How to style a cocktail jumpsuit like national treasure Olivia Colman
Whatever issues may divide us, the prospect of a new Paddington movie – the first in seven years – surely isn’t one of them. To be released on November 8, Paddington In Peru is likely to unite viewers in a way that precious few things can. Well, other than Olivia Colman – an actress who, like Paddington, is almost universally beloved. Joining the cast as “The Reverend Mother”, all we know so far about her role is that she wears a blue nun’s habit. Despite the current trend for red carpet “method dressing”, however, Colman has wisely eschewed paying lip service to the film’s themes via her tour wardrobe, which so far has proved mercifully wimple, dufflecoat and red wellington-free.
Instead, Colman has embraced what is surely her most challenging sartorial role yet, in the form of the striking magenta jumpsuit which she wore to the film’s London premier. Wide of leg, bell of sleeve and tricked out with an elegant cape, it was as close as a jumpsuit can ever come to being an evening gown; a cocktail jumpsuit, if you will. It also looked resolutely more modern than an evening gown, and was further evidence of Colman’s fondness for looks which, while certainly not masculine, tend to steer clear of more feminine, saccharine iterations of red carpet style.
Colman’s “Jerry” jumpsuit is by Taller Marmo, a Milanese brand designed by Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea. Named after the supermodel Jerry Hall, it embodies the sort of languid 1970s glamour for which the label is so well-loved. A similar style is currently available to buy on Taller Marmo’s website, priced £1,120. Called the “cold shoulder cape jumpsuit”, it’s made of fluid crepe cady and is described as combining “the fluidity of palazzo pants with the drama of a cape”. The style is also available in emerald green.
“We had a very tight turnaround for this tour wardrobe due to Olivia’s filming schedule, so I kept options pretty focused,” explains Colman’s stylist, Miranda Almond, who has worked with the star since 2019. “The Taller Marmo jumpsuit was a great choice for the premiere, as it was a very happy and positive colour to wear for a very feelgood film. It was also special enough to be a red carpet look, while not being too overdressed for a Sunday afternoon show time.”
Being such a statement in itself, Almond wisely avoided adding any jewellery that might compete with the jumpsuit, accessorising instead with discreet ruby earrings, by Chopard, and a striking red Tyler Ellis clutch. The look was finished with simple black court shoes by Jimmy Choo.
That Taller Marmo has been worn by such fashion risk-takers as Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker would have likely put the label out of Colman’s comfort zone until quite recently (she also wore a cream fringed Taller Marmo kaftan during the press tour for Wicked Little Letters in March). But with every red carpet occasion that passes, Colman further reaffirms her reputation as a fashion connoisseur, with Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Prada among her favourite labels.
And let’s not forget Burberry, the storied British heritage brand for whom Colman is an ambassador. So far, the label has been a judiciously chosen feature of her Paddington press tour. “For our daytime looks, we went for ‘casual luxe’ with a satin Burberry trouser and matching shirt, worn with the softest pale olive leather ankle boots,” says Almond. “On day two, Olivia wore a Burberry checked pleated skirt and grey polo neck jumper with black knee high boots. The Burberry choices were a nod to Paddington being a national treasure, marrying two great British heritage brands together – along with Olivia, who is undoubtedly another national treasure.”
She certainly is – and therein lies her allure. It’s surely a testament to her supreme relatability that Colman can even make as maligned a garment as a jumpsuit look user-friendly.
Those prompted to embrace the “cocktail jumpsuit” this party season can simply follow Colman’s lead, and choose one in a soft, fluid fabric such as silk crepe, in one of this season’s rich jewel colours. There are gems to be found on the high street this party season, from twinkly black velvet or satin at Marks & Spencer, to recycled sequins at Cefinn.
“I love a jumpsuit – they can often be the perfect solution to any wardrobe dilemma, especially for an evening look or special occasion,” says Almond. “Taller Marmo’s off-shoulder caped style is flattering and super easy to wear, with no fuss or frills. The easy flow fabric and clever cut do all the work for you. I always like to finish off an outfit like this with a simple clutch, maybe in a contrasting colour to complement the hue of the jumpsuit. A simple pair of heels is also key. A platform heel would also work well, especially if the style of the legs is wide. That little bit of extra height would help to elongate the legs, making you appear slimmer and taller.”
Perhaps what marmalade sandwiches are to Paddington, cocktail jumpsuits will be to midlifers this coming party season: a trusty staple to be relied upon. Stranger things have happened. Although admittedly, not many.
