How To Wear Dungarees, According To An Expert

Dungarees are without doubt one of fashion's most divisive garments. For most women, they’re a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them. For the Alexa Chung's of this world, with a boyish frame and boho attitude, a pair of denim overalls are their best friend. Lockdown life has further secured their place in these women’s wardrobes and there are several options around to choose from – Anthropologie and Free People have some of the best.

For many though, especially those with curvier frames, dungarees seem childish and more importantly, unflattering. They are not the easiest option for those with larger busts, and often tend to emphasise the stomach area. Generally, the widest part of a pair of dungarees is around the hips and waist (alarm bells immediately ring) and the placement of narrow straps only tend to exaggerate the lower half. In the past, having tried on some classic denim pairs, I’ve been left feeling less than cool. However, with a keen eye on proportions, fit and styling, a new breed of overall could be just ticket.

I've long been a fan of Anna Mason (one of the nicest and most talented ladies in fashion) and, her luxurious, retro-style Bay Dungarees have piqued my interest. Rich, velvet corduroy in covetable hues, tailored to elongate the body, they retain the playful charm of overalls but with more high-fashion direction. Wide-flared legs balance out the silhouette, while the rich fabrication and chic detailing finish the look off to perfection. Harmur also have a sensational velvet pair with rhinestone buttons that scream evening elegance. Parisian high-street label Sézane has produced two fun and glamorous pairs with high-waisted trousers and bow tye straps in gold lamé and crystal polka dots – not the easiest for those with larger busts to carry off, but wonderfully decorative and French. If the high waisted, flared leg is a step too far, Wyse has created a more classic shape with a pretty scalloped edge, and these, particularly in corduroy, lend themselves to getting dressed up.

My golden rules are, make sure any waist band sits high on your waist, rather than around the stomach. If in doubt, take the next size up – you just won’t be able to make a vacuum-packed middle work, whatever the angle. Opt for a wide leg, either a boyfriend cut if you want a more casual look, or flared for something more elegant. Finally, look for chic details, like luxurious buttons or pretty straps.

For me, one of the key attractions about this new kind of elevated dungaree is the possibilities when it comes to layering. Part of the same genre as the jumpsuit, there are more styling options and potentially, more wear. I'm not alone in having invested in a plentiful supply of romantic tops over the past couple of years – a decorative collar and blouson sleeve have proved themselves to be essential. And this is the perfect opportunity to style them up differently – combined with a chic pair of dungarees, you have the ultimate pairing. An exaggerated sleeve, whether it be a puff shoulder or blouson arms, sits perfectly either side of the dungarees’ shoulder straps and work cleverly to pull the proportions of the waist inward. Be careful to choose a blouse that has a long and narrow enough shape to tuck neatly inside the waist, though. And, of course, for a more minimalist look, a fine knit roll neck always reigns supreme – although it’s most definitely not for the body shy. In terms of footwear, platforms with flares or kitten heels with narrow legs are always my go-to accessories. Add a hair bow and decorative earrings for an effortless statement look that gives a chic nod to the formal, but still feels fun. If you ask me, it strikes the perfect tone for this unusual Christmas we’re set to have.

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