A very tricky style-subject, at any age.
Over 40? Just forget it!
Right?
Wrong!
I think that anyone can wear dungarees, at any age, if they want to.
As long as you can answer "Yes" to the three Golden questions...
- Does it suit your body?
- Does it suit the occasion?
- Do you feel good in it?
If you can answer "Yes" to these three, then go for it!
I have to admit that 'on paper' this look is a potential disaster.
I have a few hurdles to overcome...
- I am not pregnant, a model or 5. Dungarees are only good as maternity wear, on six foot stick insects or on young children.
- I have cropped hair, which is slightly haphazard and 'undone'....not long and tumbling or perfectly groomed.
- I am wearing them with a casual jumper. Casual top + dungarees = sloppy. Surely I will look like I am off to help on a building site, or farm...won't I?
It may come as no surprise to you that none of these 'problems' really matter to me!
I like the look of dungarees.
I like how they feel.
And, that is all that really matters.
Dungarees feel surprisingly feminine.
They fall away from the body and are not just comfortable, but also feel quite flirty.
I know that sounds strange, but it must be the way they skim the body, they make me feel great!
I am happy to say that some people agree with me!
They love their dungarees and look amazing in them, think Alexa Chung and Cara Delevigne...as well as the beautiful (and over 40) Catherine Summers.
However, most women buy them, wear them awkwardly a couple of times then promptly discard them to the back of the wardrobe.
Too expensive to throw away, too awkward to wear in public.
Maybe good for doing the garden or painting the spare room?
It is sad to see any item lying unloved, and unworn, BUT it is particularly tragic to lose such a versatile, comfortable and fun piece of clothing.
If you are swithering about dungarees (or are the owner of an unloved pair) there are so many different ways to wear them.
None of them make you look like a painter & decorator, or a farm-hand.
Why not give them another go this Spring?
Shoes to wear with dungarees:
- Converse-style trainers.
- Sliders
- Ballet pumps
- Platform sandals
- Ankle boots
- Booties
- Peep toe shoe boots
- Heeled pumps
- Strappy heels
- Birkenstocks
- Colourful trainers
- Brogues/wingtips/oxfords
- Monks/double monks
- loafers
- Geek shoes
- Clogs
- Mary Janes
- Flatforms
Tops to wear with dungarees:
- Rollnecks
- Crisp t-shirts (long or short sleeved)
- Breton tops
- Blouses with black ribbon ties or pussy bows
- Chiffon blouses
- Vest tops
- Cropped tops
- Peasant-style blouses
- Statement sleeve tops/blouses
- Fine knits
- Chunky (open weave) knits
- Cute tops with peter pan collars
- Off the shoulder tops
Jackets/cover-ups to wear with dungarees:
- Long-line, fine-knit cardigans
- Chunky cardigans
- Smart coats
- Trench coats
- Bomber jackets
- Tailored blazers
- Boyfriend-style blazers
- Leather jackets
- Cropped jackets
- Smart/evening jackets
- Fur coats.
The possibilities are endless!
This particular outfit came together easily.
My dungarees are so comfortable that I wanted to stay on that comfort-theme so I chose this open-knit, cotton jumper and tan peep toe shoes....doing a little bookending with my new hair.
{Thank you to Shiona @Zuri...check out her facebook page)
A stack of pretty bangles and a vintage enamel brooch added some colour and interest.
This gorgeous little bag (from Yosa.co.uk) was the perfect finishing touch.
So affordable and fun!
It is the perfect size for your purse, phone, lipstick and keys.
Great when you don't want to be weighed down with a tote.
Rachel @Yosa is offering 10% off at yosa.co.uk (no minimum spend).
She has a large range of colourful jewellery as well as some pretty bags.
Just enter the code:
FAB10
(Even more of a bargain!)
What do you think?
Dungarees....yes or no?
Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Or tweet me @samantha4blair
I love hearing your ideas!
Dungarees: Topshop
Jumper: Gap (similar)
Bag: c/o Yosa
Shoes: Heavenly soles (similar)
Brooch: Vintage....this one is fun!
Bangles: People tree/Made/New look/Topshop
Get this look:
