Marina Liao
Denim overalls are easy to wear—they're like jeans in that way, but their unique, unconventional look can make styling them seem elusive: Pair 'em with the wrong shirt or shoes and you end up feeling like either an 11-year-old or a farmer. But overalls are always on-trend, and if you want to wear your very first pair of (adult) denim overalls, don't let fear stand in your way. I found the best denim overall outfits to show you how to actually wear this wardrobe essential, regardless of the season.
Despite popular belief, there are many types of denim overalls out there in the world for you to try, and endless possibilities in layering them. You can choose baggy or form-fitting overalls, they can be long or short, and you can pair them with plain tees or peasant blouses; a pair of sandals or heels. For proof, keep scrolling.
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!
