How to Style Overalls 4 Ways

Lately my #ootd has looked something like this: joggers + cozy sweater + slippers. I suppose you could say I’ve been utlizing a “capsule wardrobe” that consists only of my favorite athleisure and doesn’t require a lot of thought, let alone styling! But here’s the thing: I love to style pieces in my closet (like a cozy turtleneck, red lace pants, joggers or a leather skirt). And after a little over a week in isolation, I’ve realized that getting dressed and styling my favorite pieces in different ways is something I really miss about my pre-pandemic life.

So, after a long (and socially distant) walk with B this morning and a nice warm shower, I decided that today was the day to put on make-up and rock one of my favorite items in my closet: my overalls. Even though I’m not planning on going anywhere, just incorporating some of my old routine into my new day-to-day brightened my spirits! Which reminded me that I shot a whole series of looks featuring said overalls, and have yet to share it with you! So, in the spirit of doing and sharing the little things that make us feel good and more like ourselves, I thought why not use today to share four different ways to style overalls that you can totally rock at home!

A bit about overalls: I have ALWAYS been a fan. I wore Oshkosh B’gosh as a toddler, grew into GapKids, then had this rockin pair of Mavi flared overalls in junior high. Truth be told, there was a bit of a hiatus between my late teens and late 20s when I didn’t have a trusty pair of overalls but that all changed when I found this pair. I’ve had them for a few years now and they are honestly some of the comfiest and most versatile pants that I own! As with most of my staples, I love that I can rock them year round and dress them up or down. Overalls are perfect for transitional seasons like spring and fall, because you can layer them easily. This is the new version (same style, different wash) of what I’m wearing, but I also like this pair, this pair and this pair!

A few general styling tips for rockin’ bibbed beauties:

  1. Find a pair that jives with your style! The beauty in overalls making a comeback (…did they ever really leave?) its that there are so many shapes and styles: straight leg, boyfriend, wide leg, stretchy – you name it!
  2. When thinking about what to wear on top, stick with fitted silhouettes that are easy to tuck in. The exception? A billowy top in a lightweight fabric that won’t bunch or be uncomfortable when tucked.
  3. Another tip for tops: have fun with details and accents, especially feminine-feeling touches like ruffles, florals or puffed sleeves. Plaids and stripes are okay too, but think about your footwear and accessories if you’re worried about feeling too country western!
  4. All footwear is a go! My overalls are cropped and I look at them like I would any other cropped jean. Flats, sneakers, pumps and booties all work – I love a good sock bootie for extra ankle coverage!

And now, the looks!

COZY CASUAL

The only thing better than a tissue turtleneck is a striped tissue turtleneck! I have this J.Crew tissue turtle in a few colors and adore them for layering – especially under overalls! I completed the look with knit booties and a cozy cardigan in the same color palette to keep the look more modern.

PERFECTLY POLISHED

A classic, fitted white button down is a great (and somewhat unexpected) pairing! I love this one from Talbots – it’s perfectly tailored so it doesn’t create extra bulk under the bib. Also, it’s non-iron so…need I say more? I added my go-to loafers – they are definitely an investment, but worth every penny! The buttery soft leather required zero break-in time and they are the only shoes I own that haven’t given me a single blister. I finished the look with my favorite camel sweater blazer.

NEUTRAL NIGHT OUT (OR IN!)

Okay, originally this was my “going out” look, but hey, it works inside, too! This is a great example of a top that has substance and shape but still wears well under overalls because it’s lightweight and the ruffles add a fun accent (old, but similar here and here). I stuck with neutral accessories (my new favorite suede moto jacket) and added heels for an unexpected twist! I actually wore this exact outfit out with friends and simply swapped the pumps for neutral heeled boots.

CITY CHIC

The ultimate pairing: overalls + a bodysuit! Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier (unless of course, you really have to tinkle). Elsa introduced me to this bodysuit and I loved it so much that I bought it in three colors. It’s super comfy and incredibly versatile – I almost always bring one with me when traveling! I added white sneaks, a leather jacket and a headband for a city-chic vibe.

Now tell me, which look is your fave? I hope this post inspires you to see your wardrobe differently – overalls or not! Whether that means styling a wardrobe favorite in a new way, rockin’ a pair of heels indoors or just changing up your everyday outfit. Sending you all love and virtual hugs!

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