How to Style Denim Overalls: A Guide

With a Button-Down

Denim overalls have a casual vibe that can offset the professionalism of business casual pieces like white button-down shirts. Together, the pair provides a relaxed yet put-together weekend look. Style with sneakers and a printed headband for some color, or opt for a funky-patterned button down (like this one from Sanctuary).

With a Crop Top

Overalls get a bad reputation for being homely or for not being feminine enough, but when paired with a crop top, the outfit bares just enough skin for you to look sexy and feel comfy.

With a Simple Tee

We love the way Claire Rose Cliteur styled her patterned overalls with a basic black long-sleeve. Steal her look with a basic top, or with a plain white shirt.

Denim On Denim

Repeat after me: You can never wear too much denim. I'm not kidding. Go for the ultimate denim-on-denim look with overalls and a jacket on top. You can go with a cropped piece or opt for a long jacket that ties your outfit together from top to bottom. The trick is to keep the two denim colors similar and to break up the blue tones with a bright accessory (think: orange beanie, red shoes, colorful jewelry, etc).

Layered Over a Turtleneck

When it comes to overalls, my personal favorite is the black turtleneck. If you want something a little more unconventional, though, take a note from Liu Wen, who chose a slouchy beige turtleneck. Not all turtlenecks are boring, though! Get colorful with something like this green piece from ASOS.

With Plaid

I love a good plaid number. Imitate this model's look with a plaid coat, or throw a plaid or flannel shirt over your favorite pair of blue overalls. Personally, I like draping men's plaid shirts over a pair of snug overalls for a tight-loose contrast that'll keep you from looking (and feeling) like a lumberjack.

With Heels

I'm a big fan of contrast in fashion, so it tracks that I would match a baggy pair of overalls with some sky-high heels. It brings a feminine touch to the industrial look of overalls, resulting in a satisfying overall edge.

One Strap Hanging

A purposefully undone look, like leaving one strap of your overalls hanging, gives your outfit a laidback attitude. This is a good styling hack to try if you're wearing a graphic shirt underneath that you'd like to show off. My personal favorite is the universally beloved band tee shirt.

Pro tip: If you're worried about looking unkempt, be sure to slick your hair back in a tight bun or ponytail, and avoid layering too many accessories.

With Socks and Sandals

Your denim overalls provide a good base for you to experiment with some trickier fashion styles like wearing socks with sandals. If you're going for color, match your socks to a color present in your top and then style with a neutral pair of sandals.

With Sneakers

I don't care if it's clichéd—I love a good pair of white sneakers. They look very It-Girl with a pair of dark denim overalls like these. I particularly like styling my overalls with sneakers if they outfit is especially tight or if my makeup is very done up, because it balances out the femininity with a masculine edge. If the rest of your outfit is made up of basic colors like white, black, and blue denim, try topping it off with a pair of Jordans or a chunky, colorful shoe like Fila's Disruptor 2. 

With a Pair of Boots

Once the slightest semblance of a cool breeze hits each September, I start living in my faux leather boots. You'll look and feel warm, and you can dress up the look by selected a heeled pair of black boots. My favorites are these lace-ups.

With Stripes

I love a good Breton striped top for an ode to classic French fashion, but I'm also very into the multi-colored stripes that this model paired her overalls with. Replicate this look, or go even more colorful with this sweater from Cinq à Sept.

With an Off-the-Shoulder Top

Don't worry too much about whether the neckline of your top will go with your overalls. Fashion blogger Helena Bordon proves that even off-the-shoulder tops can work with the one-piece. Now go forth and explore all your layering options!