How to wear overalls: 5 Style Panel tips for taking this nineties staple from farmer to high-fashion
From slip dresses to plaid button-down, ‘90s inspired fashion trends are back, and we think they’re stronger than ever. Also re-surfacing from a decade long pause is our favourite tomboy getup: overalls. The timing couldn’t be better. With summer’s intense heat (hopefully) creeping up on us, effortlessly cool overalls are perfect for throwing over a bikini when headed to the beach or pairing with strappy stilettos when headed out for drinks with friends.
The idea that overalls are reserved for the under-10 set is so out-dated. From shorteralls to full-length denim overalls (and lets not forget denim-skirteralls), this revived one-piece has all kinds of potential in the fashion department. Designers Phillip Lim and Jason Wu both sent overall-clad models down the runway at their spring shows reaffirming the fashion world’s love for the classic one-piece. How to wear overalls is a question we haven’t asked ourselves in a while. Street style idols Alexa Chung and Man Repeller Leandra Medine have both showed us that this versatile laidback trend can be modernized with a great pair of heels, a chunky necklace, an oversized blazer or a statement clutch. However, when paired with the wrong accessories this statement piece can look dangerously farmer-esque.
Still skeptical of how to wear overalls without looking a little to farm-bound? Fear not because this week, we asked the Style Panel for tips on how to rock the overall trend in the most stylish way for this summer. Velvet and Vino’s Becky Kung thinks that when styled in unexpected ways, overalls are the perfect piece to make you standout and shine. Canadian Fashionista’s Amber Desilets suggests rolling up the cuffs on oversized boyfriend style overalls and pairing them with strappy high-heeled sandals. Amy Flying a Kite’s Amy Nelson recommends avoiding plaid underneath your overalls and opting for a floral blouse instead. All five of our Style Panellists agree that they’re glad to see the trend back on top!
Question 56: How do you wear overalls? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: AMY NELSON, CALGARY | AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Growing up, I lived in overalls. I had different colours, long pairs, shorts and who can forget the overall skirt. I loved the ease and at the time this pantsuit was all the rage. Now things are a little different. It’s true that overalls are back, but it’s a bit more fashion forward and less farmer.
I dressed up this pair by belting and cuffing them, and wearing it with a great pair of heels. Playing with your accessories will help elevate this outfit. Now this isn’t something I’d wear often, but for a fashion statement they’re totally perfect.
Barbara Ann’s wearing: Overalls, Dickies. Bralette, Joe Fresh. Belt, Urban Outfitters. Heels, Guess. Necklaces, Fenton Fallon and Liana Marie. Earcuff, Urban Outfitters.
Amy Nelson, 19
Calgary | Amy Flying a Kite
I’ve always loved wearing overalls. Not only are they comfortable, but with the right accessories you can look playful and ready for a sun-soaked summer.
The biggest dilemma with overalls is finding a pair that fits you perfectly. You don’t want to wear ones that are too baggy in all of the wrong areas or too tight. Even if you find the most beautiful pair while shopping, if they don’t fit, they’re not worth your time. Overalls are moody like that— they want to find the perfect human match.
When you do find that perfect pair either by luck (like I did with mine) or by seeking, you’ll want to fulfill the potential of your overalls. Wear them with your favorite blouses tucked underneath but avoid plaid and sleeveless tops if you don’t like the farmer style. On a really warm day, I like to wear a floral peasant blouse that showcases my shoulders and wedges are great for elongating legs.
As long as your accessory isn’t a plough or a rake, you’ll look modern and fun in your overalls.
Amy’s wearing: Blouse, Thrifted. Overalls, Peacock Boutique Calgary. Wedges, Oasap.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
I have to say I have been loving the overall trend this summer. Who knew that when I was a youngin’ running around in OshKosh overalls, I was actually ahead of the trend?
Overalls can seem a bit intimidating because if taken to literally you could easily end up looking like you should be holding a pitchfork instead of a designer bag. To bring your overalls from the ‘90s to now, make sure to add some modern touches to your look. A fun bag or a sleek top can easily bring your look from drab to fab!
Lyndsey’s wearing: Overalls, Zara. Top, Zara. Shoes, Shoe Dazzle. Clutch, Zara. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban.
Amber Desilets, 30
London | Canadian Fashionista
Overalls are back and stronger than ever this season, just be sure to mix in some current pieces so you don’t look like the fourth member of Salt-n-Pepa. If you’re just starting out with this trend, go the safe route and pair them with a basic tee and a pair of converse, but to make your look to a more fashion-forward, try picking up a pair of boyfriend overalls.
These denim boyfriend Topshop overalls are perfect. I just rolled up the cuffs (the way I would with my boyfriend’s jeans a.k.a. my husband) and paired them with a blouse. You’re going to want to wear it with a striped, floral or printed shirt, or even better a striped blouse, like mine, otherwise you risk looking like a farmer. Try interesting necklines, like a V-neck or open neck and keeping your sleeves short, like a cap sleeve or cut-offs. It’s also important to add feminine elements like I did with these strappy high-heeled sandals and a pop of colour in my sequined clutch.
Amber’s wearing: Overalls, Topshop.Top, H&M. Sunglasses, Oakley. Watch, Aldo. Bracelet, BCBG. Sandals, Target. Clutch, Hello Fab.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Overalls have creativity written all over them and beg for your willingness to pair them in the most unexpected ways. If styled with the current trends today, there is never any question of their ability to standout and shine.
I put this outfit together in the spirit of a casual and active style with the baseball cap and wedge sneakers, however I can’t wait to put together an edgy evening look by combining these with a pair of heels and a chiffon blouse underneath. When looking for a pair of these fun overall flashbacks, I recommend finding a vintage-wash pair with the worn look. Overalls that are too perfectly in tact and in dark denim do not suit the current edgy trend that these overalls have to offer.
Becky’s wearing: Overalls, Zara. T-shirt, Taiwan Clothing Street Market. Wedge Sneakers, L.A. Fashion District. Baseball Cap, Puma. Watch, Michael Kors. Clutch, e-Bay Korea.
 creeping up on us, effortlessly cool overalls are perfect for throwing over a bikini when headed to the beach or pairing with strappy stilettos when headed out for drinks with friends.
The idea that overalls are reserved for the under-10 set is so out-dated. From shorteralls to full-length denim overalls (and lets not forget denim-skirteralls), this revived one-piece has all kinds of potential in the fashion department. Designers Phillip Lim and Jason Wu both sent overall-clad models down the runway at their spring shows reaffirming the fashion world’s love for the classic one-piece. How to wear overalls is a question we haven’t asked ourselves in a while. Street style idols Alexa Chung and Man Repeller Leandra Medine have both showed us that this versatile laidback trend can be modernized with a great pair of heels, a chunky necklace, an oversized blazer or a statement clutch. However, when paired with the wrong accessories this statement piece can look dangerously farmer-esque.
Still skeptical of how to wear overalls without looking a little to farm-bound? Fear not because this week, we asked the Style Panel for tips on how to rock the overall trend in the most stylish way for this summer. Velvet and Vino’s Becky Kung thinks that when styled in unexpected ways, overalls are the perfect piece to make you standout and shine. Canadian Fashionista’s Amber Desilets suggests rolling up the cuffs on oversized boyfriend style overalls and pairing them with strappy high-heeled sandals. Amy Flying a Kite’s Amy Nelson recommends avoiding plaid underneath your overalls and opting for a floral blouse instead. All five of our Style Panellists agree that they’re glad to see the trend back on top!
Question 56: How do you wear overalls? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: AMY NELSON, CALGARY | AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON
[caption id="attachment_143239" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Growing up, I lived in overalls. I had different colours, long pairs, shorts and who can forget the overall skirt. I loved the ease and at the time this pantsuit was all the rage. Now things are a little different. It's true that overalls are back, but it's a bit more fashion forward and less farmer.
I dressed up this pair by belting and cuffing them, and wearing it with a great pair of heels. Playing with your accessories will help elevate this outfit. Now this isn't something I'd wear often, but for a fashion statement they’re totally perfect.
Barbara Ann’s wearing: Overalls, Dickies. Bralette, Joe Fresh. Belt, Urban Outfitters. Heels, Guess. Necklaces, Fenton Fallon and Liana Marie. Earcuff, Urban Outfitters.
Amy Nelson, 19
Calgary | Amy Flying a Kite
I've always loved wearing overalls. Not only are they comfortable, but with the right accessories you can look playful and ready for a sun-soaked summer.
The biggest dilemma with overalls is finding a pair that fits you perfectly. You don't want to wear ones that are too baggy in all of the wrong areas or too tight. Even if you find the most beautiful pair while shopping, if they don't fit, they're not worth your time. Overalls are moody like that--- they want to find the perfect human match.
When you do find that perfect pair either by luck (like I did with mine) or by seeking, you'll want to fulfill the potential of your overalls. Wear them with your favorite blouses tucked underneath but avoid plaid and sleeveless tops if you don't like the farmer style. On a really warm day, I like to wear a floral peasant blouse that showcases my shoulders and wedges are great for elongating legs.
As long as your accessory isn't a plough or a rake, you'll look modern and fun in your overalls.
Amy’s wearing: Blouse, Thrifted. Overalls, Peacock Boutique Calgary. Wedges, Oasap.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
I have to say I have been loving the overall trend this summer. Who knew that when I was a youngin’ running around in OshKosh overalls, I was actually ahead of the trend?
Overalls can seem a bit intimidating because if taken to literally you could easily end up looking like you should be holding a pitchfork instead of a designer bag. To bring your overalls from the ‘90s to now, make sure to add some modern touches to your look. A fun bag or a sleek top can easily bring your look from drab to fab!
Lyndsey’s wearing: Overalls, Zara. Top, Zara. Shoes, Shoe Dazzle. Clutch, Zara. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban.
Amber Desilets, 30
London | Canadian Fashionista
Overalls are back and stronger than ever this season, just be sure to mix in some current pieces so you don’t look like the fourth member of Salt-n-Pepa. If you’re just starting out with this trend, go the safe route and pair them with a basic tee and a pair of converse, but to make your look to a more fashion-forward, try picking up a pair of boyfriend overalls.
These denim boyfriend Topshop overalls are perfect. I just rolled up the cuffs (the way I would with my boyfriend's jeans a.k.a. my husband) and paired them with a blouse. You’re going to want to wear it with a striped, floral or printed shirt, or even better a striped blouse, like mine, otherwise you risk looking like a farmer. Try interesting necklines, like a V-neck or open neck and keeping your sleeves short, like a cap sleeve or cut-offs. It’s also important to add feminine elements like I did with these strappy high-heeled sandals and a pop of colour in my sequined clutch.
Amber’s wearing: Overalls, Topshop.Top, H&M. Sunglasses, Oakley. Watch, Aldo. Bracelet, BCBG. Sandals, Target. Clutch, Hello Fab.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Overalls have creativity written all over them and beg for your willingness to pair them in the most unexpected ways. If styled with the current trends today, there is never any question of their ability to standout and shine.
I put this outfit together in the spirit of a casual and active style with the baseball cap and wedge sneakers, however I can't wait to put together an edgy evening look by combining these with a pair of heels and a chiffon blouse underneath. When looking for a pair of these fun overall flashbacks, I recommend finding a vintage-wash pair with the worn look. Overalls that are too perfectly in tact and in dark denim do not suit the current edgy trend that these overalls have to offer.
Becky’s wearing: Overalls, Zara. T-shirt, Taiwan Clothing Street Market. Wedge Sneakers, L.A. Fashion District. Baseball Cap, Puma. Watch, Michael Kors. Clutch, e-Bay Korea.){kind=link}