often layer a striped t-shirt underneath to avoid a Beast from the East-style blast every time I visit the bathroom. Though this season I’m considering going one further with a jersey polo neck top. The Casual Glamourpuss in me loves MiH’s tiger print turtle neck and Uniqlo is good for plain polo necks in a range of colours, both compacted cotton and ribbed jersey. Other corduroy all-in-ones can be found at Spry Workwear and MiH Jeans – and Boden has a velvet onesie. Whoop things up with Showbiz Boots, the poppy red suede pair above are from LK Bennett.
Corduroy close-up
A note on profanities: I noticed that Grazia this week reports that campaigners in North London have won the fight to ban swearing during performances at Wireless Festival. The magazine’s editorial says, ‘No one likes a potty mouth…but censoring music festivals is not very rock and roll.’ We live in a divided world…
All items borrowed for the photo shoot and returned. Please note: Affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
Discussion (20 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
Edited comment on censorship and rock and roll musicians and thorny subject of swearing perfect .
As for outfit as ever charming on you Alyson. Like the cord, jaunty neck kerchief and most of all red boots.
But you will never convince me to try any such thing however good and effortless and nonchalant it looks in your portrait. Another great whitewashed wall by the way which sets off the colour of your hair and clothing so well.
For those of us who are of average height, and weight with a bosom this is not a good look in my opinion. I am sticking with dresses or jeans and jumper or sweatshirt instead. Like the little Liberty scarf. I am using my old ones from 60s which because hand washed still as bright and qualitative in similar way. That’s very green and luxurious to have a piece of silk twill around the neck even with a t-shirt.
Keep on rocking !Nicole K says:
Late reply to you Mrs. Tonia, but I agree. I have a more matronly bosom than Alyson and just cannot pull off this jumpsuit look! Completely envious as she looks so wonderfully at home in them.
MaureenC says:
Well you’ve convinced me to at least try on a jumpsuit, though I think I may be too short to carry it well. So no swearing performers in the vicinity of Finsbury Park next July then eh, that’s hilarious, maybe the North London guardians of our sensibilities will move on to football matches next? It’s not like the world needs campaigning energy for anything else.
Joyce Morris says:
As ever I’m sure, especially with a garment like a jumpsuit, the fit is everything and this particular one sported, ( oh don’t you love these old fashioned words), by Alyson, confirms that as it fits her perfectly, in fact, Alyson, you look amazing. I feel too porky for one, but would have several if I were slimmer.
Thank you for your ongoing inspration, Alyson, it is a breath of fresh air!
For those who love the idea of a jumpsuit but do not enjoy undressing in the loo (while trying to keep from mopping the floor with the fabric), may I respectfully suggest the Layercake Playsuit? It closes with a zip at the bottom, opening into a dress-shape, which is how you put it on in the morning. For a loo-break, just unzip and manage it like you would any dress or skirt. Available in sizes suitable from a UK10 to a UK26 for women of all heights!
Background: the playsuit is part of my own tiny brand (called Layercake), made in a small Studio on the Hampshire/Surrey border from sustainably sourced bespoke linen and wool fabrics.Anna Knowles says:
Fabulous look on you, Alyson, but at 5 foot and a fag paper and with big boobs, not for me. But that’s the nice thing about ageing well – you can appreciate others’ different style but find and be happy with your own. I stick mainly to simple classics with one ‘notice me’ item – usually a scarf, but maybe boots, whacky necklace or fabulous bag (I’m lusting after the Acne studio one you featured a few posts ago.)
Jet Scholtens says:
Hi Alyson,this looks so good on you! Do visit the site of Humanoid,an Arnhem/Netherlands-based shop with a webshop too… They also have great clothes for “our” age, very nice rollneck-t-shirts with beautiful details this AW,also boiler-suits,large cardigans,etc. It’s not my shop! Just a tip!
Marilyn says:
Love the thought of a jumpsuit, but probably not for me, fear I could end up looking a bit like a tellytubbies.. I have a bit of a tummy, which I will continue to conceal with longer shirts, tunics or knitwear worn with slim, ankle grazing trousers. I also find palazzo pants with the right top also create a flattering illusion.
That’s such a wonderful look on you, Alyson. I’m 96% legs with a short torso, and a fear of baggy, overly long crotches, and high-water pant legs. But I’m willing to be convinced if I could find a jumpsuit in a store and be able to try it on. Ordering on-line and then returning is such a pain.
Love the blue and red.SFord says:
I’m the opposite Sue – I’d love to try a jumpsuit but I have shorter legs and a really long torso meaning that if I stand upright in a jumpsuit it is very uncomfortable in a certain area its not good to be uncomfortable!
Barbara Thompson says:
That is just such a fabulous look on you, but it doesn’t really work for me as a plus sized pear shape. Just not a pretty look from behind.
I like all the honestly expressed comments about what suits what body type. Chose what you feel suits you.
And admire others wearing things one wouldn’t wear on self.
I saw a lovely Japanese print dress in my local Toast boutique today flowered plaque collarless neckline long sleeved and long which I’d viewed in green colour way online. But it turned out to be a jumpsuit albeit with wide legs. A pity because it would be a great and useful garment to own worn up a dark blazer or denim or leather jacket for example.
Now this would suit Alyson really well if she was in the mood for a more feminine less gentle woman tomboy look.Elizabeth green says:
This is a great look, although I think I would find corduroy just a bit too stiff. I’m surprised at how many people seem to think jumpsuits aren’t for them. I’m convinced there’s one for everyone., it’s just a matter of trial and error. I’m only 5’4” bordering between a 12 and 14. I have a lovely mid weight drapey one, and a couple of sleeveless fairly baggy ones from a few summers ago., which I always use a tie or belt with at the waist. Ive received so many compliments so I know I look fine in them. I am fairly curvy so I don’t see that as an issue either. Try them ladies, the lack of fuss in the morning is a big plus!
As for Wireless, correctness gone mad, or is that just me.?
Goddessinthedetails says:
For me, the lack of faff getting dressed is overwhelmed by the unbuttoning/buttoning faff at every loo visit. But it really is your signature look, Alyson.
You have converted me! I had a great American military jumpsuit back in the day, that I wore until it fell to pieces. I love the one you are wearing, unfortunately, it’s a little bit pricey for me so I will have to find a cheaper version, but, will enjoy looking. I always have to be careful that the torso is long enough as well. The Liberty print scarf is a beautiful addition.
Caro 
diana 
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Oh, this I love! Even at my great age I’ve just treated myself to a onesie in the sales and plan to wear a polo neck top underneath, plus my trusty cowboy boots.
Incidentally, Alyson, I’m hoping this comment will get through. My last two replies have never appeared and I’m wondering what I’m doing wrong. It’s not like I’m a new correspondent, just an infrequent one! And I was respectful and kind, honest!