Playsuits are the new boilersuits: here's what you need to know

There’s a reason why the trend for jumpsuits — acknowledged by everyone from your auntie’s hairdresser to the most intimidatingly fabulous section of Liberty’s contemporary fashion floor — arrived then refused to leave us: the one-piece is a gift from God.

OK, so it’s a gift from someone with an astute understanding of the wants and needs of modern womankind. Certainly it’s a gift from someone who knew that what we really, really wanted was an item of clothing that made us feel secure. The proof of its appeal is in its longevity. If the white trainer (gloriously comfortable, gloriously versatile) is the shoe of the decade then the all-in-one is its equivalent, with the item no longer a novelty trend but an established category that’s considered as critical to retailers as dresses and skirts.

The jumpsuit has evolved with the seasons. What began as formal black-tie attire became a strappy​ summer’s day ready playsuit and then a boiler suit. This year the look evolves again with a long-sleeve playsuit summer’s cult buy. One part playsuit (i.e it falls to thigh height) and another part boiler, it’s a look that’s winning fans at pace. Not least with Londoners who love nothing more than a style hybrid with the power to take them from the office to beers in the park and beyond.

The most popular takes on this trend come in pink. Or so a perusal of Instagram would suggest, with candy-coloured interpretations of the look winning almost as many fans as its full-length equivalent and the style a hit on the summer festival circuit. LF Markey, a newly founded basics brand by Central Saint Martin’s graduate Louise Markey, has arguably created the pink playsuit of the season (look it up on her website or on Net-A-Porter.com).

But for those who find too much sweetness puts them off their sangria, playsuits in shades of khaki (see jeans label Frame) and denim are also popular. If print is your thing, look to Urban Outfitters or Monki, which have a host of millennial-friendly playsuits in their ranks this summer.

Make no mistake, though, the playsuit doesn’t come with an age limit. In fact, its genius lies in its versatility. Choose yours wisely. Arket’s take on the trend is slouchy and a great option for those looking for more thigh coverage, while a long-sleeved style such as Frame’s khaki version is ideal for those prefer to keep their arms undercover.

On the matter of how to wear yours, anything goes. Although I’d advise flats if you’re after a contemporary look. A chunky soled sandal is a fine sunny day accompaniment — opt for a contrasting shade.

And don’t be afraid to layer with a T-shirt — a long-sleeved rollneck is a nice option. It’s all to play for.