Overalls were once used as standard working clothing for farmers, construction workers, and many other professions. They were introduced in the late 19th century as a form of flexible and easy to move around in, all-in-one clothing.
In the 150 years since their conception, working clothes have increased in complexity and protection, and for a while, it seemed that they had fallen out of vogue.
However, since then, overalls have become an important part of street fashion, and there are all different types you can buy with a variety of different styles and fabrics.
So let’s say you like the look of overalls and want to learn how you can fit them into your wardrobe. What other items of clothing go well with overalls?
Are there do’s and don’t’s? What is the perfect pair of shoes to wear with overalls? If you’re wondering about these questions, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re going to give you some quick tips on how you can style overalls to fit you! We’ve also included a short FAQ section to help answer any questions you may have left over at the end.
What Are Overalls?
Overalls are sometimes called dungarees, but generally, both words mean the same thing. They are typically an all-in-one pants suit that gives you coverage from your ankles all the way up just above your chest.
Overalls are fastened over the shoulders with two suspender straps.
You’ve probably seen denim overalls—especially blue denim—and this was one of the materials used for people to work in as it is easy to wash and durable.
However, in the modern day, you can find all different kinds of overalls that are made of different materials.
How To Style Overalls
Step 1 – Consider The Type Of Overalls You Own
There are many different types of overalls, and the one you choose to buy/own is going to be vital for how to style it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of overalls.
1. Classic Work Overalls – these are your typical classic dungarees that are typically made out of blue denim. They will typically be cheap and easy to get ahold of, and their retro style makes them perfect for a whole host of vintage fits.
2. Overalls With Short Legs – this is a style typically chosen by people who want to wear overalls but want some extra air for their bodies. They will be cut off either just above or below the knee.
3. Overall Dresses – if you can’t picture these, just image overalls that transform into a dress when you get to the bottom half of your body. Another great option for warm summer days.
Step 2 – Consider Your Color Combinations
So in this section, we want to point out to you how important it is to consider color combinations. Let’s say you have a pair of tanned overalls—this is a color that is going to pair best with white, black, dark browns, grey, blue or deep green.
However, if you have a classic blue denim pair of overalls, you’re going to need to consider slightly different options.
Blue denim goes well with lighter shades of blue, stone-washed greys or even lighter shades of grey, amber colors, and also deep shades of blue.
It can be hard to match something with denim overalls, so we’d generally suggest selecting a t-shirt or undergarments that are a block color and understated.
Step 3 – Outfit Ideas
Alright, so now that we’ve covered these first two points, let’s consider some outfit ideas for various types of overalls.
Classic Summer Outfit – For this kind of style, simply wear a pair of overalls with a t-shirt underneath. Cap it off with some simple sneakers.
Winter Overalls – One of the problems with wearing overalls in the winter is that you can get quite cold. Thankfully, you can fix this problem by wearing a long-sleeved sweater and thick socks to give you some extra warmth. Boots also look great with a pair of overalls.
Straps-Down Style – Consider going one strap down or two, allowing others to see the t-shirt you’ve decided to wear underneath. This can look great with a graphic t-shirt or a long-sleeved t-shirt.
Step 4 – Shoes
When it comes to pairing shoes with overalls, we’d suggest you go for something casual.
Obviously, this depends on color combinations and everything else you’re wearing, but an old classic is pairing Converse All-Stars with a pair of overalls. This can be a particularly great match if you
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! That was an overview of the different types of overalls that you can get your hands on, as well as a style guide for how to mix them into your wardrobe.
Overalls are an impressively dynamic clothing item that has been utilized in fashion over the years in so many different ways.
We hope that this guide has given you a brief overview of how you can style overalls to fit you, and that you’re now more confident about where you can start.
If you still need some extra ideas, keep reading for our short FAQ section below. Remember to always wear what you think looks good and allows you to express yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Dress Smart In Overalls?
Overalls are generally considered to be casual clothing. We wouldn’t recommend wearing them to any kind of work function or official, formal event.
However, that’s not to say that they can’t look smart. There are many designed pairs of overalls that you can now buy that can cost you impressive amounts of money!
How Do I Make My Overall Outfit Not Look Like A Farmer?
If you want to dispel any classic farmer associations with your outfit, then we’d suggest straying away from blue denim overalls. More than this, you might want to include more regal accessories such as t-shirts, shoes, and jewelry.
Black overalls are a good shout if you want something that looks more like streetwear.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
