January can be a sartorially tricky time. The festivities have fizzled out and the cold, wet weather can make getting dressed every morning feel a little bleak. Luckily, there’s one item that will help make you feel pulled together and, even better, it’s unbelievably comfortable. Step forward the humble and surprisingly versatile bodysuit. Brands including Lululemon, Klayd and Skims have made elevated basics an everyday essential and we are fully subscribed.

Net-a-Porter market director Libby Page explains that putting comfort first has been a major trend for the retailer: “Over the past year, consumers have sought out special pieces that are both chic and comfortable.”

Whether your January involves slouching on the sofa, weekends in the countryside or making the most of availability at the best new restaurants, the right bodysuit has you covered. Smart but also soft, a bodysuit is the perfect building block for a great day-to-night look. They look great styled with athleisure, of course, but also with denim, tailoring and partywear. 

Lululemon recently launched Wundermost, its first bodywear collection and one of the softest on the market thanks to the the brand’s softest-ever fabric innovation, Ultra Soft Nulu. The collection includes bodies, tops and bras in nine silhouettes that come in 14 different colours including black, white, neutral putty tones, teal, red and on-trend chocolate brown.

Female-led Indonesian brand Klayd launched in 2023 with a collection of elevated fashion essentials in a chic palette of neutral and earthy tones, and every piece is available up to 4XL (from XS). Bodysuits are a signature part of the collection with options including scoop neck and long-sleeved styles as well as square-neck, sleeveless styles, one-shoulder asymmetric iterations and crew-neck options, all of which look polished with ready-to-wear.  

Styling a piece of athleisure with more elevated wardrobe essentials is an increasingly popular way of dressing and has been dubbed ‘contemporary leisure’ by fashion buyers. This new category of dressing refers to the mash-up of contemporary clothing or elevated essentials such as great knitwear, trend-led outerwear or soft tailoring and athleisure. 

Lara Mead, co-founder of fashion brand Varley, adds: “We offer an elevated wardrobe that combines categories such as knitwear and outerwear with key active pieces to create what we call ‘contemporary leisure’. The term originated from our valued partners who recognised our unique positioning and created a dedicated department to reflect our brand identity.”

Main image: Lululemon
Additional images: courtesy of brands