From 70s style jumpsuits to cute cropped playsuits, the all-in-one comes in a number of style guises to suit.

On the spring/summer 08 catwalks, Mulberry plumped for utilitarian denim all-in-ones with attitude, Missoni and Donna Karan opted for slinky silk numbers, while Stella McCartney showed off ultra-feminine floaty floral jumpsuits.

Whether you go for summery prints or versatile neutrals; long or short lengths, the all-in-one is a surprisingly useful staple for your summer wardrobe. Think of it as a substitute for the dress.

This trend was made for the summer months so make the leap into jumpsuits now and make one-piece dressing your fashion priority.


Long length all-in-ones


Long length all-in-ones were a big hit on the catwalks. Denim and safari-style jumpsuits are perfect for day-time chic or, for high octane glamour, ditch the maxi dress and give your evening wear a twist with a sexy silk jumpsuit. For a nonchalant take on the trend, roll up the legs, as seen at Nicole Farhi.

Sonia Rykiel paraded fun orange jumpsuits down the S/S catwalk but unless you're feeling remarkably bold with colour, bright all-in-ones are best suited to cropped styles. If you prefer longer length all-in-ones, stay safe in neutrals like beige, black, or brown and you're sure to get far more wear from your jumpsuit this summer.

Shopping list


Dorothy Perkins jersey jumpsuit, £40; Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit, £60 at Debenhams; Beyond Retro vintage 70s polka dot jumpsuit, £18; ASOS cotton jumpsuit, £22; Warehouse mink catsuit, £55; Topshop satin catsuit, £85.



Playsuit perfection


All-in-ones are up there with the scariest of trends. But before you write off playsuits as a passing fashion fad, try before you buy and bear these style tips in mind. You might even become a catsuit convert.

Be wary with your playsuit sizing. If your all-in-one is even remotely too tight you may be exposing a little more of your wares than is decent. Try on your usual size and one size bigger and see which gives you the most flattering fit.

Unless you're supermodel size, steer clear of clingy Kate Moss-style catsuits and stick to floaty fabrics like jersey, soft linen, or silk.

If you're shorter in height, long-length all-in-ones will swamp you. Stick to cropped legs and team with towering wedges to elongate your frame.

Beanpole body? Create some curves with your playsuit by pulling in your waist with a belt to avoid that straight-up, straight-down silhouette. Utilitarian pocket details will also add curves.

All-in-ones do have wearability downfalls. Remember, you will have to spend a tad longer in the toilet cubicle getting in and out of it.

Want to wear cropped playsuits now? If it's too breezy to parade your pins, don't be afraid to test out the trend with opaque tights.


Get shorty


Cropped playsuits are fabulous for packing into your holiday suitcase. Shorter lengths range from bum-skimming for the brave to flattering above-the-knee. All-in-ones work for both day and night if you match your accessories accordingly. Let the all-in-one look speak for itself with simple flat sandals for pared-down daytime, or give the look a lift for evenings with some gorgeous wedge heels and glam jewellery.

Up the style factor and tick the boxes for two trends in one with a floral or ethnic print.


Shopping list


Warehouse denim playsuit, £35; Star by Julien Macdonald coral silk playsuit, £50 at Debenhams; Marks and Spencer Limited Collection playsuit, £39.50; Firetrap Savage jumpsuit, £55; River Island stripe playsuit, £34.99; Littlewoods embroidered playsuit, £29.