Dungarees: has there ever been a more divisive garment?
Once solely reserved for farmers and toddlers, so much has changed for the all-in-one trend in recent years.
Whether you're a die-hard fan, a more recent adoptee, or simply awaiting conversion, suffice to say at first glance, dungarees may seem difficult to pull off. (And not just when you're desperate for the loo.)
MORE: How to style double denim this season
© GettyGetting the colour and cut right is hugely important, as they make up such a large proportion of an outfit. Baggy off-whites with chunky sandals can be really stylish for summer, but there are some great printed styles out there if you're wanting to stray from traditional blue denim.
Forget the plain white T-shirt, and think out of the box when it comes to styling your dungarees. If you're a double denim-devotee, layer your pair over the top of a shirt in a contrasting shade, or you could even wear your dungarees with a white ribbed tank top and Western boots for maximum country-girl vibes.
© GettyHowever, if you'd prefer to incorporate some texture into your outfit, layer yours over a high drama blouse. Ethereal lace or perforated cut-outs with statement sleeves will inject your outfit with a sense of femininity to balance out the inherent androgyny associated with dungarees.
MORE: How to find the perfect-fit jeans
READ: How to style flared jeans in 2023
© GettyDeciding which shoes you should wear with your dungarees largely depends on the cut of the trouser leg. If you're sporting a relaxed boyfriend cut, you can't go wrong with retro Dad sneakers, whereas if your pair is cropped, you might like to opt for a studded clog or luxe mules.
How we chose:
- Style and fit: All our dungarees picks feature a flattering silhouette. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks felt elegant and timeless for maximum wearability.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a pair of dungarees in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
Hello! Fashion shares our favourite ways to style dungarees:
For casual chrome...
This classic pair by R13 features calculated discolouration for lived-in appeal. I love the juxtaposition of the slouchy, slightly masculine silhouette alongside the pretty clarity of Mint Velvet's leather ballet pumps. Layer your dungarees over a crisp frill collar shirt for a hint of subtle femininity and finish with cool-girl chrome via Anisa Sojka's elegant claw clip.
R13 D'Arcy Distressed Denim Dungarees, £880.00, Net-A-Porter; Ganni Frill Bib Blouse, £125.00 £88.00, Flannels; Mint Velvet Ballet Pumps, £99.00, John Lewis; Silver Metal Hair Claw Clip, £34.00, Anisa Sojka
For cosy cool...
Cream denim has a distinctly summery vibe, but it would be remiss to confine it solely to the warmer months. This flared version by H&M won't break the bank, and can be easily styled all year round. Sea's 'Anna' cardigan is giving luxe librarian, and I think the merino knit would look great layered underneath the dungarees. Lean into the hues of the retro-feel pattern and style with greens and blues. Sambas are still doing the footwear rounds, and I love the polished, slightly smarter effect of the leather finish. Complete with a Good Squish scrunchie - this cornflower blue silk version is simultaneously sweet and standout - for a playful finish.
Flared Cropped Denim Dungarees, £39.99, H&M; Sea Anna Ruffled Cropped Merino Wool-Jacquard Cardigan, £460.00, Net-A-Porter; Good Squish Badlands Frilled Silk Scrunchie, £42.00, Selfridges; Samba OG Shoes, £90.00, Adidas
For vibrant elegance...
Frame consistently delivers when it comes to chic denim silhouettes, and its dark wide-leg dungarees pose no exception. I love the richness of the colour - darker blues always look more polished in my opinion - and the clean cut. Add some leg-of-mutton sleeves into the mix for dramatic effect, Molly Goddard's 'Sonia' cardigan feels energising and cute. Wider leg shapes work seamlessly alongside platforms, and these boots by Hush feel infinitely versatile.
Frame Le Italien Denim Overalls, £525.00 £289.00, The Outnet; Molly Goddard Sonia Jacquard-Knit Cotton Cardigan, £590.00, Net-A-Porter; Indie Platform Boots, £199.00 £90.00, Hush
For cowboy casual...
Cut from hemp for durability, these faded black dungarees by Tommy Hilfiger have a youthful, skater-esque appeal. I actually think the logo-adorned straps would look really cool against bare skin in the summer, but for the time being I'd opt for a cream polo base layer. Massimo Dutti's version is both luxe-looking and lightweight. I would tuck the legs into flashy cowboy boots for a sense of fun, and finish with these neutral tinted frames by Le Specs.
Logo Strap Denim Dungarees, £130.00, Tommy Hilfiger; Embroidered Leather Cowboy Boots, £300.00 £150.00, Cos; Long Sleeve High Neck Sweater, £49.95, Massimo Dutti; Le Specs Work It! Oval-Frame Sunglasses, £60.00, Selfridges
For textural interest...
Sleek, smooth and supple - I love the idea of dungarees in a leather finish if you're looking to branch out from tradition. Layer over a cheery Loro Piana knit for when the weather demands, and style with Saye's retro-style trainers for an air of casual. The glossy black finish looks great alongside a pop of colour, and this quilted micro bag by Cos pays tribute to one of this season's standout shades.
A.L.C. Braelyn Faux Leather Overalls, £415.00 £208.00, The Outnet; Modelo '92 Trainers, £179.00, Saye; Loro Piana Trujillo Fair Isle Silk, Cashmere and Cotton-Blend Sweater, £1,980.00, Net-A-Porter; Quilted Micro Bag, £135.00, Cos
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.
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