How to shop for overalls and dungarees
12th Mar 2019 Fashion & Beauty
Sometimes, on a casual day you just need a good all-in-one to pull on and go about your day, but how you know when to save, spend or splurge on your purchase?
The saviour of low-maintenance fashionistas worldwide, overalls, dungarees and boiler suits are the perfect meeting point between comfort and style. We’ve picked out the best to suit any budget, and recommend the best care tips for each.
Save: Overalls under £50
From left to right: Topshop (£50), Monki (£50), Pull & Bear (£49.99), Miss Selfridge (£49), Bershka (£29.99)
It’s not often you can get a whole outfit for less than £50! Sport these styles into spring with chunky trainers and striped tops, tapping into a pop-art trend that favours brightly hued denim and corduroy.
Pink and green remain huge colours for spring and look great with more tonal accessories in beige and brown. Size up to ensure a comfortable fit, and be sure to follow washing instruction to the letter to avoid colour run.
Spend: Overalls priced under £100
From left to right: Marks & Spencer (£55), Monsoon (£60), Abercrombie & Fitch (£74), Zara (£69.99), Warehouse (£59)
At this price point, the high street is awash with more utilitarian styles, ideal for low-maintenance, hectic lifestyles. Whether you’re a mum on the go or an office worker, these styles look great with a heel, nipped in at the waist to create a feminine silhouette.
Roll up your sleeves or add a turtleneck to create a casual look, but don’t be afraid to balance with a strong make-up look—playing with the traditional “serviceman” effect of the boiler suit, these look great with an androgynous slicked-back hair do and well-defined brow.
With linen a popular fabric in this bracket, store folded to avoid creases, and consider investing in a small hand-steamer—lighter work than an iron, they’re great for awkwardly positioned creases that only seam to appear just as you’re running out of the door…
Splurge: Overalls priced over £100
From Left to Right: Alice McCall (£320), Mira Mikati (£555), Alice McCall (£275), Whistles (£183), Yvonne S (£577)
Influenced by the 70s shapes so often seen on the catwalks, these high-end pieces make quite the statement all on their own. Team with a bell-sleeved blouse and wedged heels to really lean into the look, or a studded sandal and basket bag to dress down a full-sleeved style.
Mindful of the luxury nature of these fabrics, be aware that dry cleaning may often be required—air out after each wear to prolong use, spot clean any metal elements and opt for sturdy, non-slip hangers that will keep shoulders straps in place with minimal abrasion.
