(Culture)

How To Pull Off A Bodysuit In 2015 (Hint: Avoid Crushed Velvet)

by Fawnia Soo Hoo
A four-part collage with celebrities wearing black bodysuits

We’re still reeling over the news of Donna Karan’s retirement. After all, Karan helped define the concept of American style as we know it today. Case in point: her iconic black bodysuits, which became an essential for every chic woman in the 1980s, have recently been embraced by a host of social media-savvy It girls—and they’ve given the staple a whole new spin. Follow their lead (and Karan’s too) and opt for a neutral color instead of the floral, velvet, and lingerie-inspired renderings made famous by other brands in the ’80s and ’90s. Pair with classic denim or a simple mini skirt and understated accessories for a cool-girl look. (Feeling a little too basic for you? We’re down with striped bodysuits too.)

Bodysuits For The Win

Photos, Clockwise: @chiaraferragni, @bellahadid, @emrata, @selenagomez

With Denim Cut-Offs

Pair a black strappy bodysuit with a pair of worn-in denim cut-offs and accessorize with the daintiest of pendants for an easy 2.5-step outfit that looks just as effortlessly cool for city cocktails as it would lounging on the beach.

With A Textured Skirt

For a less basic look, opt for a bodysuit with a subtle pattern and pick a bottom with texture — think: suede or dark-wash denim — for a sophisticated, streamlined silhouette.

With White Jeans

Or try pairing a black tank bodysuit with a pair of white jeans for contrast. A pair of neutral heels finishes off the look with a sophisticated vibe, without being distracting.