How to Style a Striped Jumpsuit

So you want to wear a jumpsuit but are unsure how you’ll look now that you are older and your body is a little more rounded and softer?  An easy way to guarantee a long, lean, leggy look is to wear a striped jumpsuit. Here’s how to style a striped jumpsuit to look sleek and classy after 40, 50, 60!

1. Embrace Stripes

I love jumpsuits and always find it surprising they need to get the attention they deserve. A beautiful jumpsuit can be very figure-flattering and look super modern, too. I didn’t set out to buy this chic red, white, and blue striped jumpsuit, but when I saw it and tried it on, I knew I had found a winner.

A dark navy base, head-to-toe vertical stripes that make the eye travel up and down, and heels will make you look like a leggy supermodel!

2. Find Your Perfect Fit

Finding the perfect fit is one of the secrets to mastering the art of jumpsuit styling. Make sure your jumpsuit hugs your curves in all the right places and is not too short and tight at the crotch. If you are wider up top than bottom or vice versa, size up one so your jumpsuit fits the widest part of your body without pulling.

Also, look for jumpsuits that nip in (even slightly) at the waist.  The most flattering jumpsuits have elastic in the middle,  a belt, or, in this case, an extra piece of fabric that can be tied at the front like a wrap top.

If you don’t define your waist somehow, your jumpsuit will make you look boxy, wide, and short!

3. Accessorize Like a Pro

The right accessories can take you from “wow” to “Wow!”  Switch out a matching self-belt with a unique and eye-catching belt. Layer on delicate necklaces, or go bold with chunky earrings to draw attention to your neckline.

5. Layer with Love

Jumpsuits are fantastic, but don’t hesitate to add a third piece if you get cold or want a more powerful look! Slip on a denim or leather jacket for a chic urban edge. Look romantic or boho look with a flowy kimono or duster. To look polished and classic, opt for a smart-looking tailored blazer like the white one I wear here.

6. Play with Color

Stripes already add color, but you can go even further! Experiment with colorful accents that match the stripes,  like a bright, cheery bag or a colorful beach scarf. My red Gucci camera bag is a good example of this, and it adds energy to this classic stripes print!

7. Wear a Chunky Heel

The beauty of a striped jumpsuit is that it’s incredibly versatile regarding footwear. For a casual day look, rock some comfy sneakers or stylish espadrilles. Heading to a night out? Glam up with strappy slides, like these silver or classic pumps. The wider the flare, the chunkier the heel should be.

10. Own the Look

Confidence because it’s truly the secret ingredient to rocking any jumpsuit, striped or otherwise. Give a jumpsuit a go, own the look, and you’ll be surprised how fabulous it can make you look and feel!

More Great Striped Jumpsuits

Here are a couple of striped jumpsuit styling boards for more inspiration.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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