Searching for “romper” in Google, I wasn’t sure if I would find mostly results for children’s wear, or if the romper craze had permeated the search engine. Baby rompers were the 8th listing down – looks like adult rompers have taken over. (Can we call them something else? Calling them “adult rompers” sounds pornographic.) If I remember correctly, they only started appearing this spring, so this was the first summer they came out in full effect. After eyeing them in magazines and on other, more daring women, I saw a few in BCBG and decided to give them a try:
Clockwise from top left:
Navy – Merino wool. Have you ever seen wool shorts? I haven’t. So why a wool romper?
- The least flattering of the rompers. This is a piece of clothing that generally requires a flat stomach, and the flat front and clingy fabric were extra un-flattering. The drop-waist right directly underneath the bulkiest part of my midsection didn’t help either.
- Treating it like a skirt in the winter you could wear it with leggings and boots; or opaque stockings and heavy, strappy sandals with a thick heel. Because of the bagginess of the top it would be hard to wear another sweater or a jacket on top. Wear instead of: daytime skirt + sweater combo, but carry a scarf; great for being seen in line for ice cream at Bi-Rite.
- Wearability score: 3
Green – Rayon/Nylon blend. Ready for the club… but not with those sandals.
- The pleats and belt make this an instantly more flattering piece – although I’m pretty sure I was sucking in. The elastic band at the top helps control what could have been a baggier top.
- Definitely an outfit for the club… Or Medjool. Goes well with a statement necklace or wrist cuff and high strappy stillettos. Not for daytime (not for me, at least). Wear instead of: flashy top and tight jeans when going out at night.
- Wearability score: 3.5
White – Rayon/Nylon blend. Never have I seen a quasi-synthetic blend look so natural.
- The hem length on this romper is instantly un-flattering, and combined with the long sleeves felt incredibly out of proportion. But this is coming from someone who generally doesn’t wear shorts or long sleeves. The top was incredibly baggy, but the white band around the mid-section provided some good camouflage.
- For the daring preppy, combine this with Sperry Top-Siders, and a J. Crew tote bag; or a Lilly Pulitzer scarf and matching espadrilles. Wear instead of: whatever you normally wear while sailing or at the clam-bake; hanging out at the Ferry Building.
- Wearability score: 3
Beige – Rayon/Nylon blend, and my favorite of them all.
- Putting on this romper I felt like I was preparing to go on Safari. The shorts felt like a good length, and the belt plus a little bit of shirring at the mid-section made me feel like my stomach wasn’t altogether noticeable (but it probably would be after a meal). The top was comfortable – not baggy – and felt like something I could be active in.
- Keeping the sandals and adding an animal print bag and oversized sunglasses, I could be unstoppable. Just not for a lunch date. Wear instead of: a sundress for hanging out with friends at Dolores or Golden Gate park; any daytime activity that doesn’t include eating.
- Wearability score: 3.75
While I would like to give the romper a go in the world beyond BCBG’s fitting room, I’m still not convinced that they’re a good idea. I’m all for trying new things, but I try to keep it figure-flattering. If I find one that makes me look good AND doesn’t come at a price that feels like a bad investment, I will totally rock it. Until then, I’m sticking to my skirts, dresses and jeans, thankyouverymuch.
*Photography by Jamie Diaz
What's your opinion?