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How to Wear a Bodysuit This Summer

Jun 19, 2019

How to Wear a Bodysuit This Summer

I will admit, it took me a hot minute to get on the bodysuit train. You know me–I’m not exactly the first to jump on any *trend* bandwagon, but a select few trends will wear at me long enough for me to decide to hop on board. Bodysuits, my friends, are one of those trends. At first I just thought they were for those really tan 22-year-old Coachella-attending beauties–but it isn’t so! I’ll prove it to you. ?

If you’re on the fence, OR, you are 100% on team bodysuit, but need some inspiration on ways to wear one–you’re in luck, because today, I’m talking ALL about ’em–sharing my favorites, and four outfits to copy next time you pull yours out of your closet! 

How to wear a bodysuit

Different styles of bodysuits:

First up–let’s identify the right bodysuit for you!

What I’m wearing:

Here I’m wearing this cap-sleeve, square neck, Free People bodysuit, which I absolutely LOVE. Shout out to Lauren, who got me hooked on it–I definitely want to order it in more colors! It’s very flattering, and feels almost *throwback to another era* to me. (Maybe that’s why I like it? ?) It’s sexy without trying too hard–which I think is the only way to go no matter what your age. 

Fit: I would recommend sizing up–I got an XS (which is what I always am) and if it were any smaller, it would be too small–the shirt is very low and I think it’s just because the larger size would’ve been a bit roomier in the torso. The reviews so to size up one size though, so that’s definitely the way to go. I wear it with stick-on petals in lieu of a bra. 

Features: I LOVE that this is a thong, which means you don’t have the awkward underwear lines that you get with most bodysuits. It also snaps at the crotch to avoid any awkward bathroom situations. Tip: If you’re really short, you could easily take this to a tailor and get another line of snaps sewn in at the crotch to make it shorter in the torso. 

This version from Reformation is also a dupe of the Free People one! 

Tank top bodysuit: 

A tank top bodysuit is great because, well, it looks just like a tank top, so you can wear it a million different ways! You can go with a classic v-neck tank or tiny spaghetti straps, like this Topshop version for $25! 

Cami style bodysuit: 

A bodysuit version of my favorite all-season wardrobe staple: the slinky camisole! Express has a super cute one in tons of colors for under $50! I also love this cowl-neck cami version from Nordstrom! 

Long sleeve bodysuit: 

I love a good long-sleeve bodysuit (my first one was from Madewell this past winter that I wore a ton! It’s sold out but I’m sure it’ll come back this winter! This one is similar though!) I love this classic crew-neck black long sleeve bodysuit, though! If you want 3/4 sleeves that aren’t super tight, I love this Leith version! 

Off the shoulder bodysuit: 

I’ve been loving the off the shoulder bodysuits (Nordstrom has A TON), which would be perfect when you want something a little more sexy (but not too over the top)–perfect for a date night to show just the right amount of shoulder! Reformation makes some really cute ones, like this one! Very Olivia Newton John! 

Don’t want a bodysuit?

Get the same look with a top–just make sure it’s form-fitting and tuck it in–it looks identical! I love this one from Reformation

Shop my bodysuit + more favorite bodysuits: 

Bodysuit outfit ideas: 

Okay, now that you’ve narrowed down your favorite bodysuit, let’s go into four ways to style it! 

Bodysuit with white jeans outfit: 

Bodysuit outfit ideas

black and white outfit

I think pairing black and white together is always a great move–I’d wear this out for any casual summer occasion! 

Jeans: I definitely wanted to include an outfit with these Madewell 9″ rise skinny jeans (available at Shopbop and Madewell–definitely check both–Madewell has petite, tall, and taller, but Shopbop has more “regular” sizes in stock). They are my #1 favorite GG reader jeans. (You guys all weighed in on this post!) Why? Because they are super comfortable and soft, they aren’t see through, and they come in lot’s of different sizes! 

I thought there was no better test to prove they aren’t see through than with a black bodysuit. ?So, here you go! Proof! 

Free people bodysuit: The best bodysuit–available at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve. Also available in long sleeve! Reformation has a very similar dupe. See section above for full details and links to other bodysuits I love! 

Sam Edelman Bay sandals: You know I’ve been in love with the Steve Madden Greece sandals forever–well, my white ones are on their last legs (I’ve worn them into the ground) and I’ve always wondered if the equally popular Sam Edelman Bay sandals would be comparable to my favorite Steve Madden ones, so I ordered these recently–and they totally do! I think they’re so cute and also very comfortable! I also have them in the woven yellow version

Madewell earrings: I’ve been wearing these earrings nonstop. They’re the perfect “subtle statement” earring because they aren’t *too much* to wear during the day, and they’re great for dressing up any outfit day or night! 

Topshop straw bagYou first saw it styled here

Leather jacket: Mine is old (it’s from Massimo leather in Florence, Italy!) but I love this one and it would look so cute with this outfit! 

Bodysuit with jean shorts outfit: 

Bodysuit outfit ideas

Bodysuit and shorts outfit ideas

You know these are my favorite jean shorts from my jean shorts comparison post I did right here! I think jean shorts are a match made in heaven for a bodysuit! This would be such a cute outfit for a summer concert! (See related post: What to Wear to a Concert this summer!) 

Jean shorts: These from A.Golde are 100% worth the investment. The only pair I’ve found that are insanely flattering without being tight on your thighs! I feel comfortable wearing these as a thirty year old. ?I ordered my normal size, but go down a size if you want them tighter! 

Madewell simple pouch belt bagON SALE! This has to be the best purse ever invented for travel and summer activities (like street fests, concerts, etc!) Hands free, with no hassle of your purse slipping off your shoulder–plus, it’s impossible to steal or get pick pocketed! I wore it with a cute little red dress in this post.

Free people bodysuit: The best bodysuit–available at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve. Also available in long sleeve! Reformation has a very similar dupe. See section above for full details and links to other bodysuits I love! 

Barely there sandals: I recently discovered this new shoe brand on Shopbop, KANAAS, and I love this pair! They’re great for anytime you plan on walking a lot because they have an ankle strap, and I love their minimalistic look overall! 

Bodysuit with jeans outfit: 

Bodysuit with jeans outfit Bodysuit with jeans outfit

Skinny jeans: Another classic go-to–a bodysuit with skinny jeans! Here I’m wearing the Everlane Modern Stretch Mid-Rise Skinny jeans, and I think they are so flattering and classic! The ones I’m wearing here are ankle length but they come in regular as well as tall. 

Free people bodysuit: The best bodysuit–available at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve. Also available in long sleeve! Reformation has a very similar dupe. See section above for full details and links to other bodysuits I love! 

Madewell earrings: I’ve been wearing these earrings nonstop. They’re the perfect “subtle statement” earring because they aren’t *too much* to wear during the day, and they’re great for dressing up any outfit day or night! 

Sam Edelman Yaro HeelsOne of my go-to pairs of heels–they are so comfortable, all my friends own these in various colors. I love them in cork because they add more textural interest to any outfit while still remaining neutral, so they go with everything from jeans to cocktail dresses! 

Topshop straw bagYou first saw it styled here

Bodysuit with jean skirt outfit: 

Bodysuit with jean skirt outfit Bodysuit with jean skirt outfit

Free people bodysuit: The best bodysuit–available at Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve. Also available in long sleeve! Reformation has a very similar dupe. See section above for full details and links to other bodysuits I love! 

White jean skirt: I love a white denim mini! Mine is old, but I love this Madewell version! If raw hem denim isn’t your thing, check out Everlane’s Patch Pocket skirt–it’s more polished, but still really cute with sneakers! 

Tretorn sneakersMy go-to, insanely comfy (no break-in) sneaks that I wear with everything. 

Madewell simple pouch belt bagON SALE! This has to be the best purse ever invented for travel and summer activities (like street fests, concerts, etc!) Hands free, with no hassle of your purse slipping off your shoulder–plus, it’s impossible to steal or get pick pocketed! I wore it with a cute little red dress in this post.

Hair scarf: My go-to, especially when I’m traveling or walking around on a hot day! (It makes the most basic outfit cute and keeps your hair out of your face!) Doing a “how to tie a hair scarf” tutorial soon, I promise! Fun fact: Mango has the best scarves! 

That’s all! Was this helpful? I hope this gives you plenty of ideas on how to wear a bodysuit for tons of different occasions this summer! 

Photos by Hannah Schweiss Photography 

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