How to style a unitard for every occasion
Many of us value comfort over everything else when getting dressed—and rightfully so!—but, let’s admit it, leggings rarely are the most stylish option. While the biker shorts trend is still going strong, there’s a new one-and-done option that blends the comfort of leggings with the stylishness of a dress: enter the unitard!
A unitard is a skin-tight, one-piece garment typically used by men and women for sports requiring overall body coverage without impeding flexibility. Now, it’s made its way into the fashion world as well. There are a plethora of terms used to describe this garment: in sports, a unitard has full legs and sometimes long sleeves, but the same item is usually described as a “catsuit” in other contexts. The unitard’s short-legged sister is referred to as a romper, a singlet, or a onesie. For ease, this article will use “catsuit” for the former and “romper” for the latter.
The key to styling a catsuit or a romper is to elevate them via layering and formal accessories. The goal is to add volume to a skin-tight garment while making it less sporty. Here are six ways to style rompers and catsuits for every occasion.
Catsuits are ideal for casual days out, lunch or coffee dates, running errands, and looking your best on your way to pilates. To add some edge and a bit of high/low tension, style your catsuit with an oversized blazer, a baseball cap, and your favourite sneakers. While the other pieces have a distinctly sporty vibe, the blazer grounds your look and gives it more interest. A monochrome outfit always looks refined, especially if you go for darker shades like black, grey or navy.
Norma Kamali
Oversized faux leather blazer Black
$335.00
Mytheresa
Maeve
The Rue Oversized Double Breasted Blazer Jacket Black
$158.00
Anthropologie
Ganni
Suiting Oversized Blazer Black
$179.99
Rue La La
On the other hand, if your plan for the day is strictly chilling, lean into the cozy, relaxed vibe of the catsuit with equally cozy pieces. Perfect for going on a coffee run or lounging at home, a catsuit styled with a chunky cardigan, thick socks, and slipper-adjacent shoes—like UGGs, when the weather allows it—will become your chill-day-in staple look. Going full monochrome isn’t necessary here, but consider sticking with earthy tones like browns and off-whites for ultimate comfort.
-50%
Mother
The Long Drop Cardigan
$212.50
$425.00
Neiman Marcus
Maeve
Chunky Tape Yarn Cardigan Sweater Red
$158.00
Anthropologie
Maeve
Chunky Tape Yarn Cardigan Sweater Green
$158.00
Anthropologie
Who said catsuits can’t be formal? They’re one of the most popular performance outfits amongst pop stars for a reason—raise your hand if you’re still thinking about Beyoncé’s glittery, custom Loewe catsuits from her 2023 Renaissance World Tour! Take it from Bey, a catsuit can definitely be styled for a night out. Simply pair it with thigh-high boots and an edgy leather trench. Finish off the look with your favourite chunky jewellery and a pair of sunglasses for the ultimate diva look.
On
Cloud 6 Sneakers White
$160.00
Anthropologie
Bruno Magli
Mens Aydin Leather Oxford Brown
$239.99
Rue La La
Everything we just said about catsuits is also 100% applicable to rompers: wear them for a day on the town, on an errand run, or a coffee date. Besides short legs, rompers often feature spaghetti or thin straps, making them perfect for the warmer months. For a chill day out, style your romper with your favourite sneakers, white crew socks, and a crewneck sweatshirt tied around your waist in case it gets colder. A designer bag is the perfect way to elevate this look.
Alo
| Throwback Socks in White/Black, Size: Medium
$34.00
Alo Yoga
Tommy Bahama
Island Cays Wrap Romper Black
$69.99
Rue La La
-79%
8pm
Jumpsuits Pink
$70.00
$338.00
Yoox.com
Amanda Uprichard
Kya Denim Skort Romper Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
Festival season is in full swing, and there’s nothing like a romper to stay ultra comfortable while partying all day. If you have any concerts or music festivals planned for the summer, take your cut-out romper out for a spin. Chunky combat boots are the ideal choice for braving through the mud on the way to the stage, and a practical sling bag or fanny pack are essential to keep all your belongings close.
-20%
DKNY
55mm Sava buckle-detail combat boots - women - Leather - 6.5 - Black
$664.00
$828.00
FARFETCH
-12%
See By Chloé
Ankle boots Red
$220.00
$250.00
Yoox.com
Karl Lagerfeld
Marlee Combat Boot in Black at Nordstrom, Size 7.5
$209.00
Nordstrom
Aldo
Goer Cap Toe Combat Boot in Black at Nordstrom, Size 6.5
$130.00
Nordstrom
Wimbledon is over, but here you are, still listening to the Challengers soundtrack on repeat and thinking about Zendaya’s tennis-themed press tour looks. 2024 has seen the rise of tennis, or better Tenniscore, as an internet phenomenon. And nothing says Tenniscore like a romper. Take a page from Serena Williams’ iconic on-court style and go for a tennis-inspired romper to feel just like Tashi Duncan.
Tommy Bahama
Island Cays Wrap Romper Black
$69.99
Rue La La
-79%
8pm
Jumpsuits Pink
$70.00
$338.00
Yoox.com
Amanda Uprichard
Kya Denim Skort Romper Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
Bloch
Adult Luna Knit Jumpsuit, Grey Marle Gray
$59.00
BLOCH
-25%
Atu Body Couture
Tiger-print organza-bow catsuit - women - Polyester - S - Pink
$574.00
$764.00
FARFETCH
The Upside
Ribbed Osaka Catsuit Black
$65.99
Rue La La
-46%
AllSaints
Rylee Flock Lace Catsuit
$155.70
$289.00
AllSaints
-40%
Naked Wardrobe
Animal Print Closed Toe Jumpsuit in Beige Snakeskin at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$70.80
$118.00
Nordstrom
Norma Kamali
Floral lace catsuit Black
$235.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Oséree
Oséree Ruffled cutout lace catsuit Black
$434.00
$620.00
Mytheresa
Tommy Bahama
Island Cays Wrap Romper Black
$69.99
Rue La La
-79%
8pm
Jumpsuits Pink
$70.00
$338.00
Yoox.com
Amanda Uprichard
Kya Denim Skort Romper Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
Bloch
Adult Luna Knit Jumpsuit, Grey Marle Gray
$59.00
BLOCH
-56%
Elisabetta Franchi
Jumpsuits Black
$362.00
$832.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Please
White Cotton Short Sleeves Button Down Romper Womens Dress
$159.00
$226.00
LUX LAIR
Farm Rio
Stitched Garden Blue Linen-Blend Romper
$75.99
Rue La La
Reiss
Harri Print Belted Romper in Neutral at Nordstrom, Size 4 Us
$225.00
Nordstrom
Alice & Olivia
Vita Romper
$148.99
Rue La La
-30%
Farm Rio
Printed linen romper Red
$224.00
$320.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Moncho Heredia
Jumpsuits Blue
$405.00
$579.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Melissa Odabash
Border cotton-blend playsuit Blue
$220.00
$315.00
Mytheresa
