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How to Wear a Jumpsuit in Winter (What Goes Under, Over and On Your Feet)

“A jumpsuit is one of the easiest winter outfits, because it's one decision. The mistake is treating it as summer-only. Put something fitted underneath, something structured on top, and it works from the office to a Christmas party.”Her take

What do you wear under a sleeveless or strappy jumpsuit?

A thin fitted layer turns a summer jumpsuit into a winter one. A fine-gauge roll-neck, a long-sleeved jersey top or a thermal vest in a matching or neutral colour all sit flat under the bodice. The key is thinness: anything thicker than a fine knit pushes against the jumpsuit and makes the top half look puffy.

For a halter-neck or deep V jumpsuit, a roll-neck gives a sleek, polished look. For a square or straight neckline, a scoop-neck long-sleeved top that sits just below the jumpsuit's neckline looks neater than a roll-neck. Match the underlayer to the jumpsuit for a long column, or pick a contrast such as black under camel or cream under navy.

What goes over a jumpsuit?

Choose layers that keep your waist visible, because the waist is what makes a jumpsuit look shaped. A cropped cardigan or short boxy knit that ends at the waist works well. A blazer worn open, falling to the hip, is the smartest option. A long wool coat worn open lets the jumpsuit show down the middle like a long stripe.

Avoid hip-length chunky jumpers pulled over a jumpsuit; they hide the waist and make it look like trousers with a bulky top. If you want a jumper, choose a fine knit and tuck the front of it into the jumpsuit's waist, or belt it.

What shoes and tights work with a winter jumpsuit?

The hem decides the shoe. A wide-leg jumpsuit that grazes the floor needs a heeled boot or a block-heel ankle boot so the hem sits just above the ground rather than dragging through puddles. A straight or tapered jumpsuit that finishes at the ankle looks good with loafers, flat ankle boots or chunky lace-ups. A cropped or culotte-length jumpsuit works with knee-high boots that disappear under the hem.

Wear opaque tights or fine socks underneath for warmth. Matching the tights and boots to the jumpsuit colour, such as black jumpsuit, black tights and black boots, keeps the leg line long. Thermal leggings fit under wide-leg styles without showing.

Which jumpsuit fabrics work in winter?

Heavier fabrics look seasonal and hold their shape over layers. Look for wool or wool-blend crepe, corduroy, denim, velvet, ponte jersey and heavy satin for evenings. Thin summer viscose, linen and cotton voile look out of season and cling to tights.

Darker and richer colours also help a jumpsuit read as winter: navy, chocolate, forest green, charcoal, black, camel and deep plum. A pale or bright summer jumpsuit can still work if you layer dark knitwear and boots with it, which shifts the whole look.

Jumpsuit outfits for work, weekend and parties

Use these as starting points.

• Office: navy crepe wide-leg jumpsuit, fine cream roll-neck underneath, open grey blazer, block-heel ankle boots.
• Weekend: dark denim boiler-style jumpsuit, striped long-sleeved top underneath, chunky cardigan, lace-up boots.
• Christmas party: black velvet or satin jumpsuit, bare arms or a sheer long-sleeved top, statement earrings, heeled ankle boots, long coat over the top.
• Country lunch: chocolate corduroy jumpsuit, cream knit tucked in at the front, knee-high brown boots.

How do you deal with the loo problem in winter?

Layers make the loo trip harder, so plan for it. Choose a jumpsuit with a front zip or buttons rather than a back zip, and make sure the underlayer is a separate top rather than a bodysuit, so the jumpsuit can drop without everything else coming with it.

If you wear a coat or blazer over it, take it off before you go in; there's usually nowhere clean to hang it. At a party, a jumpsuit with a wrap or tie front is quickest to get in and out of.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Fine and fitted underneath, structured on top, waist visible, heavier fabric, the right hem for your boots, and a front fastening for the loo.

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