Don't dismiss the jumpsuit: it's a chic option for eveningwear

It???s only taken me a decade to come round to the jumpsuit.But now, like any late arrival, I???m in danger of becoming evangelical on the subject.From the number I see in the stores at all prices, it???s shaping up to be a corner-stone of evening dressing this winter.So much more chic than the usual dog???s dinner Christmas options.

However, this being a 360-degree kind of article, I should give you some of the cons, such as not insignificant fact that Melania Trump wore a flowy white Ralph Lauren one at Trump???s valedictory rally.If you???re sufficiently directional to take that as a signal that the jumpsuit has reached critical mass and you must therefore burn all of yours, fair enough: you???ve probably been wearing them for a decade and it???s high time you found a new staple.But, if you???re going to boycott everything the next First Lady wears on political grounds, your sartorial options are going to be pretty sparse.Mrs T looks like a major fashion consumer.

Pleated back jumpsuit, ??199, Jaeger; Wide-leg jumpsuit, ??65, Warehouse

There is, too, the going-to-the-loo palaver.That is a pain, I grant you, although this is obviously a small part of your day, the rest of which should be significantly simplified by your jumpsuit.Besides, what I???m really talking about is the evening jumpsuit.

So, back to the positives.It is a one-piece, ergo it is lengthening, slimming, and you don???t have to worry about shirts and tops coming adrift.There is no finickity working out of proportions, because that???s been done for you.It has all the virtues of a dress, with one major advantage: it is a pair of trousers.This is key, since the most cursory observation of any room or street will confirm that at this time of year, eight out of 10 women wear trousers.The thing about trousers is, they???re a self-perpetuating solution.Once you???ve got into their stride, who can be bothered with the saga of tights and finding the right length coat that are part of wearing a skirt or dress in winter?

By Malene Birger stretch-crepe jumpsuit, ??375, Net-a-Porter; Self-Portrait lace panelled jumpsuit, ??280, Selfridges

Jumpsuits can be elegant, formal, drapey, tailored??? a strapless version in glossy fabrics has all the impact of a strapless column dress, but is more versatile because, being trousers, it has intrinsic athletic, daytime adaptability.Wear it under a jacket and you???re appropriate but youthful for most dress codes ??? handy when you???re not sure how snazzed up everyone else will be.

They???re particularly chic when they???re a slightly loose boyish cut.

Should your waist be a strong point, make sure it looks as good belted.This one from Jaeger (??199, jaeger.co.uk), which comes with ties, ticks a lot of boxes.Theoutnet.com is another productive stomping ground.Add a whooshy satin sash if you???re so inclined, or some statement jewellery.Seek out pockets, or striking necklines (Whistles has some tempting options).If you???re small, wear them with chunky velvet platforms.If taller, they can look lovely, languid and ST (Stella Tennant) with brogues.There is very little not to like ??? other than their popularity.