Would You Wear a Romper?

Hear the word “romper,” and here’s what we see:

Strollers, sandboxes, Juicy Juice, PBS daytime shows- anything geared towards the under-six set.

But, as we’ve seen this season, the romper is no longer exclusively for those with babysitters and mid-morning naps. The classic playground staple has made its way into high fashion territory, and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Kate Moss featured the Guatemalan Playsuit in her TopShop collection, and American Apparel has recently introduced several one-piece versions of their signature knits. We’ve also spotted short jumpsuits at H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 (not to mention on every block in Soho, too.)

Sift in the rompers of fashionoids like Nicole Richie, and the trend is that much harder to ignore.

We’re all in favor of easy summer ensembles, but we have to question just how easy a romper would be to actually pull off.

So, we’re posing the question:

Are rompers cute and wearable, or a really bad idea?

—SARAH MUEHLBAUER, as inspired by SABRINA BACON and her MANDATE OF HEAVEN obsession.

posted by Laur

Jul 27, 2007 10:43AM

Rompers are not good for people who drink a lot of water and therefor have to use the restroom often.

posted by justine

Jul 27, 2007 10:49AM

rompers are totally cute, but you have to be pretty thin to pull it off

posted by Matilda

Jul 27, 2007 10:54AM

I just bought two today from Danish brand noanoa, they're gorgeous.

posted by Miriam

Jul 27, 2007 10:56AM

Really bad idea. I loathe them like I loathe faded jeans that come with holes in them.

posted by chick3

Jul 27, 2007 10:58AM

Rompers are adorable, but you have to really sex up the hair and makeup so you don't end up looking like a toddler. I have a nylon Walter short one and a vintage, backless, black, long one I adore.

posted by Ariane

Jul 27, 2007 10:59AM

Oh, GOD, Mandate of Heaven is SO BAD. It looks like it was designed by the "cool kids" (i.e., drama nerds who listen to panic at the disco) at some redneck high school who someday dream of moving to New York City to HIPSTERS just like on the INTERNET! Mix in a little rich girl vanity project and you've got it. Soooo bad.

posted by guest

Jul 27, 2007 11:09AM

only for the skinniest of fashionistas...but cuuuuute though.

Not for me :(

posted by em.

Jul 27, 2007 11:18AM

They are one of those styles that are cute. But they're not in reality. It's difficult to find flattering ones, as most girls are not stick thin models.

Jul 27, 2007 11:35AM

I think rompers are one of those things that, when worn, stamp the wear "trend whore". When you pick one trend at a time and wear it usually looks "modern". Rompers are almost THE WHOLE OUTFIT and aren't flattering on those who aren't stick thing and are over that age of 14, even the new ones. It tends to overwhelm. But, that's just my opinion.

posted by kelly

Jul 27, 2007 12:38PM

cute idea, very hard to actually pull off

posted by brendastarlet

Jul 27, 2007 12:43PM

No. But that won't stop people from wearing them. Next we're going to get those romper jump suits back that everyone was wearing around 2002.

posted by Ani

Jul 27, 2007 2:03PM

Trends like these are just another example of the infantilization of fashion. Just like babydolls. To pull off these type of looks (or anything in Miu Miu) one has to be honest with oneself. These styles will look good if the wearer has an angelic babyface and is under 110pounds. Having daddy Warbucks' Amex card does not hurt.

Years ago (in 2001 to be exact) I bought a cute little vintage inspired wool playsuit by Nannette Lepore. It was so retro it could of came right off the "Romper Room" TV show. At the time people gave me strange and weird looks when I wore it. Funny how perceptions of what is "acceptable" change in a few years.

posted by Faran

Jul 27, 2007 2:16PM

One of my best friends is 4'11 and curvy; she looks incredible in rompers and heels. I think this is much more versatile than one imagines.

Also, it seems too simplistic to keep clamouring about "the infantilazation of fashion" as if our very self respect is questioned by a new silhouette.

You're not being victimized by a trend because nobody is forcing you to wear it. What matters is not what people show you but what you choose to buy.

posted by HeatherChandler

Jul 27, 2007 2:40PM

@Ani

I thought KinderWhore circa 1992 (and Courtney Love) was poised for a comeback?

Anyways, I don't have a problem with the Romper, so long as it looks good on the wearer.

As for me, I'm fully aware of my fashion limitations and there's just no way I could wear this without looking like someone's mental patient.

posted by i dont just like you. i like you, like you.

Jul 27, 2007 5:02PM

i would
and i do!

but we call them "a onepiece" lol i dont know about "romper"

they dont work for everyone.

posted by moomoo

Jul 28, 2007 4:05PM

I am wide shouldered, far from stick thin ( 5"6, 135) and have an hourglass figure... have been told I look great in my one piece strapless cotton number (from Century 21 , if you must know since I didnt want to make a real investment, was afraid I wouldn't wear it, but turns out I have) .. . you do NOT have to be stick thin, just well proportioned yourself with the right cut on the garment... try them with platforms , smooth hair, pretty makeup and shades and go for a Betty Grable 1940's pinup look- sexy, adult and polished, not baby girly... It's probably not the best look for the pear shaped among us though..

posted by Fashion Critic

Jul 28, 2007 6:57PM

Yes I would love to wear one, but the thanks to the British weather we are yet to have a summer

posted by Susanna

Jul 30, 2007 4:00PM

Elyse Sewell warned about the coming "combi-short" trend in her blog several months back. This is definitely not a look for the tall or the long-waisted: hello, cameltoe.