MY TOP 5 BODYSUITS
When it comes to staple items your closet must carry, there are a few essentials I would list off in a cinch: blue jeans, black pumps, white tee, killer gold accessories… but then, there are the other, less obvious staples that you are itching to reach for when it comes time to get dressed, and wish you had a variety of in your wardrobe to support your outfit dreams. Namely, the bodysuit. The multi-functional skin-like layer goes with just about any look and the more bodysuits you own, the more styles you can create.
I think my first love of bodysuits began with that nostalgia for the dancer’s ballet look: sleek-fitting, feminine, and flexible, the OG leotard allowed for breathy movement and a weightless feel. Then, my brain immediately goes to the one-piece swimsuits that graced the covers of Sports Illustrated—with the metallic, plunging necklines—models posing in the sexiest swimwear ever… who would have thought that a one-piece could be sexier than a bikini!?
Starting with the basics, the first bodysuit every woman should own is the simple black one-piece. I wear mine with everything, especially high-waisted jeans. Super flattering, what I love most about a bodysuit paired with jeans is that you never need to tuck anything in, no fussing around with loose ends sticking out of your waist-line. Form-fitting, I opted for a square neck-line because my petite frame works well with a wider cut. Whatever your body type, Aritzia has have a variety of colours, cuts, and styles (and outfit ideas!).
Hugging my body like a glove, I’m obsessed with the refined finished look of a bodysuit that doubles as a blouse. The off-the-shoulder frilly black blouse is secretly a bodysuit (which adds another layer of sexy, right?!), is so refined and seductive. I got this one from Billie Boutique – they carry one of my favourite brands MISA Los Angeles. I was drawn to this bodysuit because it’s so super feminine and I knew it would go great with this playful polka-dot skirt.
Taking a typical menswear item like a blazer and pairing it with an ultra-feminine piece like a bodysuit, plays with fashion in a fun way. Mixing and matching goes beyond colours, prints and textures; I love mixing across eras and gender lines. A bodysuit has a slimming effect, especially if you snag the right cut and pair it with something high-waisted, and so when I threw together this floral short-suit, I knew it needed a pop of colour, and who does trendy neon better than Zara!?
Like a first layer, or second-skin, my white bodysuit is the perfect play on a white tee. Whether you are busty or flat-chested, the tight-fitting, low neck-line accentuates what you have – throw on the perfect layered accessories and you’ve created a serious eye-line. I love this Blush Lingerie designed in collaboration with Maripier Morin bodysuit because it’s both comfortable and casual. It matches with just about anything! I paired it with a simple jean look and added a bomber jacket to make it more street.
The multi-style piece sees many variations, and I personally love the lacy look. I grabbed this CAMI NYC bodysuit from TNT and just love lace and silk layers. It’s the perfect day or night piece and goes seamlessly with any outfit. The deep, rich colour is another added element of sultry, and a camisole is always reminiscent of that feminine mystique.
The bodysuit can honestly do no wrong. There are a plethora of ways to style the one-piece and from my field research (basically, shopping a ton!), I’ve seen tons of bodysuit styles I can’t wait to try out: I love the turtleneck look, the long-sleeve plunging back, or the strappy look. So many outfits, so little time!
Photography by Patricia Brochu