Over the last year or so, I have steadily been adding to the jumpsuit quota in my wardrobe. I love each of them, but none of them are multi-taskers. By that I mean they only really lend themselves to one type of look. One is very casual and very summery indeed and was actually from the beachwear section. The others are much smarter; occasion wear almost.

Although I’ve never been one for fast fashion, I’m making a conscious effort this season to invest in clothes that will last. Clothes that work hard, are versatile and that will look classic and timeless no matter how I style them. I want my clothes to be a wise and sound investment.

A Super-Flattering Navy Jumpsuit

With that in mind, I chose this new, super-flattering navy jumpsuit from Hobbs, a brand that I think excels at desk-to-dinner dressing. In fact it was this time last year that I styled a Hobbs floral dress for desk to dinner. 

It’s perfect for an upcoming short business/pleasure trip to Stuttgart. I shall wear it when sightseeing, safe in the knowledge that it’s smart enough for when we stop for a glass of wine and lunch.  It’s also perfect for this season’s university open days with Poppy. I wore it when we went to Bristol last weekend actually, both for dinner on the evening we got there and when we were looking around the university the day after.

I’m returning to work in optometric practice, I know that a pair of court shoes and some simple accessories will deem it entirely suitable for the modest and practical look this necessitates. And because my birthday is in early October, (I’ll be in Stuttgart actually), it is, in my mind at least, the start of party season. This little navy jumpsuit needs little more than a pair of strappy heels and some statement jewellery to be ready for cocktails.

1. Working 9-5

If you’re going to wear a jumpsuit to the office, then it needs to be smart. This one hangs beautifully, doesn’t crease and is machine washable.

I think navy is easier to mix with other colours than black. Here, I teamed it with my fabulous aubergine Jennifer Hamley workbag, my Stepper purple frames and Lotus grey leopard court shoes. The shoes are, like all Lotus styles, very comfortable and the mid-height heel is ideal. When it’s cooler, I’m going to add a pair of tights – fishnet or opaques- and a blazer or jacket.

2. Weekend Dressing

Although this navy jumpsuit is smart enough for work, it’s very easy to dress down too. A denim jacket and a pair of trainers does the trick.

I love this jumpsuit’s simple, sleeveless design. It has adjustable waist ties, so it gives a super-feminine, flattering shape, not least because they emphasise the narrowest part of the body.

They’re fitted at the sides too, so you can tie them at the front or at the back, depending on your choice.

And it has pockets!!!!!

Note to self: Make sure the waist tie doesn’t come undone and hang down like a tail…

The tapered leg suits sandals, heels and trainers.  These lush navy velvet trainers are wonderfully comfortable, so are ideal for those days on the go. The rounded toe and minimalist design means they work with everything, from trousers/jumpsuits, midi or maxi dresses and, of course, jeans.

3. After Dark

It’s very easy to transform this navy jumpsuit for cocktails or dinner by switching shoes and accessories.

The simple neckline makes a perfect foil for statement jewellery. You might remember this rather fabulously-named Abracadabra rainbow Swarovski necklace and earrings from Eternal Collection. They’re such party-pieces and I get complimented on them every single time I wear them.

A pair of strappy heels and a sparkly clutch do the rest.

And Finally…

Thank you to my daughter Poppy for taking these photographs. Because it was sunny, our little town of Skipton was very busy and we had a lot of onlookers!

Anyway, I hope this shows how versatile a jumpsuit can be. I think this one is absolutely perfect and I know I’ll wear it in even more ways than I’ve demonstrated here. It fits true to size and, for reference, I’m 5 foot 9 inches tall and am wearing a UK size 12.