Summer Jumpsuit - 1958

Photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe

Whoa!  And you thought the jumpsuit was a 70s invention!  This one piece jumpsuit by Baldini is from 1958.  I love the bold black and white cotton print.  There is no indication, but this probably buttons or zips at the front.  It looks fabulous on her, but since there is no stretch in the fabric, I'll bet this wasn't all that comfortable to wear.  Sold in 1958 for $35 (about $276 in today's dollar.)

The Year of the Jumpsuit - 1969

It's 1969, and the pages of magazines are filled with jumpsuits in every color and fabric imaginable. Here are a few to spark your imagination.

I showed you some Jane Irwill sweaters from 1955 last week. Here, their take on the jumpsuit in pumpkin or brown ribbed wool with chain belts at the waist.

Cadillac knit jumpsuit in black with a white yoke. Worn with two belts by Elegant.

Prima ballerina Leda Lojodice models a palazzo pajama jumpsuit by, you guessed it, Emilio Pucci.

Kiminetta evening jumpsuit in accordian pleated polyester.

Actress Brigitte Fossey wears red ribbed cashmere from turtleneck to toe with a matching long fringed scarf. Both by Kinross of Scotland.

Kimberly wool knit jumpsuit has a zip front and stand-up collar with pocket flaps at the midriff.