6 Rockin’ rompers perfect for summer

Jun 01, 2012 1:45 AM by Mary Fetzer

Posted in Beauty & Style / Endless Summer

Romper Trend: Try It On!

The romper is a must-have this summer. Check out the coolest rompers of the season and decide which style is best for your body type.

sweet woman outside during summer

“As a designer, I love rompers because they highlight a tiny waist or cute backside while drawing attention away from areas that some ladies would rather keep more modest,” says Laura Mehlinger, designer and owner of Lola Haze™ Lingerie & Loungewear. “And they’re just so fun!”

Rompers can be worn alone or as a layering piece. Pair a romper with jeans and wedges, a flowy skirt and sandals or a blazer and heels.

The cover-up romper

Wear a romper as a cute beach or poolside cover-up. “Lounge away in your swimsuit and romper -- and accessorize with some bright wedges and electric nail polish (and maybe a bronzed lifeguard or two),” says Mehlinger, who recommends Ephemera Romper ($119) from Lola Haze™.

The wear-it-any-way romper

If you like versatility, check out the Sweet Dreamer Sheer-Back Romper ($63) from Social Butterfly House. This romper comes in funky bright blue and boho-inspired taupe. Dress it up with a braided belt, bangles and heels or dress is down with a brown leather belt, gold headband, bronze jewelry and cowboy boots.

The vintage day-or-night romper

The Motel Dakota Collar Playsuit ($87) from Motel Rocks is like an extension of your favorite button-down shirt. Pair it with bright platform wedges by day and with a studded belt and tights by night!

Rompers for real moms >>

The adjustable-straps romper

“A one-piece romper will fit every woman differently," says fashion blogger Dale Janee Steliga. Look for rompers with adjustable straps to account for the length of your torso. If you have a long torso, you don’t want the romper too hiked up. If you have a short torso, you don’t want the shorts to sag in the back. We love BillaBong Hey Toots Romper ($40) at PacSun.

The romper of the stars

Dress like a star! Soraya by Rozi, the exclusive LA-based brand merchandiser for MTV, Oxygen and Bravo, features the Sophie Jumper ($92). In this gorgeous get-up, you’ll look just like one of your favorite reality TV stars.

The romantic romper

Rompers can be sexy, flirty and sporty... but they can be romantic, too. Look for gauzy, breezy floral fabrics with frills, lace or ruffles, like the Flower Print Romper ($42) at Fanaberie.

5 Swimsuits that bring out your bust >>

Expert Tip

“Rompers are comfortable but can look boxy or shapeless. Cinch the waist with a skinny belt or a fitted blazer.” ~Dale Janee Steliga, SavvySpice.com

The best romper for you

Liz Kelly Zook is a body typing consultant and says that following trends is great as long as you dress for your body type. Zook makes romper recommendations for every shape. Find yours!

Apple-shape (bigger in the middle). Look for a colorblocked (dark bottom/bright top) romper with a fitted torso and wide legs: Petite Colorblocked Romper ($234) from Anthropologie.
Boy-shape (rectangular torso). Look for a high-cinched-waist romper with features such as ruffles or pleats to create extra shape: Catherine Malandrino Wrap-Front Jumpsuit ($295) at Neiman Marcus.
Pear-shape (bigger on the bottom). Look for rompers that have neckline embellishments or are brighter on tip: BCBGMAXAZRIA Jumpsuit Casli Croxxover Halter ($178) from Bloomingdales.
Column shape (bigger on top). Look for rompers with ruffles and/or brighter colors on the bottom to balance out a larger bust: Sweetheart Skort Romper from ($23) from FOREVER 21®.
Hourglass shape (curvy). Look for rompers that maintain your balanced shape and accentuate your waist with ties or elastic: Diane Von Furstenberg New Ayden Playsuit ($224) at Harrod’s.