How to Style Overalls: 7 Ways to Wear Overalls

Overalls, also known as dungarees or bib-and-brace overalls, are an article of clothing with a bib top, suspenders, and pant legs. Wearers step into the pants of the overalls and then sling the two shoulder top suspenders over to the front, fastening them to two clasps that sit around the left and right pectorals.

Traditionally, overalls are blue denim, but they can also feature corduroy or chino cloth. Overalls were first introduced in the late 1870s as durable but flexible workwear. Farmers, railroad workers, and construction laborers would wear this lightweight, denim bodysuit. Today, overalls are part of street style.

There are a few different kinds of overalls. Consider these styles to help you choose and create an outfit:

1. 1. Dungarees: Bib overalls, or dungarees, are the most classic and traditional overalls. These blue jumpsuits typically have a pocket at the sternum and are made of sturdy denim for working on construction sites or in the fields.
2. 2. Overall dresses: Overall dresses feature a bib top and an A-frame silhouette. The bottom part of the garment resembles a skirt, and the suspenders clasp at the chest.
3. 3. Overall shorts: Overall shorts have shorts instead of long pants. These work great for a spring or summer outfit.
4. 4. White overalls: Overalls can be white denim or white chino cloth. White exudes an elegant summertime look that feels slightly dressed-up and fashionable.
5. 5. Torn overalls: Like jeans, overalls can be distressed or ripped. Overalls with some tears or holes can create an edgier look. Pair distressed overalls with a leather jacket when going out for a bolder outfit.

Denim overalls can go with multiple outfits. Consider wearing overalls as part of these casual looks:

1. 1. Create a laidback weekend outfit. When you’re taking it easy on the weekends, overalls can make for a quick but fun outfit. Toss on a baggy shirt and throw your overalls over it. Wear white sneakers for a simple but chic combo.
2. 2. Make a summery look. You can combine overall shorts, a colorful crop top, and favorite shades to create a breezy ensemble.
3. 3. Dress warmer with a turtleneck. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or a turtleneck with your overalls for a more autumnal outfit, and pair with boots. You can throw a cardigan over this look for extra warmth.
4. 4. Try something dressier. Overalls are casual, but you can create something more formal by wearing a button-down with your overalls outfit and putting a blazer over it. You can also wear overalls made with flowy fabrics, such as linen or chiffon, to casual work environments.
5. 5. Go for something rustic. Try out a woodsy look by wearing overalls with a flannel shirt underneath.
6. 6. Try a one-sided look. This more fashion-forward look involves only fastening one of the shoulder straps and letting the other one hang off to the side. You can also tuck one strap into the overalls, creating a more carefree, comfortable feel.
7. 7. Play with colors. A colorful or patterned T-shirt goes great with a solid color pair of overalls. A simple tee offers a straightforward way to ease into this piece of clothing. You can also wear colorful overalls—corduroy and chino overalls may offer more color options in addition to classic blue denim. Wear a gray or white T-shirt under more colorful overalls for a vibrant ensemble.

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