Claire Takes on the Bodysuit
For the first time in my adult life, I wore a bodysuit. When I was home over Memorial Day weekend I peeked over my mom's shoulder as she was online shopping and saw a couple of bodysuits I just knew I couldn't live without. I'd been on the fence about buying one: on one hand they would remain smoothly tucked into my skirts and pants, but on the other would they cover my freakishly long torso? My height is all torso, my inseam is only 28 inches.
Zara bodysuit, ASOS skirt, I.N.C. shoes, and Kate Spade tote (similar here)
I mulled over the cute minimalist pieces I had seen and placed my order later that evening after a glass or two of prosecco quieted the voices in my head that said my length would burst through the seams. After all, if it didn't work, I could always send it back. I purchased two bodysuits, the black v-neck featured here, and a drapey white one, both in medium. Typically, I wear a small in Zara but I want extra material to accommodate my length and bust.
No-name sunnies, art-deco cuff, and pearl pendant add some work-appropriate flair
Zara employees must not celebrate Memorial Day because my purchases arrived within three days (sweet!). To my surprise, the medium fit in the white but was too big the black v-neck style. After a quick exchange, I had the black v-neck in a small, but I folded both into a drawer and returned to endlessly tucking blouses and button ups into my skirts and pants. What was I waiting for? Both fit, both were stylish and work appropriate.
What I couldn't get over was an uncomfortable experience I'd had a couple of years prior where I purchased a bodysuit on clearance and wore it with a pair of high waisted denim to the movies. It was hell. The bodysuit was too short, I ate way too much popcorn, and I eventually went to the bathroom to unsnap it at the crotch, and it rolled up like ticker tape leaving my lower back exposed. It was a sartorial nightmare. As soon as I got home, I balled that unreturnable piece of crap up and threw it into my donation pile at the bottom of my closet.
Standing strong with some great accessories: Kate Spade tote and art-deco cuff bracelet (similar here)
You can imagine my anxiety as I contemplated going to work in a bodysuit that could turn on me in the same way. I need pieces that I can rely on, that will carry me through the day in some state of comfort. Last Friday, I summoned the courage to pair the black body suit with a grey skirt from ASOS.
It turned out to more comfortable than I'd imagined. The bodysuit was long and the material provided enough stretch that I didn't feel trapped, and I loved that I didn't have to repeatedly tuck my top into my skirt. My only complaint was working the snaps at the crotch when I needed to go to the bathroom. As I squatted over a toilet, trying blindly to snap it back up, I thought of my eight month old niece and found myself envying the help she receives from her parents when they dress her. Bodysuits should seriously come with an extra set of hands.
Striding purposefully to my next court hearing
As I type and edit this I'm wearing the other bodysuit I purchased. It is also comfortable but I'll probably just strip the next time I have to use the toilet.