Women's Playsuits

The leg is the whole difference here: the one-piece build of a jumpsuit, cut to a shorts length, with the hem usually landing somewhere between the upper thigh and just above the knee. Flared and A-line legs read almost like a skirt from the front, while tailored and cuffed shorts hold a cleaner edge. A fitted bodice with a defined waist seam follows the shape closely, and smocked, tiered and shirred styles gather the fabric so it skims instead.

Straps, halter necks and bandeau necklines carry the warm-weather end of the range, and long or puff sleeves stretch it further into the year. Cotton poplin, linen and broderie anglaise breathe in heat, jersey and knitted versions move with the body, and satin, crepe and lace push towards evening. The closure — a back zip, a button placket or a tie — decides how the piece goes on.