Simple, no-nonsense and effortlessly flattering, the jumper dress is making a serious comeback for fall 2016. The return of this schoolgirl uniform dress chimes in perfectly with the current obsession for retro shapes. As a classic and iconic piece in fashion, the jumper provides a perfect amalgamation of modern layering and minimalistic flair. “Jumpers” a classic silhouette with varied interpretations have evolved over the time from one style to another becoming more of a basic need in a woman’s wardrobe, as it adorns every body type and size, with endless possibilities of innovation. With the silhouette being one of the most commonly produced items by Indian manufacturers and exporters, jumpers are all set to become the staple in 2016-17 collections…
A jumper in the simplest possible definition is a sleeveless, collarless dress intended to be worn over a blouse, shirt or sweater. Also referred to as a pinafore dress in some instances, the jumper sometimes has an open back and is worn as an apron. The apron dress may also be viewed as a special case of the jumper. If the design of the dress is directly inspired by an apron (having a bib in front and ties in the back, for example), the garment is typically described as an apron dress.
No wardrobe is complete without a selection of trans-seasonal jumper dresses and as the exporters work on overlapping seasons, all the latest knitted styles seems to be on offer for the buyers. This season, jumper dresses come in all shapes and sizes. Be it this season’s ’90s mood providing many ribbed, bodycon styles or mid-length jumpers with added chic points. Not only fall but spring sees the return of the knitted jumper as a wardrobe staple as well. There is no room for subtle; this season it’s all about the statement knit. Carrying over from winter is the motif jumper, with same flower prints, space invader patterns and contrasting colour panels. Mukesh Kumar, Owner, Mahesh Exports, who is dealing with various wholesalers in Europe, talked enthusiastically about the current trend in jumper dresses. “Printed varieties in jerseys are in demand, especially in miniature florals. Other than that, plane jumpers, sweater dresses, apron dresses in shades of lime, peach, sky blue, ruby red and grass green are also getting picked up in large numbers,” he shares.
Roll neck jumper, turtleneck jumper, polo neck jumpers are another jumper style which are getting very popular. This trend is both functional and fashionable and may suggest a consumer shift, placing more value towards garment utility in addition to aesthetics. Their ubiquity has turned jumpers into mainstay. But there are a few new twists: a slight tailoring at the waist for a more flattering graze, while asymmetry turns the bodice into a playful style.
An exporter of readymade garments, Dolly Sidhwani, Owner, Nobel Faith Clothing, thinks that refined fabrics, strategic draping, and added embellishments transform jumpers into alternatives for the evening-like an elegant, artier version of the pantsuit.
Prada, Fendi and Antonio Marras, all went to the head of the class with schoolgirl-chic looks on the recently concluded fall 2016 runways. Fendi veered closer to the schoolmarm side of things with a high-necked, ruffled blouse with jumper. Antonio Marras showed fresh, innocent looks like a striped cardigan-pleated jumper combo, while Miuccia Prada interpreted “coed” in her typical ’70s-influenced style, with windowpane checks and quirky kilts. Though not falling under the subhead of being an “innovative new trend”, jumpers are increasingly becoming the most demanded item for the coming fall. A. Kochhar, Director, Mercury Knits, discussing about the jumpers said, “We are also making form fitting cardigans in wool and fleece, but as per our observations in retail stores and street markets, there is a trend for sweater dresses and jumpers, but this season we are making the similar styles in much lighter weights. We are also developing jumpers in light weight check fabric ending with tassels.”
The low maintenance jumper appeared at ‘Each x Other’ with chic elegant sensibility where the version was preppy chic with just the right amount of modesty “borrowed from grandma”. “Childhood Saturdays” was among a handful of reflections stitched tattoo-like on to necks and cuffs of second-skin mesh layers. Bringing in the perfect schoolgirl look, apron dresses were complete with leather and vinyl patchwork, upholstery-esque suiting and envision contemporary beatniks. Meanwhile, Jason Wu’s version of the jumper was classic with windowpane checks, one of the biggest trends from fall. It started right with the first look, a checked suit, going on till the plaid checked jumper in blue complete with flirtatious spirit and sophisticated appeal.
The basic reason why jumper is back this season is their capability of being produced for petite, larger sizes and also plus sized women. This is practically one of the only silhouettes which is as basic as a T-shirt or a trouser and can still look like a magnificent couture piece.
Discussing further, Darshika Sharma, Assistant Designer, Bharatiya International Ltd. said, “Versatility is another reason why jumpers keep coming back. Jumper dresses are great to be worn all the year round. From warm summer weather to chilly winter season; they never fail to create sophisticated winning looks.”
Different fabrics have also made this versatile apparel ‘round the year’ garment. Be it in sheer, soft fabrics, voile and cotton in summers, or in heavy woolly fabrics for winters, jumpers are shining bright like never before this year. Jil Sander Navy had a good jumping-off point this season with the jumper. The collection restocked with back-to-basics pieces, a huge grey turtleneck was styled with a knit cream dress that had its sleeves fastened at the waist, transforming it into a DIY skirt. The latest Suno outing was an unexpectedly decorous affair. High neck blouses with contrasting plaid jumper dresses felt functional and up-to-date. Whereas, Tomas Maier, sent out the important message of texture, pattern, and an emphasis on comfort, with his straight cut tweed jumper dresses. There were fuzzy plaid and houndstooth jacquard jumper dresses and checked sweaters worn with foil-printed kilts.
