So there it was, just sitting in the window. Staring at me. I’d walked past Swank Boutique tons of times on my way to class, but I’d never stopped in my tracks quite like this before.
I was staring at the most beautiful long-sleeved, black, mesh bodysuit. Practical, right? No, I couldn’t have fallen in love with a classic black turtleneck, the perfect pair of dark wash jeans, or a pair of comfy loafers. Of course, it had to be a mesh bodysuit. Something I would probably get the guts to wear a whopping two times in my life and then stare longingly at, wishing for an occasion that warranted partial nudity while still wearing long sleeves.
I had spent the previous week making eggs and ramen last until I could find the chance to head to the grocery store…to buy more eggs and ramen. I’m usually a savvy shopper, but recently my budget has been a little tighter than normal. So I’ve been more of a non-existent shopper these past few weeks. Sigh.
But I had been wildly productive the past week, had done well on all my tests and assignments, so I thought I’d treat myself. Just this once. To a mesh bodysuit.
Honestly, the bodysuit was a steal at $26 and, if I hadn’t scooped up the last size S (muahaha), I would be screaming at every man, woman, and child to head over to Swank and snag themselves one as well.
So there I am, right? I’ve just purchased an alarmingly impractical piece of clothing that I really can’t afford to buy. So, as any frugal fashionista would do, I vowed I was going to get the most out of my dollar. I was going to make this sassy, semi-see-through suit count. I was going to transform this impractical article of clothing into, well, a practical one. So I challenged myself to find as many ways to wear this thing as humanly possible.
After browsing the Interweb, I found the most popular way to wear this mesh bodysuit is layered over a strappy bandeau or classic black bra. Pair with a cute skirt or high waisted jeans, and you’re ready for a night on the town. This looks takes a lot of guts to rock and is arguably inappropriate for most occasions. But hey, what’s life without a little spice, right?
This next outfit is considerably more sporty. Layer the suit over an athletic sports bra with a white band. I’ve chosen the classic Calvin Klein sports bra, which, contrary to popular belief, regular humans do wear in real life (seriously, that line isn’t just for insanely toned celebrities). You’d be killing the sporty chic game if you paired this mesh suit with athletic leggings and some Nikes. Again, a bold move to make, but you’re the boss of your body and the author of your own style.
This last look is where practicality comes into play. And layering. Lots of layering. My favorite look I’ve cooked up is flaunting the mesh suit under a satin, rose-colored shift dress that I purchased from American Eagle. I’d gotten used to wearing the dress over white short sleeved t-shirts, but the black, mesh sleeves and high neck seemed more inventive to me. I also added a collar-like statement necklace, black studded boots, and a lavender hue lip color to mix things up a bit.
Looking to dress it down even further? Add a jacket. A jean jacket will dress it down, while a leather jacket will keep it cool and amp up the grunge factor.
Other rockin’ features:
The mesh is surprisingly durable. I was terrified that my earring would snag my sleeve, tearing the thing to shreds and condemning my perfect little bodysuit to a life of loneliness in the depths of my closet. Not the case. But make sure to pay attention to the quality of the material if you’re investing in your own LBB (little black bodysuit…can we make this a thing??)
This might be TMI, but the suit has a thong bottom, so you don’t have to worry about hiding panty lines or tucking bulky material into your jeans. I’ve run into this problem with other bodysuits in the past. This feature also comes in clutch when it comes to the athletic look, as athletic wear is tight and shows fine lines.
Concerns:
Be careful wearing black nylons or even black tights. You might accidentally create the illusion that you’re wearing a mesh morph suit. Which I mean, could be cool, if you’re into that.
While I’ve only come up with a handful of outfit ideas thus far, I consider this a successful purchase and ramen money well spent. So the next time you see a mesh bodysuit taunting you from a storefront window, remember, impracticality is irrelevant.
Just buy the darn thing already.
Check back soon to see what other combos I come up with!
xoxo,
Sarah Styles
