Sleek Chic In Catsuits -- One-Piece, Body-Hugging Garment Has Many Lives

When it comes to sleekness, the catsuit is top dog.

It's been creeping into collections for the past few seasons. Now there's one in just about every designer's line, from Liz Claiborne to Donna Karan.

But what is a catsuit anyway? How do you wear it? Where do you wear it? Who should wear it?

And why can't you wear a pair of sleek leggings or stirrup pants with a black top - with the look of a catsuit - and get away with it?

The news is you can. The look is the same, whether you call it a unitard, bodysuit, jumpsuit, leggings and matching top. What distinguishes the catsuit - and gave it its name - is the sleek, body-conscious fit, almost like a second skin.

The true catsuit - almost always black - is one piece and sleek, curving with the body. You slither when you walk, much like a real cat. You can curl up in it because it usually is made of stretch material for comfort.

On the wrong body a catsuit will make other cats meow. Curves are fine. Lumps are a no-no.

The roots of the catsuit are in athletic attire, including skiwear, which boosted the popularity of leggings. Crossover fashion - clothing worn for sport then street - is at its peak.

Track-and-field star Florence Griffith Joyner helped the cause. Think about scuba diving, surfer wetsuits and the shiny looks of speed skaters in the Olympics.

A unitard is a one-piece garment dancers often wear. A bodysuit is a one-piece garment with or without leggings. A jumpsuit is a one-piece garment that can vary in style and needn't be body-hugging. Technically, a catsuit is a one-piece garment that covers most of the body, with long sleeves and high neck.

But designers have taken liberties. Some garments passing as catsuits have sleeves and some don't. Some have a high neck, some a scoop neck.

The sleeveless style offers more versatility. You can wear a variety of blouse styles and sweaters, to be dressy or semi-dressy.

Some catsuits are velvet and more covered up, meant to be worn just that way. You zip into it and go out. No fussing, except for jewelry.

So try looking at the catsuit as a basic; the same with the bodysuit or unitard. They can all work as the base for some exciting outfits.

Here are nine possible lives of this catsuit:

- Bare and dressed up with jewelry for nighttime dancing.

- Dressed down with a perky white shirt for a party or dining out.

- In layers, with a long jacket and shirt, for street wear.

- With an oversized scarf or shawl wrapped around the hips.

- Under a short skirt.

- With an oversized shirt, cinched with a great belt.

- With an oversized sweater worn loose.

- With a cropped jacket in a bright color.

- With a black jacket that makes it look like a pantsuit.