Would You Wear… a Romper?
Okay, so I know this particular trend is nothing new – it’s been around for quite a few seasons now and is currently all over the streets and in all the shops. But I realized today that I still haven’t made up my mind about rompers and wanted to ask you all for your thoughts.
Rompers, sometimes also called playsuits, are a cross between a dress and a pair of shorts. Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Blake Lively (pictured above) among countless others have both been spotted wearing this look. It’s one part roller girl, one part kindergartner, and one part high fashion all mixed together. Rompers can look retro-glam when worn with heels and the right accessories, but if styled wrong can quickly veer toward trashy and decidedly unfabulous.
Looks aside, the romper is also undoubtedly practical, combining two summer basics, dresses and shorts, into one. But is it real-life wearable? Could the everyday woman pull one off? And the most important question, of course: would you wear one? Leave a comment with your answers – I’m eager to see what you guys think of this trend!
Posted on on June 1, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Blake Lively, Celebs, Nicole Richie, Romper, Shorts, Summer, Trends, Would You Wear?
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Stacy
I wouldn’t wear one, but I think it looks fabulous on Nicole Richie (and I’m usually ‘meh’ on whatever she wears).
Drelynne_b
yes yes yes! I own 3 really tendy ones that i picked up from forever21 and then i own 4 vintage rompers that my mother made when she was in High School.
They are very verstile. Dress them up and down, either way, they’re great ;]
hillary
i would definitely wear one. i would probably pair it with heels to avoid looking too young.
Allizhon
I have an old one from when my mom was my age that’s really cute. xD It doesn’t have this sophisticated look, but it is one of my favorite pieces in summer- it’s bright red and has a small floral pattern (usually I hate florals, but this “romper” is just great- I didn’t know what it was called before, though. :P ). I would not wear outfits like the ones pictured above, because I don’t like looking very sexy, but the romper is really comfy to wear, and I look great in it.
Ryder
I have one from Target, but it fits loosly, and i’m thinking of wearing when I go to barcelona, good or bad idea? Oh, and i won’t be able to wear heels with it.
Liz
I love the romper trend. I have at least five of them and find them easy to dress up and down depending on the event. I would love to see any rompers that you think are cute and affordable for your readers!:)
Valerie
They looks cute on Nicole and Blake but they really aren’t my thing. I doubt that I’d ever wear one myself.
anonymous
I like rompers when they have sleeves, like the one Nicole Richie is wearing. In my opinion the look is classier that way. When the romper is sleeveless like Blake’s, it’s like wearing short shorts and a teeny tank.. which are both cool by me, but not when worn together, you know?
charlotte
I think they could look cute but, with the wrong shoes or accessories it could be a disaster.
Summertime
I really like how Nicole Richie pulls it off but I would not wear one. I’m into the whole fashion thing but I like to be practical… It seems to me like it would take forever to go to the bathroom!
Jen
I love this! I wish I could find one that was affordable enough…
I think Katy Perry pulls off the vintage pinup girl romper style very well. And its practical. Pair it with a nice belt if it’s too much material
Bryannah
I love how Nicole pulls off hers. And Blake’s is okay, but I would never wear it. :]
Nicole definietly has the right accessories; she looks instant fab!
yes, I would totally wear a romper, but only in black. :]
that reminds me, i should probably buy one next time i’m at the mall. (:
xoooxoxox
bryn
I love the romper look and thinks it looks really cute! I love love love the way it looks on Blake. This trend is hard to pull off, and it might be tricky to wear if you aren’t a celebrity. But for an event or nice party it could be a good alternative to a dress. I would wear one if it was the right style and looked good one me.
Leia
I love the romper trend on celebrities and city girls, but I would be hesitant to wear one myself. I think if I showed up to my high school in one I would be severely made fun of. But I might get a cheap one to wear over to a friend’s house on the weekends. You should post some cute ones to help readers find the right one!
Jaimie
I would. theyre very cute. But they definitely need a belt with them.
la petite fashionista
It’s a very cute and summery look! Blake can pull it off but I think I’d want a romper with a bit more coverage like Nicole’s.
I like the ones that look vintage inspired :)
Kristi
I would never wear a romper. I remember how much of a pain they are when you have to pee! I haven’t forgotten that lesson yet!
Ally
I don’t think they’d do anything for me. They look cute on some people though, so more power to them. Plus, I’m just getting over the shock after coming home from the mall having seen a terry romper on a girl that shouldn’t have been wearing it….eh. It all totally depends, I wouldn’t not try one on though :)
Jen
Never to be honest. I just don’t think they look good on 99% of people. I mean, just look at Blake. She is gorgeous and has the most amazing legs, but I think even on HER the romper looks hideous.
Michelle
I love this! and i’m still looking for one. If anyone knows where I could get one similar to nicole’s that would be awesome!
Martina from Argentina
Im not sure I would wear a romper, it is not my style. But i think Nicole looks amazing, but Blake looks trashy! I dont know..just my opinion, of course!
Zephyr, i love your blog and all your ideas, thank you very much, really!
Kisses from Argentina :)
kelsey
I love rompers! I think they are really cute and playful
Sarah
I have a cute one from H&M and I love it! I’m hoping to get a few more this season. One downside: when you have to go to the restroom, rompers are a pain.
MaeGal
I would wear one.
It really depends, though. The two pictured above I really like. I think they are great with a belt, heel, and a great bag. They need to be structured, otherwise I think they look horrible.
I’ve seen some pretty bad ones, but the two above I would totally wear.
Leia
I’ve been looking for the “perfect” jumpsuit, but I think the fact that I can’t find one means that it’s difficult to find jumpers that are both flattering and wearable. For example, I could never wear the one that Blake Lively is wearing as I feel it shows too much skin – in fact, I’d prefer to get one that had long trousers rather than shorts. But I also think they’re difficult to style – if you get a printed one, it might equal an overload of print/color, but if you get a plain one, you would have to accessorize it properly in order to pull it off. I think it seems like an easy trend but isn’t so easy after all!
Jenna
YES! I think it’s really cute – if you found the correct one. There can be some rather hideous ones…
Maria
I would wear one, but not anything like Blake’s. Nicole on the other hand, looks fab. Though it may be such a pain when I have to pee, I really like this trend. :)
myvogue
I think that’s the perfect summer apparel. I will definitely wear a romper as my beach/pool outfit. I’ve already had a white one from Ross for $7 :)
Samantha
Agrreing with Liz. Would be great to see some affordable jumpsuits! (Romper makes me laugh so much – in England thats only something you put on a newborn baby!)
Shana
I think rompers make women look curvier than they really are. Thats why they look good on women like Nicole and Blake. I dont think they are right for my body type. But I do love quirky trends like these. p.s. I think everything that Nicole wears is hot!
Fabiana Pereira
Nicole Ritchie pulls it off beautifully. Besides the accessories, let’s not forget that a lot of it is due to her body type (thin, toned long legs). Look how Blake Lively’s voluptuous thighs are not so forgiven by the style.
As with every trend: stick to what works for your body and THEN, with the right accessories and attitude, the world is yours!
Melani
I would wear one.
Ive been looking for one, and Ive tried on a couple, but
can’t seem to find one that fits right.
Keyerra
I like them, but I don’t think I could pull one off. I love how Nicole wears hers, but I’m not really feeling Blake’s.
kirsten
I am not a huge fan of this trend… but don’t knock it till you try it I guess.
Ali
Yes!
I’ve seen blake in like 3 or 4 different rompers and at fist i didn’t really care for them, i mean i thought they were cute on HER (but really what DOESN’T look good on blake, i mean look at her, she’s gorgeous and has an amazing body) but i never saw myself in one, but now i love them, and i definitely think that i would wear one.
They are so cute!
Catherine
Yessss! I would wear one for sure. I love them, I think they’re just so cute. I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect one. I’m kind of on the tall side though, so I’m currently trying to overcome my heel phobia, but I think I could also pull this look off with the right sandals.
Sonia
Yes, they are super cute! Although I have yet to try on one that looks good on me.
Sally
There is no way I could wear that without feeling completely ridiculous. They look too costume-y for every day wear in Dallas.
Madelyn
I don’t know if I would wear one , I just don’t know if it would look good with my body type . But they are cute, and the above pictures look awesome. I guess it just depends on your style and if you could pull it off.
M
It looks excellent on Nicole!
Therefore, it would look horrid on me. :P
I’d wear one with jeans over the bottom part. I’m a wuss like that.
-M
Kaitlyn
personally, i would never wear it. however, i think tall and skinny girls look amazing in them. i’m really short and just average sized (i actually have meat on my thighs) so i think a romper would just make me look stubby. also, i look young for my age, and i think a romper would make me look even younger. props to the girls who can pulls them off, though!
Katie
Last weekend, I was shopping at Anthro and kept picking up cute dresses that, I would discover in the dressing room 20 minutes later, were really rompers. While initially disappointed, I tried some on.
- SO comfortable
- Absolutely flattering as a dress
and, most importantly,
- Truly flexible. Sundresses, especially the too-cute-for-words ones, can sometimes seem a little prissy. Standing next to a girl in skinnies and a tank, you can feel a little bit like a tool. But in romper form, the oufit makes you look fashion-forward and like you don’t take yourself too seriously.
I didn’t end up buying any — I decided to make my trial romper have a $20, as opposed to $120, price tag — but if I end up finding the Forever 21 version as cute and fun as these ones were, consider me a convert!
Molly
I would totally wear a romper; I’m just looking for the perfect one. I really want a flowered romper to give the look a playful edge.
Men's Fashion Deals
Speaking as a guy… I’m not feeling it. I love a stylish girl… I really do, but I am not liking this look. I’ve seen many different styles of them, but they still look odd to me. I think even with the right body type it looks odd. Just my take.
zhenya
Even though it looks fab on Nicole Richie, I’ve seen so many trashy girls wearing rompers and I just don’t think it’s something I would wear. It’s quite popular where I live, for unknown reason.
I don’t like it but I’ll really give thumbs up to those who can pull it off nicely since it’s not something that is wearable.
Tara
I would a romper as a beach cover-up. Other than that, rompers wouldn’t really fit in with my everyday style. I wrote an article about rompers in my fashion blog as well. I love your blog, by the way!
T
I think that rompers really only look good on flat people, and they have to be in a neutral. Otherwise you end up looking like a really big kindergartener. Jumpsuits, though, are a whole different story. No.
dev
I love them! I really love the one’s from Topshop.
xx
amy
it’s really a challenge for me….but, yes i did
danielle
i loveeeeeeeee them. they sell great ones on forever21.com and topshop as well :)
i think its a new look for summer and totally fashion foward xx
Jojo
I would definitely wear one.
I’ve seen some really bad ones, but I’ve also seen quite a few awesome ones …
I have a green one that I plan on busting out once I get a little darker …
Jess
I love Nicole Richie’s but not the blue one, too slutty looking. I would probably wear one but it depends. I think only a few people can really pull it off
Kelly
I think the rumper definitely could either look sophisticated or easily be trashy. I really like how it looks on Black Lively, and Nicole Richie, but they have the perfect body types, and I’m not sure if everyone can pull off this unique look. I haven’t actually tried one on so my response to this shouldn’t be taken whole heartedly.
I think my goal for the summer is to try one on the next time I go to the mall and I’ll let ya guys know :)
Aileen
Rompers are cute, but since I feel wearing one would make me feel like a boy-toy, I personally think it belongs in the 1950s.
Judge me not, perhaps someday the perfect one will come along.
Pretty Lil' Things
I have one from Express and I love it! But I think rompers are the kind of thing that each person have to search and try them on to find a right one for your body type.
Nokomis
I totally bought a romper last fall in anticipation! I think they are adorable when combined with a great belt!
mani
i LOVE rompers! i have two, actually, and i’m looking for more :) i actually want a playsuit (one that i define as not strapless, I think they’re sassy and definitely different. totally love the way nicole richie’s sporting hers!
kiki
i would like to wear them, Richie looks great in it! she looks classy. But i dont think big-busted ladies look good in them
Alex
yup, they’re cute!
Carolyn
……..bought one a few weeks ago. Green romper, skinny, brown leather belt paired with some discounted, Urban Outfitters heels….great way to start the summer.
ashley
i like Nicole Richies! But i think i might feel uncomfortable in a romper.. im not into one-piece things.
Kimi
I agree. I like Nicole Richie’s, but I don’t like Blake Lively’s. In general, it seems to me that rompers are very unflattering. The only way I would wear one is if it was structured and belted like Richie’s.
Miley
Yes! I love rompers, When buying one, you just have to be careful to see if you get the camel toe affect haha.
Chiara
I LOVE them. I just haven’t been able to find one that fits me right (I have a long torso) otherwise I would live in one!
Brandy B
I really love Nicole’s romper with the nice details and belt the outfit looks esp flattering. I would probably wear it as long as it had more coverage like this one. The one Blake Lively is wearing seems too tight and kinda looks cheap, even though I def. know it was not. Rompers are a cute summer wardrobe must have!
valerie
i think it just looks so good
your legs look good
and i think it just perfect
for a summer day.
naomi
I have one.I haven’t worn it yet .Its alot more casual than these ones though.I like the style ,I think they should stay on trend for a while.I got mine from a shop called new look in the uk,i’m not sure if you have new look in usa though
Sadaf
hey i love it! altho in australia we call them ‘playsuits’. i am short so iunno if i can pull it off but they look STUNNING on blake lively and nicole richie!
Jen
I have an extremely short torso being 4′11 sooooo that would look HORRIBLE on me. Many people can pull it offf though
Leah
IDK if I would. It would have to be the right cut. I might not be able to pull it off!
Venus
I would totally wear one, but since I’m an hourglass shape I have quite curvy thighs, so I’d probably go for the longer leg ‘jumpsuit’ rather than the short ‘playsuit’ or romper.
I love the black jumpsuits I’ve seen with strappy tops and harem-pant legs. Black ones are definitely very stylish – like a futuristic version of Audrey Hepburn’s LBD, with all the class and curves of the original. Print ones are a little too much for me I think, but plain colours with classy accessories look amazing, as ilustrated by Nicole (although who replaced her legs with sticks?).
Blake’s, on the other hand, makes her look like trailer trash. It’s too revealing, too short and the colour’s garish. So I can see why some people have a problem with this trend, because sometimes it looks awful! It needs to be handled with style and sophistication like anything else, and then it looks stunning.
Maria
It’s cute :D, but a hassle to remove if you have to go use the restroom badly. lol
meghan
i would wear one :] im still in 8th grade though, so i’d probably wear it as something to wear over my swimsuit before i get wet (but definately not after) and i think it would be cute for a summer party :D
Nicole
Lively looks like she’s wearing a poorly constructed denim swimsuit.
I thought the point was to use the innocent child-like garment to show off your sexy legs…
She’s showing off her breasts…
sherri
I know the very name, “romper,” is enough to send people screaming. Perhaps some will think it’s a good idea for the teenage set. Well, I for one am fashion forward and tend to try anything. I am decidedly NOT a teenager so I’m not going to go bare like Nicole and Blake. However, I dressed up my casual romper by wearing leggings underneath, rocker booties and an Edwardian jacket. Throw on a sequined scarf and I looked pretty hot for an old broad.