How I Style: Dungarees

Dungarees are an article of clothing that I have never really found easy to style. I don't know what it is - maybe it's due to the slightly daunting task of finding other items to go with them that will prevent you from looking like an oversized toddler? Never the less, they are increasingly popular, and I can't help but lust after them. I have a denim full length pair that I love, but I struggle with, because they don't seem to be too flattering on me, so I haven't yet managed to fully grasp how to style them. However, I recently purchased a pair of navy-blue cord dungarees in the Whistles sale, and I have fallen deeply in love. They seem to work better with my frame (petite and curvy) as they have a more flatteringly structured pinafore, and a cropped slightly flared leg to them, so I have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with different ways of styling them. Seeing as I know many people who struggle with finding different ways of styling dungarees, I thought it might be nice to curate a few different outfits and put them together in a little post to aid those of you that are still struggling with finding new ideas. I hope it's useful, and let me know if you would like to see more posts like this in the future!

1. The roll-neck body

Coat - Topshop (similar colour here) / Scarf - Accessorize (similar here) / Roll-neck body - Wolford (this colour no longer available)/ Shoes - Underground (double sole creepers) / Dungarees - Whistles (sale)

The first look is something simple and really easy to wear with dungarees - a body. Bodies are great with dungarees because they help maintain your figure and prevent you from looking oversized. I love pairing navy blue with camel shades, and this muted camel body went great with the dungarees. I then went for some clashing tartan prints that still matched relatively well with the colour groups of the two core parts of the outfit.

2. Superstars and Stripes

Long sleeve t-shirt - Topshop / Dungarees - Same as above / Trainers - Adidas Superstars

For a more relaxed (and let's face it, a little bit more childish) look, try pairing your dungarees with a Breton stripe and some trainers. Really simple, comfortable, and if done right, still super stylish. I love this multi-stripe long sleeve t-shirt from Topshop - it's nice having a few different patterns and colours to play with rather than just wearing a classic Breton shirt as it elevates the look as a whole. And let's face it, you can't really go wrong with a pair of Adidas superstars...

3. The letterman jumper

Jumper - Tommy Hilfiger (similar here) / Dungarees - Same as above / Neckerchief - Rokit (vintage Givenchy) / Shoes - Zara (sale, still available in store but can't find online)

You can't beat a classic crew neck jumper, so for a relaxed yet still playful look, try pairing a letterman jumper with your dungarees - great if you wanna try the one-side-down look and show off the appliqué. For a few fun details, a pair of gunmetal shoes (these loafers were only 12.99 in the Zara sale and are made of goat's leather) and a neck scarf are great details, and make the overall outfit a little bit smarter, too.

4. The seventies print shirt

Shirt - Whistles Limited Edition  (resort collection SS16)/ Dungarees - Same as above / Coat - Marela / Ankle boots - Russell & Bromley (still available on sale in some stores, similar here)

What could be more seventies inspired than pairing corduroy dungarees with a kooky printed shirt? A structured silk shirt is great with dungarees as it adds a touch of lux smart tailoring to a more casual piece. Add a pair of high ankle boots and you have yourself a smart-casual outfit with a pair of dungarees - who knew?

So there's a few examples of my favourite ways to style dungarees. I'm tempted to do a post on how to style my denim ones, but I'm still working on getting used to them myself, so look out for that styling post in the Springtime!