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Mirror, Mirror: Jumpsuits: Fit for many occasions, ages

Jumpsuits - whether toe-touching, strapless, or cap sleeve rompers - are among the most versatile of this spring's fashions.

Mom and daughter jump suits.  ( Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer )
Mom and daughter jump suits. ( Michael Bryant / Staff Photographer )Read more

Jumpsuits - whether toe-touching, strapless, or cap sleeve rompers - are among the most versatile of this spring's fashions.

Yet despite the slip-on appeal of the all-in-one, we tend to ascribe age limits and height requirements when it comes to deciding who can wear them.

"Jumpsuits aren't appropriate for women over ___ ," or "You need to be at least ___ to pull one off."

Nothing could be further from the truth.

To prove it, we asked two pairs of mothers and daughters - different heights, ages, and sizes - to model a pair of complementary jumpsuits. Then, QVC stylist and fashion blogger Jessie Holeva and I added a bit of styling magic: the addition of a denim jacket here, or a string of turquoise beads there.

In the end, we came up with eight outfits for four occasions: daytime business (school or a casual lunch meeting); at the beach; night on the town; and of course, Mother's Day Brunch.

BEACHY FUN

Nothing says summer better than a sunshine-yellow tie-dye jumpsuit. And strapless, too? Get your straw tote!

Turquoise beaded necklaces and bracelets coupled with a swirly updo add sophistication to Lauren's jumpsuit for her boardwalk stroll and tasty seafood dinner.

On Kimberly, we put baubles - silver drop earrings, a neutral necklace and several stretchy beaded bracelets (arm candy, if you will) - with a fitted cardigan/blazer that covers her bare shoulders and makes it more demure, thus ideal for air-conditioned outlet shopping and a stop at an ice cream parlor.

On both: Jumpsuits by Chic Bella, $48, at shopchicbella.com.

Kimberly Holmes, 49. Silver earrings, Marlyn Schiff, $32, at Marlyn Schiff; necklace, $130, bracelet assortment, $30 to $130 apiece, all Kat Designs at Kat Designs; wedges, Toms, $70, at Nich; straw clutch, Patrick Michael Accessories, $80, www.patrickmichaelaccessories.com Lauren Holmes, 17. Earrings, $62, bangles, $48 a piece, beaded turquoise necklace, $72, cuff, $46, all Marlyn Schiff at Marlyn Schiff; blue wedges, Toms, $70, at Nich.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Tuxedo-style anything creates a crisp look. And these mirror-image catsuits are great for the toned mother and daughter who don't mind being matchy-matchy. Plus, it's hard to resist minibell bottoms and big hair.

Mom Jaimi Gordon is coolly chic in black with silver bibbing, while daughter Isabelle is all grown up in silver. A side-sweep softens Isabelle's jumper so she's dressed well for a special dinner - even a prom - while Jaimi's flowing curls gives this catsuit evening-wear sparkle.

On both: Jumpsuits by Paula Hian, $1,200, at Paula Hian.

Isabelle Gordon, 14. Sterling silver and diamond bracelet, $279, With You Lockets at www.withyoulockets.com; wedges, Sam Edelman, $100, at Peter Kate.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH

Sweet minty and watermelon hues give this classic pantsuit silhouette a nice edge. Fringe necklaces - one of the season's most popular pieces of statement jewelry - provide a dose of festival spunk that gives mom Kimberly a boost of modernity and keeps daughter Lauren current. We gave mom corked wedges to create the illusion of height, and toned down Lauren's look with flats.

On both: Jumpsuits (pink and teal) by Chic Bella, $48, at shopchicbella.com.

Kimberly Holmes, 49. Tassel necklace, Kat Designs, $175, bracelets, Kat Designs, $30 each, both available at First Impressions; wedges, Toms, $70, at Nich.

Lauren Holmes, 17. Tassel necklace, With Good Intention, $50, at Nich; set of five bracelets, Kat Designs, $100, at First Impressions; leather cuff, Mack & Jane, $80, at Mack & Jane; flats, Sam Edelman, $100, at Peter Kate.

DAYTIME CASUAL

This floral-print jumpsuit looks more like a maxi-dress than trousers - and that is its charm.

Isabelle's jumpsuit is paired with a frayed denim vest, and the backpack she's carrying instantly makes it more informal. Put on some flats and she is ready to walk around school in style during the last days of the semester. Jaimi, on the other hand, is accessory-free - except for the bracelet that adds a little zing. This minimalist look can make a good impression at a summertime business meeting.

On both: Jumpsuits by Clover Canyon, $385, at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Jaimi Gordon, 46. Snake bracelet, Nich, $24, at Nich.

Isabelle Gordon, 14. Denim vest, Rag & Bone, $220; backpack, Stella McCartney, price upon request, all at Saks Fifth Avenue; double strand evil eye bracelet, $65, single strand evil-eye bracelet, $35, both Moira Anne Artisan, at www.moiraanne.com.

Special thanks to: Loews Philadelphia Hotel for the use of its Terrace Room. The hotel will host a Mother's Day Brunch this Sunday at Bank & Bourbon. Call 215-231-7300 for reservations.

Assistant Stylist: Jessie Holeva, www.trendhungry.com and QVC stylist.

Hair: André Richard Baldini and Rachid Ait Belhaj, André Richard Salon, 1218 Locust St., 215-735-1590, http://www.andrerichardsalon.com/

Makeup: Stephanie Kaczmarski, of André Richard Salon.

Clothes and accessories: Chic Bella, www.shopchicbella.com

First Impressions, 470 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, 610-828-6775

Mack & Jane, www.mackandjanejewelry.com

Marlyn Schiff, 119 Coulter Ave., Suite 101, Ardmore, www.marlynschiff.com

Moira Anne Artisan, www.moiraanne.com

Nich, 161 Market St., Collegeville, 610-436-8181

Patrick Michael Accessories, www.patrickmichaelaccessories.com

Paula Hian, 106 Gay St., Manayunk, 215-487-2762, www.paulahian.com

Peter Kate, 3830 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del., 302-656-7463, www.peterkate.com

With You Lockets, www.withyoulockets.com

Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd 610-667-1550, www.saksfifthavenue.com

215-854-2704

@ewellingtonphl