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Best playsuits to wear all summer long
No.8 is getting us excited for festivals ☀️
You heard it here first: playsuits are making a comeback. Maybe it's because everyone's been banging on about the usefulness of all-in-ones since flexi working arrived, but here at Cosmo we've become more obsessed with 'em than we were back in year 11.
The baby sister of the jumpsuit and tomboy cousin of your mini dress, rompers have handy shorts that allow you to get your legs out while avoiding Marilyn Monroe-esque knicker-flashing situations.
Talking of Marilyn, the playsuit has such a fun, retro feel, doesn't it? The stuff of '50s swimwear and Hollywood pinups, the OG styles had halter necklines and belted waists. We've come a long way since then (but if you're into that, check out River Island's broderie anglaise number or Terry's towelling lewks), and now you can choose which playsuit camp you fall into.
There's the easy-breezy linen babies that scream understated chic, the vintage-y floral pieces that feel ultra feminine, the utility boiler suit-inspired ones, the Studio 54-inspired party pieces and the floaty iterations made for the beach.
Feeling partly inspired, partly overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you: here are 27 of the best playsuits a gal could possibly want/need.
This looks a lil' like Brock Collections' playsuits with its square neckline, puffed sleeves and Wedgewood-blue florals.
This is our fave playsuit out of the bunch because it's made from orange terrycloth – and what's cuter than that in summer? This one isn't just practical (it'll double as an excellent beach coverup) but cool, too, thanks to the '50s vibes.
This is minimalist chic right here. So pure and pretty in black linen, with a clean A-line cut and that origami bow.
Broderie Anglaise is probs one of the best things about summer. Buy this belted, puff-sleeve playsuit now and you'll wear it for the next few!
Miss Selfridge is coming in strong with summer playsuits this season. These florals 😍
Yes, workout playsuits do exist. This one from sustainable brand The Girlfriend Collective is made from 26 recycled plastic bottles and has compression technology in the jersey to suck everything in. When you're not exercising, wear it under an oversized sweatshirt for major Princess Di vibes.
This long-sleeve, empire-waist playsuit is quite lightweight, so better suited for beach trips and holidays.
The smocked bodice, ruffled sleeves and sunflower print make this playsuit perfect for festivals.
Cornflower-blue is defo having a moment this summer szn so, naturally, we’re obsessed with Simply Be’s pretty playsuit. Its empire-line cut, dobby-spot fabric and ruffled trims are TDF. This piece is super versatile – dress it up with lace-up sandals or stay casual with white Air Force 1s.
Where do we even begin with this beauty? The striped cotton-poplin, midriff cutout, big sleeves and bow bandeau are a serious summer mood.
New Look is the place to go for affordable playsuits. The bardot sleeves, ditzy green florals and smocking on this one are adorable.
Petites, rejoice! This playsuit won't sag at the crochet or gape at the waist. Plus, the hot-pink satin, cut-out detail and retro halter top is TDF.
Ideal for sweaty heatwave days when you need to look pulled-together, Figleaves’ tangerine playsuit is cut from a cooling linen-cotton blend. We love the ruffled trims and the cute tie-detailing at the back.
We've spotted House Of Sunny's knitted playsuit in the Urban Outfitters sale! Grab it while you still can.
Navy satin and military detailing? Yes plz to the luxe boiler playsuit.
In The Style Plus x Lorna Luxe Puff sleeve flippy playsuit in multi floral print
We love the '90s vintage, Laura Ashley-inspired florals on this plus size playsuit.
Out out playsuits are a thing, people. Especially when they have Studio 54 vibes: check out the keyhole cutout, cross-halter straps and '70s swirly print on this beauty.
Sunny yellow tones, playful ruffles and pink florals. We smell summer!
H&M's black romper is ideal for summer nights out – the one-shoulder neckline and cut-out detailing are TDF. Wear yours with an oversized blazer and stilettos for an effortlessly chic evening look.
Wednesday's Girl Curve tie back flippy hem playsuit in spring pink floral
This easy breezy playsuit has an elasticated waistband, so it's super comfy to frolic in freely.
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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