Steal the limelight with the military-style rompers seen on American Idol

Paige Miles and Katie Stevens earn our vote with these playsuits.

There’s simply no avoiding them this summer – rompers. They’ve been hovering on the fringes of fashion in the past few years and now are making their move into the mainstream following in the stylish footsteps of similar items such as jumpsuits, dungarees and boiler suits. Top names like Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Lacoste have helped give the humble playsuit the lift it’s needed, elevating it from childish all-in-one to svelte and sexy must-have making it one of the hottest trends for the coming sunshine months.

A number of trendsetting celebs have pioneered the way for rompers, working them in all sorts of ways. More adventurous fashionistas like Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively and Big Love’s Chloe Sevigny have glammed them up for red carpet events, High School Musical’s Vanessa Hudgens and Kate Hudson have worked them in a more low-key, casual way and the always influential Kate Moss has styled hers with tights for more of a Spring approach. It’s proof positive that playsuits are THE thing to be seen in and that there are so many ways to make the look work for you.

Our favourite TV-spotted rompers come courtesy of epic sing-off, American Idol. While Randy Jackson might be more concerned with the wannabe singers sounding pitchy, Kara DioGuardi’s busy searching for their artistry and Simon Cowell witters on about them being credible, contemporary and commercial (does he know any words that don’t begin with c?), we’re busy checking out their clothes and if they can sing a little all the better (our vote goes to Lee at the moment, though Casey and Crystal are also real contenders). And Paige Miles and Katie Stevens have not disappointed both rocking the playsuit onstage.

Paige got the boot a few weeks ago, her laryngitis catching up with her to spell the end of her AI dream (she came 11th out of the top 12), but in the short time she got to sing for America’s votes she looked every inch the pop star. She brought out the romper for Rolling Stones week, belting out their classic, “Honky Tonk Woman” in a military-inspired khaki playsuit by Bebe with buttoned front, shirt collar, chest pockets and half sleeves. This was given shape through a chunky black belt to nip the waist and she teamed it with a Heather Moore bracelet worn as a necklace, a 40s-style armband, Seychelles leather boots and distressed black leggings.

The ensemble and colours were very military and sporty in style (other huge trends for the summer), the boots and belt adding that touch of raunchy sexiness to really make it pop. And joining Paige with the playsuit look was fellow contestant, Katie Stevens who sang Aretha Franklin’s belter “Chain of Fools” for R’n’B/ Soul week in a shiny satin all-in-one. More showy and structured than Paige’s, Katie’s playsuit had a boned bodice with a cute sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and turned-up shorts. Yet there were similarities. Both were khaki-coloured for that military vibe, tightly belted for shape and worn with leggings and heels (this time strappy sandals) to keep it feminine and girlie.

And while we might not all be able to knock out a tune like Paige and Katie, we can help you steal their stage styles. So whether you bare your legs or keep the leggings on, opt for something shiny or more muted or dial up the boyish military or keep it low-key, we’ve got some great AI-inspired rompers to help you turn up the heat this summer.