Dungarees: has there ever been a more divisive garment? Once solely reserved for farmers and toddlers, so much has changed for the all-in-one trend in recent years.
Whether you're a die-hard fan, a more recent adoptee, or simply awaiting conversion, suffice to say at first glance, dungarees may seem difficult to pull off and hard to integrate into your everyday wardorbe.
Getting the right pair for you is essential. Whether thats more of a plain, fitted style, or an oversized, slouchy number, it all comes down to what you feel most comfortable in. As we descend into winter, we would suggest sizing up so you can easily layer your dungarees over a chunky jumper or cosy cardigan.
Layering is key when it comes to styling dungarees. Whether that's a basic white tee, an oversized knitted jumper or a crisp shirt, the posibilities are endless making it one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe. Accessories also play a key role in this - for a casual feel, throw on some trainers, or to make it feel more dressed up, add a heeled boot or fancy flat.
© GettyWe love how Mer has a contrasting feel to her look: the juxtaposition of a dungaree layered with a lace blouse gives it a more girly, feminine feel. Paired with classic Mary-Jane's and oversized sunnies, it gives a fresh feel to a staple wardrobe item.
We've rounded up five different ways to style the classic dungaree to give you some inspo ahead of investing.
Stick to one colour
Opting for a cream or white dungaree gives a more fresh, crisp feel - especially in the winter months. However, its very easy for the look to feel boring. To combat this, choose a colour to add into the look and keep it simple by sticking to that one colour. We've seen green everywhere this summer and it shows no sign of going anywhere as we descend into winter. A classic crew-neck jumper paired with Adidas Spezial's is a winning combo.
- DUNGAREES: Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Overalls, £350.00, Net-a-Porter
- JUMPER: Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper, £34.90, Uniqlo
- TRAINERS: Adidas Handball Spezial Brand-Embellished Suede Low-Top Trainers, £89.99, Selfridges
- RING: Heirloom Crossover Ring, £98.00, Monica Vinader
A classic print
If its a denim style dungaree you're on the hunt for but still want an edge to it, a printed style could be the one for you. A classic stripe is a failsafe option and is also easier to style than a more bolder print. Pick out colours from the print and style the rest of your look around that for a more cohesive, put-together look. There's no going wrong with a turtleneck ribbed vest and give it a more dressed up feel with a mesh ballet flat.
- DUNGAREES: Ganni Striped Denim Overalls, £147.00, The Outnet
- VEST: 100% Wool High Neck Knit Vest, £69.95, Massimo Dutti
- SHOES: Mesh Ballet Flats, £115.00, & Other Stories
- EARRINGS: Pavé Diamond X Stud Earrings, £368.00, Mejuri
Dress it up
Dungarees can absolutely be dressed up and worn on a night out. The trick here is to stray away from the classic denim fabric and opt for an alternative. Leather would be a great option for this, with its sleek, flattering finish and makes you feel instantly put-together. We'd style with a statement blouse, this Sister Jane number has pearl accents on it so we'd match our jewellery to it for a cohesive finish.
- DUNGAREES: Peyton Leather Dungarees, £489.00, Whistles
- BLOUSE: Dream Victoria Pearl Blouse, £110.00, Sister Jane
- BOOTS: Brynn Kitten Heel Boots, £40.00, Schuh
- EARRINGS: Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearls Open Hoop Earrings, £130.00, Pandora
Bold and bright
Styling dungarees can be so fun - by sizing up slightly it allows you to layer them over a big, chunky knit. To inject some fun into your outfit, opt for a bright, fun, printed jumper. We love this Alèmais striped jumper with its bold paintbox stripes, showcasing a maximalist approach to dopamine dressing. Its oversized shape gives a more casual feel, so we'd pair with equally standout trainers to really make an impact. To finish off the look, opt for a silky scarf to tie in your hair.
- DUNGAREES: Long Denim Dungarees, £49.99, Zara
- JUMPER: Alémais Sporty Striped Brushed Alpaca-Blend Sweater, £395.00, Net-a-Porter
- TRAINERS: Unisex 327 Shoes, £110.00, New Balance
- SCARF: Floral Koi Printed Silk Scarf, £75.00, Shrimps x Strathberry
Keep it simple
If you're more of a minimalist and want to add dungarees into your wardrobe but don't know where to start, go back to your capsule wardrobe. The key is treating dungarees like a pair of jeans - styling it with a basic tee or simple fine knit is the way to go. Either opt for a classic blue style, or branch out slightly and opt for a classic tan cord style instead. Match your trainers to your top and style simple gold jewellery.
- DUNGAREES: Baggy Corduroy Overalls, £110.00, Levi's
- TOP: Boxy T-Shirt, £9.99, H&M
- TRAINERS: Chloé Lauren Perforated Leather Low-Top Trainers, £490.00, Selfridges
- NECKLACE: Savi Droplet Pendant & Double Necklace Set, £219.00, Missoma
How we chose:
- Style and fit: All our dungarees picks feature a flattering silhouette. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks felt elegant and timeless for maximum wearability.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a pair of dungarees in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
Why you should trust me:
Chloe Gallacher is H! Fashion’s Style Writer, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds. Finding luxe-looking pieces on the high street is my forte and I love finding those hidden gems that look so much more expensive than they are.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
