Today I'm starting a little series where each week I'll be talking about a staple piece in my wardrobe. As you may know if you've been reading for a while, I love the whole "Capsule Wardrobe" concept and the idea of having a very streamline, well edited wardrobe filled with quality staple pieces that are easy to throw on and mix and match. I do also, however, love to play with fashion, and with my love of colour, pattern and just having a slightly more "fun" and "playful" style, sometimes find the usual list of "Wardrobe Staples" to be a little dull and not quite matching the way I like to dress.
So, I thought I'd share my own staples. If your style is a little on the quirkier side, if you love colour and are wondering how to make it work in a capsule wardrobe, or even if you're just a little bored of your regular, "safe" staples then this series will be for you! Of course, I'm still a proponent for great classic basics, but you won't find any "black blazers" or "nude heels" in this list (I always feel waaaay too serious in a blazer, my style is just not sophisticated enough for that!)
Let’s start off with The Overalls (or dungarees as some people call them). Not an item you usually see on a list of “must have wardrobe staples”, but overalls are really having a comeback at the moment, and I couldn't be happier about it. Sure, they may give me flashbacks to my primary school days, but they have the advantage of being cute and quirky and immediately say to people “hey, I don’t take myself too seriously”.
The Fabric:
Usually when you think of overalls, the blue denim ones come to mind. While those are awesome, if you’re just starting out I’d recommend a black pair. These black denim ones from Sportsgirl are my first pair of long overalls (since I was a kid anyway) and being black they’re much easier to wear. They’re a little more classic, a little less out there, and much more versatile when it comes to dressing them up and down. These ones have just enough stretch in them so they're really comfy, but not so much that they become baggy and unflattering after just a few wears. I've seen ones in different fabrics such as linen which would also be a good starting point and super comfy and cool in summer too!
The Fit: Long? Short? Pinafore?
When it comes to overalls, the fit is the most important thing. Too loose and they’re just plain unflattering, too tight and it really isn't a good look. There’s no way around it, you just need to try as many pairs on until you find that perfect “goldilocks” fit. Take a look at the leg length too - you'll want something that hits just above the ankle, and if they're too long you can always roll them once or twice. Admittedly, regardless of the fit they're never going to be the most flattering clothing item you'll ever wear, but if you find the right ones for you, they'll still make you look good (and feel great - which is the most important thing!)
If you’re not quite ready to try long overalls, the short version can be a great place to start – and even in blue denim they’ll feel a little less “out there” because they can essentially be treated like a pair of shorts. Obviously they are much more casual than the long version, but they’re a way of making “denim shorts” which are a wardrobe staple, a bit more fun.
If you like the idea of overalls, but are still not quite brave enough to hop on board, the pinafore version may be for you. It’s basically a dress but slightly more quirky and playful, and definitely easier to find the perfect fit! (No wedgie situations to contend with!)
Styling them up:
If you find the right pair with the perfect fit, they can be just as versatile as jeans, particularly with a black pair like these ones I'm wearing. From a simple t-shirt and converse for a casual-relaxed look, to a sassy off-the-shoulder top and ballet flats if you want to feel more feminine. I’ve even tried them with a floaty white blouse and heels to dress them up a little more. I'll hopefully be sharing more outfit posts with these overalls soon if you're in need of a little inspiration, but really almost anything goes.
So my last piece of advice that I’ll leave you with is this. If you love something – wear it! Don’t worry about what people think or that you can’t pull it off. If you feel fab in it, it will show. Overalls may not be to everyones taste, and I may look a little like a six year old when I wear them, but they make me feel awesome!
Let me know if you like the overall trend (or if you hate it! - I won't be offended, I promise!) Leave a comment below or come and say hi on Instagram!
Overalls - Sportsgirl
(no longer available but similar here from ASOS* or here from Boohoo*)
Pink Top - Cos
(similar here from ASOS*)
Pinafore - Princess Highway
White Lace Top - Topshop
Tan Bag - Trenery
Please note - links marked with * are affiliate links :)
