The women who wore them back in the '70s will shudder to read this: The jumpsuit is back.

Sure it came and went several times since then, the last being when Jennifer Lopez lived on the block in the early part of this decade and strutted around in a flight suit and stilettos. But it was those industrial-looking front zips, body-hugging fits and awkward bathroom situations that gave women frightful fashion flashbacks.

"Some women will be hesitant to try it a second time around, especially if they were scarred the first time," chuckles Peter Papapetrou, fashion director at the upscale mall Hazelton Lanes.

But like all things that come full circle in fashion, it's never the same the second time.

"The silhouette is softer now," he explains.

In fabrics like silk, jersey and chiffon, they are drapey, voluminous and easy. It even has a gentler name now in 2008; the onesie.

There was a parade of them down spring runways, from Stella McCartney's breezy floral printed versions, to a severely chic grey flannel one at YSL to an all denim style at Chanel.

And the usual Hollywood suspects, Nicole Richie and Sarah Jessica Parker, and braver ones like Jennifer Hudson, have already been photographed in this singular sensation.

But will real women embrace this tricky trend? We checked out the various incarnations the jumper has taken this season.

Over on the Danforth, it has the ease of pyjamas.

Mary Labiri who owns Studio Labiri fell in love with the jumper when she saw it on her spring/summer buying trip at the Valentino RED showroom in New York.

"I bought it in all sizes. When it finally arrived in the store, my sister (who co-owns the store) said, `I hope you find five or six women who will be crazy to buy this thing,'" she said. "But you know what? It's done really well."

Labiri kept one of the strapless black jumpers for herself.

The trick to it is getting the proportion right she says. Petite girls should opt for the slimmer leg while the fuller harem leg is better suited for a taller woman. "And always bring in the waist with a belt. You need that definition or else it's just a loose billowing body."

Papapetrou agrees that belting is a key styling trick, since it makes legs look longer, and it must be worn with heels – a great wedge or stacked heel. Its younger sister, the short version, is known as a romper or playsuit.

Maha Zeibak, co-owner of UPC, a Yorkville boutique that sells edgier labels has taken to wearing the romper-like outfits the store stocks.

"It's really easy for summer when it's hot and you want something that you don't have to think twice about," she says. "It's also a fun piece to play with in terms of layering or dressing up or down. For a more casual look, I'll wear it with a flat and for evening a pump and some jewellery."

Then there is the sexier version, which Gap did in denim.

Tara Wickwire, a senior manager in public relations at Gap, says, "People underestimate how flattering it could be. It's very slimming because of the tapered leg and the dark denim elongates your entire frame. The cropped sleeves balance the entire look. Walking down the street, it's an attention-getter."

Over at Queen St, W. boutique Carte Blanche, the jumper takes on a fierce Blade Runner look; metallic, one-shouldered and shoulder-padded. It's definitely for the more adventurous.

Co-owner and designer Tania Martins custom makes them in a liquidy, mercury-coloured fabric she found in Japan and she offers the best reason to try a jumper. "It hides body flaws and imperfections and camouflages your bum and belly. Besides it's nice and easy to wear. Just throw it on with some shoes and bangles and your ready to go."

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/438116