College Fashion Trend: Rompers

Back-to-school is in full swing across the country, bringing fresh trends for the school year!
I have noticed many girls on campus sporting rompers lately. These rompers often feature interesting prints, are made of fun fabrics, and/or have cute unique details. Rompers are a great item for college girls because they are basically an entire outfit in one piece! They’re also very comfortable.
There are dozens of styles out right now, so there is something for everyone! Here are some introductory examples:
Interesting Print:

Product Information (from left): Plaid Woven Romper – Forever 21, Striped Tube Romper – Arden B, Vintage Print Romper – Chickdowntown
Interesting prints make a bold statement on their own! This is a great alternative to a dress, while still achieving the same one-piece look. This season, rompers are available in a wide variety of prints. Everything from plaid, to floral, to abstract is available out there and can be a reflection of your personal taste!
Fun Fabric:

Product Information (from left): Adonis Silk Romper – MyTheresa, Denim Romper – Dillard’s, Button Front Cami Romper – Wet Seal
If comfort is your concern, paying attention to the fabric is key. Fabrics that reflect light, such as satin or silk, will give you a soft, lingerie feel. Cotton rompers are also notable for their soft feel. If you desire an modern, comfortable twist on the overall, try a denim romper (center photo above). Playing around with fabrics can be fun!
Unique Detail:

Product Information (from left): Halter Ruffle Romper – Rumor, Pocket Romper – Anthropologie, Brown Cotton Romper – Newport News
Unique details can be a great way to show self-expression! This can be in the form of a girly ruffle (left photo), quirky pockets (center photo), or a printed, artsy belt (right photos). You can even think of these details as a built-in accessory!
How to Wear Rompers:
Use minimal accessories to complete the outfit. I like long necklaces with a charm on the bottom, a cuff bracelet, or a headband.
Complement your romper with basics that you already own! Rompers go great with solid colored cardigans and blazers.
Rompers can be paired with a variety of footwear. For warmer weather, a pair of strappy sandals or ballet flats works well, whereas in cooler weather, ankle, midcalf, and even cowboy boots look super chic and will keep your toes warm.
Add your own pizazz or personal flare to a romper – be daring with a bight, chunky necklace, or even tights!
Be comfortable! Especially for college student on-the-go, a romper can be a great way to throw together a cute, cozy outfit.
Get the most use out of your romper by wearing it for day and night. Check out the outfit examples below!
Example Ensembles:
Interesting Print + Daytime =

Product Information (clockwise from top): Knitted Cardigan – TopShop, Gold Necklace – Forever 21, Tan Sandal – LAUREN Ralph Lauren, Hobo Bag – Charlotte Russe, Vintage Collection Jersey Romper – Chickdowntown
Fun Fabric + Evening =

Product Information (clockwise from top): Floral Blazer – Newport News, Poggiomarino Clutch – Aldo, Tear Drop Earrings – Express, Blue Pump Shoes – Miss Me, Button Front Cami Romper – Wet Seal
Your Thoughts?
What do you think about this trend? Do you like the romper look? Do you have any preferences in regards to the print, fabric, or detailing? Leave comments with your opinions!
Posted on on September 4, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Anthropologie, Arden B, Fall 2009, Forever 21, One-Piece, Print, Romper, Trends, Wet Seal












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Kimberly
Great post! I never really liked rompers because I thought no one could pull it off very well. But, now I see how easy they are to wear.
Valeria
I love rompers! They’re so femenine and cute! Unfortunely due to my fatty legs I only can use them with high heels. Anyway, I’m definately gonna buy one. I specially loved the button front cami romper from wet seal :)
Great post! :)
Leira
Glad to see the post. I realize a lot of people are wearing rompers now, but I personally just don’t like the look of them. :/
Little Red
Nice post, Kristina! I love the outfits you put together.
I don’t have any rompers because I don’t think I could really pull it off. However, these look great!
Emma
I like the outfits you put together as examples, but personally I say why not a dress instead of a romper?? I guess I just can’t get over the 3-year-old connotation of a romper.
Dubai Stylista
I’m loving all you new writers! Great post, and super cute outfit ideas :)
Narsha
Its funny to me how this trend takes it back to basically what a baby would wear…like a ‘onesie’ but as teenagers/young adults we get to take it and make it our own, and have fun!
I would love to invest in a romper…but I’m wondering how it would suit me since I’m tall…
Julie
i love the outfits you put together!
I like rompers in concept, but the ones i’ve tried on just haven’t looked good on me at all.
Joleen
Great post! You’ve sold me on rompers. I, too, thought they looked a little childish but I love both romper outfits you set up.
Christi
Great article! I often get the feeling that I just couldn’t wear a romper even if I like the way it looks on the celebs I’ve seen wearing it. However, your “example ensembles” really showed me that you CAN rock them and make them look chic if you simply use the right accessories. I can actually see myself wearing these outfits! Kudos.
Haley
I don’t like rompers too much–they trigger bad, bad flashbacks to my childhood when someone handed down to me a neon yellow romper that I looked awful in. That being said, I DO like the example outfits a lot. Maybe I should try one on in a store just to see how I like it.
Kristina
Emma: I can think of two situations when a romper would be a better option than a dress. First, I saw a lot of girls wearing rompers while riding their bikes! I know a lot of college girls ride their bikes to school, and rompers could be a great way to be feminine and avoid accidental indecency! Secondly, if it’s really windy where you live, rompers are a great alternative to dresses for the same reason as wearing one while bike riding! Hope this helps!
Narsha: My roommate is about 5’8″, and she, too, has had some trouble finding a romper that’s not too short; however, she did find some at Urban Outfitters that were longer!
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback! I’ll definitely keep making more example outfits in future posts!
Ally
I agree with Emma…I would much rather wear a dress. A lot more stylish and classy. Rompers just don’t look right to me…
Discount Clothing
I always like looking at the variety of rompers available and, I must say, I have to agree with Kristina’s comment about their being convenient for bike-riding and other activities a dress may be inadequate for. Note that I am not saying there is anything wrong with preferring a dress (wear whatever you wish whenever you wish), but I do think there are notable advantages with rompers.
thora
I love the fact posts are so often written now.
rompers.like them. though I don’t own any but I’m planning on buying.Easy to pull of.
Jessica
Great post! I personally don’t like rompers but you’re outfits are cute!
Hannah
I haven’t really seen rompers around my campus yet, but I don’t think they look very good so that’s alright with me. :) Almost everybody here rides a bike to class (if someone doesn’t own a bike it’s really weird!) and it seems like we’ve all learned to ride even with short dresses pretty easily.
Lynn
Loved the post! The looks you put together were great. I never thought of myself wearing a romper, but now I would definitely wear most of the outfits you posted! :)
Taylor
Great article. I own a great jean- like romper and I absolutely love it! I was really lovin’ the fun fabric ones. Maybe I should pick up a few…
Cara
I personally am also a girly-girl who prefers dresses and finds most rompers to look awkward, but I may go searching for a silk or ruffled one and try it, say over black or aubergine tights, to see if I can get the effortless, laid-back elegance idea going.
Luinae
I don’t really like rompers- but this post makes se think that some people could pull it off!
Leia
I don’t own any rompers because I’m not a shorts-wearing kinda gal. I’m not sure if rompers are really figure-flattering, although they are cute and trendy. I do have a chiffon jumpsuit – ankle length! :)
Vanessa Anne
I personally love the look, but I’ve yet to find a flattering (if that even exists for me, an average sized, short-legged Filipino) one for me. I’ve only tried on one, and it made me look frumpy. hopefully one day I’ll find it! design-wise, I don’t think I like bold prints with the exception of floral. I like the one with the unique details/looks and classic looking ones.
to
i love rompers! I only have two but they’re great. one of them is a cotton material with a tiedye print, it’s perfect for day worn with a pair of gladiaors or converse. The other one is hot pink longsleeve, silky material which looks great with ankle boots or tall platform heels and a clutch. lovelovelove rompers!
Linda
I’ve never liked the look of them..I’ve also never seen anyone who wasn’t a celebrity or a fashion model pull them off.
They always seem to scream “Cameltoe” whenever I see them.
=/.
Amy
Rompers aren’t really for me, but I do like how you put the outfits together!
Alicia
Great post!I love rompers! And the ones you posted are really cute!!
Kim - Cal State
I love rompers, they look so cute and they are so easy to put on. I have been looking for one for a while but I haven’t been able to find one I really love. I like the ones you posted up though, they’re cute!
Holly
I think they can be really cute. But you also have to be careful cause if they aren’t worn right, they can end up looking like pajamas…
JD
I don’t get the romper trend, personally… BUT it’s much better than girls wearing shirts as dresses.
Lilly
I’m looking to buy a romper for my sister. Any brand-name or popular stores to buy rompers at?