Rethinking the overall :: Can these classic dungarees pull off chic?

Overalls en vogue? Is it possible to even use the two words in the same sentence? Can they be chic? As I start to see overalls popping up more and more in ads, on blogs and in magazines, I wonder can these dungarees actually be worn by women who want to take themselves seriously? Out in the garden, in the farm and in the artist's studio, these comfortable and easy pieces seem only fitting. But can they be pulled off to be seen as something chic, au courant, even fashionable? When photographed in the streets of New York City, Milan or Paris, well, of course they can. But what about elsewhere? What about on tony suburban sidewalks? Can a fitted blazer, a pair of heels, Valentino studs or otherwise bring elevate this frumpy item and bring it to a new level? Is this something that I can perhaps wear while at home writing then dash out to meet a client? Is this something that I can wear at my age... 40-something and not getting any younger?

I had a great pair of overalls in my 20s. They were bright red and from GapKids. (When you are 5'4" you can sometimes get away with shopping in the kid's section - well at least I used to back then. Not so much anymore.) I wore those red overalls with pride. They were fun and funky. In my 30s I'm not sure I would have. I had evolved and my style had matured. I became conservative. Perhaps too conservative in style. Classic is always a good thing, but I had lost some of my edge. By the time I hit 40 I once again became more creative in my choice of style. It no longer mattered to me to fit in or what people thought. Always appropriate but always creative. And the older I get I find myself getting more and more creative with my dress. I don't conform to rules and regulations. I wear things that I feel look good on me and are comfortable. I spent too many years sacrificing comfort. And for what? How I dress is important. I represent high profile clients and luxury brands. Would I show up at a meeting in overalls? Probably not. But could I pull off the look in my day to day life - running errands, dining out, working? I think I just might. If I can stay home and work in a pair of jeans and nice shirt then toss on a blazer or jacket and heels when I leave the house, can I do the same with overalls? The jury is still out here. I would love to know what you think!

A pair of Chanel flats, a Burberry trench perfectly dress up a pair of overalls at the airport. Image via InStyle

I may go so far as to say these overalls paired with black sandals and a black trench are quite elegant. As seen in whowhatwear (How to wear black overalls.)

Chic overalls with an edge. Image via Le Fashion.

Stylecaster shows us that some pumps, jewelry and a pretty bag can transform overalls from drab to fab.

I'm not altogether certain about the Mickey Mouse ears, but I love the black leather overalls and the Valentino shoes. Toss in a bike and Milan and no one will argue their chic-ness. Image via WWD.

White on white. Leopard print. Pretty sandals. Say no more. Overalls go ultra chic. Image via Le Fashion.

Are you sold yet, or not so sold?

Jessica Gordon RyanAugust 30, 2015Overalls, Fall fashion, Fashion1 Comment