What images do the word overalls conjure up? Farmers? 70s hippy? 90s grunge? Whatever the era, these garments featuring pants and a bib front that covers the stomach and chest area have had their moments. They evolved into shortalls- overall shorts- and skirted overalls.
I had a black denim overall skirt when I was around 13. It was one of my favorite things to wear at the time, but I don’t think I’ve owned a pair in any form since then.
This working man’s garment go way back in history to the 1700s when they were worn as a protective garment. They became a staple of the lower working class like farmers and railroad workers. Women in the working class also wore overalls, and the garment became a casual fashion item in the late 30s through the 60s.
So how does one style a pair of overalls?
Skip the plaids and flannels, for fear of looking farmer-ish, although Caroline of Un-fancy pulls it off well. Carefully pick your plaids.
In the fall and winter, wear them with turtlenecks or sweaters and booties. Layer cardigans over this garment.
Striped tops always work, and a striped tee is a great choice for styling overalls for spring and summer.
Overalls can be found with all sorts of trends as a part of them, like these with distressing and cropped raw hems. I wasn’t sure I’d really like overalls, so I chose this pair as an affordable way to try a trendy pair. These are super soft and comfortable. I was happily surprised with these. I’m wearing them in a large, so I’d suggest sizing up.
Tee- Nordstrom; option option overalls- Amazon; shoes- Belk; option similar earrings- JCP
I added some fun fringe earrings and bow mules for a fun spring look.
If you are a fan of terry knit joggers, then you might be happy to know overalls now come in this material. These are another affordable pair. I’m wearing a large but I think I could wear the medium in these.
These are olive in color but have more of a grey tint than green. I paired them with a navy tee. A denim jacket looks great with these for spring.
Jacket- Old Navy; tee- Loft; overalls- Amazon; sneakers- Amazon
What are your thoughts on overalls?
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