Dungaree Devotee

Kate Moss for Harper's Bazaar, 1994. Photograph by Peter Lindbergh



A great piece of denim is a wardrobe essential come rain or shine, and this summer sees the comeback of dungarees. Funky hued and metallic pairs were embedded amongst Moschino and Philip Lim’s Spring/Summer ’13 catwalk shows, and the shops are brimming with the adventurous all-in-ones. Alexa Chung is your ultimate dungaree muse- she manages to look the epitome of cool whether she teams her denim overalls with metallic wedges, Breton stripes, an office-worthy white shirt, espadrilles, a biker jacket or her trusty black converse (when you're as cool as Alexa, anything goes).

Dungarees for evening, check

Dungarees with espadrilles, check

Dungarees mixed with biker chick, check

   The appeal of dungarees is that they are super versatile and will take you through from colder days to the true arrival of sunny spring. Pixie Lott demonstrates how to utilise them as a transitional piece, cleverly combining her straight-legged pair with a roll-neck sweater and fringed loafers. I adore her studious, boxy bag too- don’t be afraid to add quirky, unexpected accessories for your own spin on the denim trend.

Pixie's geek-chic take on the trend

    One of my favourite looks for Spring/Summer ’13 is the influence of the Wild West. Dungarees were made to go with cowboy boots, tapestry bags, checked shirts and embroidered headpieces. Take it from model Cara Delevingne, who rocked up to a festival last summer in this light blue denim all-in-one. Throwing a lightweight, paisley-printed shirt over her crop-top and dungaree combo made her look every inch an Isabel Marant kind of girl (effortlessly chic, with a hint of bohemian, to define).


Cara Delevingne working her overalls

    Sweet blouses, Cath Kidston lookalike prints or anything broderie anglaise will coordinate gorgeously with dungarees and exude a ‘Miss Honey’ innocence (watch Matilda if you haven’t- it is the best film!) while neon jewellery and wedges will dress up your denim for cocktails at sundown. Dungaree shorts provide a practical yet uber-cool form of beachwear- throw them over a bikini and prioritise retro jelly sandals, playful shades and a fabulous straw sunhat as complimentary accessories.


Retro dungaree inspiration- Miss Honey from Danny DeVito's Matilda (1996)

     With the right wash- not too clean, not too distressed- dungarees are the perfect piece for laidback, denim devotees. Go for pinafore styles, floral prints and vibrant colour palettes alongside your classic blue jean pair if you like to experiment! 

Me and my Mum. I adore my dungarees!!