The whole world is full of bodysuits at the moment (and by ‘the whole world’ I mean mostly Zara’s Women department), so it’s a fitting moment to take a look at this unfairly maligned item of clothing. Often, bodysuits are filed with harem pants and jumpsuits under the things only fashion victims wear. Which is stupid, as harem pants and jumpsuits are actually easy to wear and work for many body types.

Bodysuits can be a bit tricky at first, though. This is mostly for two reasons: people find them too uncomfortable and too revealing. The only solution to the first is to find a brand/model that fits you well. I can confirm the existence of bodysuits that are absolutely fine to wear. I personally prefer ones that have both the traditional closure down below and a wide neck that can also be used to escape, but you do you.

The issue of feeling too exposed in a bodysuit can be solved by either a) extreme body confidence (highly recommended!) or b) layering. My method is in fact a mixture of the two, as I try not to worry too much about looking perfect, but I still cover up the parts I don’t want everybody to see (the parts can vary). The point is that wearing a bodysuit will give you a beautiful line, more fitted than anything else. This is great both if you have a wonderful body you are eager to show off or you want to wear several things atop each other, as there will be no bunching up, awkward bits of excess fabric, creasing and the like.

It can still be a bit difficult to see how to wear one, especially if you associate bodysuits with aerobics and bikini waxes. I have therefore taken three Crystal Rabbit bodysuits* and photographed them in three different styles. Today’s version is the closest to the old aerobics cliché, but as you can see, I have cleverly eliminated the need for bikini waxing. This is one of the easiest ways to wear any bodysuit – you can substitute denim shorts for long jeans for a racier look or tone it down with a more modest top half. I have gone with a pretty sporty vibe on purpose, as athleisure is a huge trend at the moment and it’s not going anywhere. The fact that I’m looking like an East German swimmer (minus the muscles) in drag queen make-up is intentional and in this case a good thing (well, some muscles would be great). I would have worn my neon Nikes with this ensemble, if they had not been in Brussels and unattainable.

I admit that none of the looks I’ve put together are work appropriate, but that’s because everyone can pair a black roll-neck wool bodysuit and grey tweed trousers. I’m showing some less traditional takes to get your mind moving, even if your reaction is: “uuuggghhh, I’d never wear anything like this!” Because as a reaction, you might have an idea about something else you WOULD like to wear.

Bodysuit by Crystal Rabbit, jeans by Diesel, shoes by Sophia Webster; hair and make-up by Glow Beauty Studio; images by Lilian Merila.

* I own two and borrowed one for the shoot, as there wasn’t enough time to finish the third.