Romp Around the Clock

The 1970s one-pieced suits made for work and play experienced a welcome resuscitation last year in designers’ Spring/Summer 2010 lineups, and this year is no different.

Short and breezy rompers are hitting Sun-soaked beaches and sidewalks, serving as the new go-to grabs for comfortable, casual, yet stylish cover-ups.

Depending on the ensemble’s material, the modernized ‘onesie’ can transform into a chic and sophisticated choice for an evening out. The epitome of relaxed glamor, the look has become a new favorite of designer Alber Elbaz of major fashion house Lanvin.

The casual cool version of the look remains the most relevant locally. Popular takes on the retro style have been found at stores Forever 21, Urban Outfitters (at left) and the Rusty Crickett.

Easily transformed from tomboy to ultra feminine (and vice-versa) with an added ruffle or distressed cotton material, the day-time romper is definitely the most versatile.

“I seriously love rompers,” said an MHS senior. “They’re so comfortable. I feel like I can wear them anywhere. I’m looking for one that has a bow on top right now because I love the girly ones.”

Several students pointed out, however, that the onesie look only complements the body types of a select few, which is a fault that many catwalk-to-sidewalk trends seem to have in common. Overtly slender and athletic builds remain top-runners in this category of exclusivity.

“I think rompers only work on one body type. It’s hard to pull them off and too many people try,” said a second MHS senior.

Either way, rompers definitely offer an alternative trendy look for the upcoming season.

Freshly Cropped

Though this latest Spring/Summer style is not for the faint of heart, I felt the trend must be recognized after seeing about the thirtieth cropped top sashay past me in the courtyard of Manatee High.

When executed successfully, the loosely fitting tee will flow down to just above the waistline, elegantly exposing the slightest sliver of skin.

On the 2011 Spring/Summer Paris runways, Yves Saint Laurent debuted a myriad of cropped top dresses (shown at left).

Fashionising.com said of the show-stopping gowns, “With elegance, the merest slit along the waistline of a dress turns it into a two-piece ensemble broken up by only a shallow hint of skin.”

The look only works, however, when paired with high-waisted shorts, skirts, or jeans. Though it’s a throwback to the eighties, this is one style you simply cannot afford to experiment with, in terms of mixing and matching different styles and cuts from past decades. Namely, the sixties hip-hugging jeans.

Tossing a cropped tee over a pair of low-riding hip huggers is not classy at all, destroying the subtle glam the cropped cut provides for its wearer by throwing too much skin in the faces of passerby.

In Bradenton, the look is usually paired with higher riding jeans or shorts. The style can be dressed down or up, depending on the material of the tee and  pants.

Said a Junior at Manatee of the new look, “I love the comfort and style of cropped shirts. You can pair them with a nice pair of skinny jeans for a night out on the town or with a pair of shorts and head to the beach.”

Found everywhere from Urban Outfitters to Target, this is one Spring/Summer style that  will keep you cool and won’t break the bank.

photo from fashionising.com