Overalls are back! If you’re in your 30’s or 40’s you remember these gems from the 90’s. I had a pair in middle school that were from the Gap. I remember lots of pockets and even a painter’s paint brush hanger thingy. Seriously- what was the deal with the pockets and the paint brush accessory storage? Today’s looks are (thankfully) missing the painters details! Overalls are honestly “work” clothes. The reason they had those “fun” details back in the 90’s is because that’s what they were actually designed for. Overalls have moved beyond work and are now fun and can be chic when styled correctly. Let’s look at how to style overalls.
A Little History of Overalls
When denim was invented in the late 19th century overalls followed quickly. They were designed to stay up so a worker wasn’t fooling around with sagging pants (you might call it, plumbers -ahem-). The extra pockets provided just the right spot for storing a paintbrush, maybe a few extra nails, or a tool or two. Ladies have been wearing overalls since WWI when woman flocked to factories in droves while men were off fighting the war. Since then, they’ve come in and out of fashion. I particularly like the look of overalls from the 1940’s. Overalls remained popular through the rest of the 20th century all the way to today!
How to Style Overalls
Here are 12 easy and fun ways to style overalls! Overalls are seasonally versatile and can be worn year ’round.
- With a Puff Sleeve Top– Try pairing your overalls with a puff sleeve top. Its unexpected and super cute!
- With a Bodysuit– I love this look, it’s sleek and a little bit sexy, without trying to be sexy.
- With Wrap Sandals– Shortalls with ankle wrap sandals is such a fun look. It gives the look a boho feel.
- With Tennis Shoes/sneakers
- With Flares- Flare jeans are hot and flare overalls are even more hot!
- With Color- Don’t stop the overall fun with just denim, branch out to other colors. I love black!
- With a Sweater- When it’s cold outside wear your overalls with a warm knit sweater!
- With a Striped Top
- With Mules
- With a Detailed Blouse– Try wearing your overalls with a big collar blouse, or a blouse with lots of details like eyelet, a detailed collar, or ruffles
- With a skirt- Try an overall dress!
