This Jumpsuit Is So Nice, I Bought It Twice
I'm forever on the hunt for the next best jumpsuit. As someone who errs on the side of classic, casual dressing, a jumpsuit is the ideal piece to say "I care about my outfits, but not so much that it takes up an insane amount of time." Enter Alex Mill. Launched in 2012 by Alex Drexler (son of former J.Crew CEO, Mickey Drexler), the brand first offered up menswear options that were uncomplicated but still cool. In 2018, J.Crew and Madewell alum Somsack Sikhounmuong joined, and in February of 2019 the brand reintroduced themselves as a mens and womenswear line that prides itself on producing pieces for individuals (in mind and spirit) who enjoy uniform dressing. As Sikhounmuong recently described it to me: "The way a guy dresses, just the practicality of waking up and getting dressed and not having to fuss too much over the things." Women and men whose style he admires "always mentioned how easy they want a dressing to be and that dressing didn't have to take a lot of time. And you know, it shouldn't cost an arm and a leg."
So, the jumpsuit. If you think about it…the fact that I'm sitting here, writing more than 500 words about this jumpsuit, should tell you something. It's pretty much perfect! And I see a lot of clothes day to day…so you know I mean it. "There's so much stuff out there right now, it's like how are you going to cut through?" Sikhounmuong asks. "I think emotion is really important. You know, I think these things have to sort of strike some sort of emotion in you." The emotion it strikes in me? Love. Pure love. But allow me to share a little more on why it's so great.
Standard Jumpsuit in Cotton Twill
alexmill.com
$178.00
As I said, it makes uniform dressing easy, but not boring.
There's nothing I love more than slipping on one item and looking instantly dressed. But I'm not really a dress kind of gal, so I often find myself reaching for this jumpsuit on days when I can't pull it together…but need to look put together. For my commute, I'll wear it with sneakers, than swap in heels once I hit the office to elevate the inherently casual style. "It's not too fashion, which I think is really great too," adds Sikhounmuong. "There's an ease with it."
It's hella versatile and travels well.
A 24-inch inseam on my 5'5" frame means the jumpsuit is actually cropped enough that I can wear it with pretty much any kind of shoe. Cotton twill means it's warm enough to battle crazy office temperatures, but not so warm I'll overheat. Even better, the material is soft so I can double knot the sleeves around my waist, transforming the jumpsuit into a pair of pants that can be worn with a tank top layered underneath. Because of this, it's the perfect piece to travel with. In the past two months I've brought it on trips to Portland, Paris, and Marrakech, and am so happy I did.
At under $200 you can trust it's made well, but won't break the bank.
After years and years in this industry, I've become more discerning about where I'll spend my money. When you basically shop for a living—things get a little clearer. This is one piece I now have in two colors…and am considering buying in a third. Does that make me nuts? Or just a creature of habit? Maybe I'm just obsessed. Either way, I'm okay with it.
Visit the Alex Mill store in Soho, New York or shop the selection below.
