The Jumpsuit
Haily Zaki jumps for joy and her perpetual, enduring love of a jumpsuit!
“It’s one and done,” says Haily Zaki, Home-Werk’s footloose and fancy-free epicurean. Perpetually in motion, Zaki, who founded the LA Design Festival, runs her own PR firm, Secret Agent, and is a mom to three school-age children, is as well-known for her jumpsuit obsession as for her endless stream of ideas and boundless energy. “I love a jumpsuit because they’re as comfortable as pajamas but I can wear them outside without having to change,” she says. “Plus, unlike a dress, I don’t have to shave my legs. I mean, what’s not to love?”
Like many things 70s and 80s, the simple garment has…well…jumped back into the fashion spotlight. It debuted in 1919, the brainchild of an Italian artist. It was quickly adopted by parachutists who nicknamed it the “tuta” after their energetic ventures. Its ease and versatility makes it a no-brainer for those who work from home.
Zaki, who owns one in nearly every color and style possible, has a few pointers on finding one that’s flattering. “A tank top in a solid with a wide leg is a good starter style,” she suggests. Dress it up at night with a pair of low heels. Cropped styles are the most versatile, paired with the ubiquitous birk for practical daytime wear or matched with heels for an evening look.
The biggest challenge is heading to the bathroom. Zaki passes up complicated openings in favor of designs that are easy on and easy off. “It’s why I pick zippers or snaps over buttons every time,” says Zaki, “And elastic at the back waist is also a good idea,” says Zaki, “And maybe avoid linen, otherwise you get the dreaded diaper butt.”
Prints or solids, long sleeved, tanks, halters, off the shoulder, floor sweeping or ankle length, heavy denim or flowing silk, feminine flattering wrap-front styles or workman-like boiler suits, rompers, culotte-style, elastic ankles, for weddings, playtime or hanging around the house, there’s a jumpsuit style to fit everyone and every occasion. Just maybe stay away from the ones made from blue fur. “It seemed like fun when I bought it,” Zaki protests, “But the first time I wore it, my son called me Grover.” It went into the donation pile after that single wearing. We’re thinking maybe someone’s kid grabbed it as the perfect foundation for their Halloween costume. “Enough with the jokes,” says Zaki, “I liked it! And who doesn’t love Grover?” She has a point. Maybe she should’ve kept it?