How to Wear Dungarees

I can hardly believe that, a mere two months ago, my body was still untouched by overall. Having endured will-I-won't-I-ever-find-a-pair-to-suit-me trials since the beginning of the year, I finally discovered this curve-loving Boohoo pair in June (when I introduced outfit #1 in this post). The Summer of Dungarees proceeded a bit like this...

Crop It Like It's Hot

(An oldie but a goodie - someone please write a new hit with an appropriately placed -op?)

For me, dungaree dressing has so far boiled down to (a) crop tops and (b) shirts, in all their infinite and glorious variety. Of course you can substitute full-scale tees and vest tops (and I'm sure some knitwear will be forthcoming from my own wardrobe within the next few months), but a cheeky little flash of waist just makes it that bit more fun, no?

Sweet Spots

Dungarees: Boohoo (Still Available in Black), Top: New Look (Teens), Shoes: Primark (Past Season)

The shopping-friendly version of the white heel/china print head scarf combo featured in this post, courtesy of some faithful flats!

Freshly Squeezed

Dungarees: As Above, Shoes: Boohoo, Top: Primark

Yep, definitely getting major cost-per-wear value from this £2 neon crop top! Makes a stunning contrast against white (or black, or prints for that matter). This could be quite a casual look accompanied by trainers, but I decided to give it a bit more "lift" and impact by continuing the white-out with heels.

Peek-a-boo!

Dungarees: As Above, Top and Shoes: Both Primark

I defy you not to fall in love with this kitten. That is all.

Geek Chic

Dungarees: As Above, Top: Topshop, Shoes: Primark

Yup, it's that tee again... I decided to edge it up a bit and play geek off against rebel with my wondrous new shoe-boots.

All White Now

Dungarees: As Above, Top: New Look, Trainers: Primark

Aaand the obligatory sports luxe meets '90s take... By the by, this asymmetric 'do is a great fix for (several) day old hair... or for adding a bit of edge and subtracting a bit of Disney Princess to/from certain looks! It can pass as a vintage Hollywood siren side sweep, or as a faux-undercut, and is sooo easy to pull off. All you need to do is sweep all your hair over to one side, so you're left with a low side parting - slick the remainder back at the nape of the neck with grips and fluff up/backcomb the free side to add volume at the crown.  

Getting Shirty

Buckaroo

Dungarees: As Above, Shirt: Primark, Shoes: Boohoo

Initially, I was planning a casual play on the decorator-dungaree association, assuming the denim shirt would add a laid back feel, but the puffed sleeves and white lace detailing seemed to lend it an angelic cowgirl vibe instead! Perfect with my trusty white courts... But if you are after a more casual look, I'd try unembellished dark denim, rolled up at the sleeves.

Super Seventies

Dungarees: As Above, Shirt: Primark (Past Season), Shoes: Dorothy Perkins, Sunglasses: Primark + DIY

Dungarees made their first major leap from workwear to wardrobe must-have in the '70s. OK, so the fashionistas of the day were mostly rocking out in flared denim versions, but this is my slightly glossier take, inspired by the boho-luxe elements of the era.

If you're still feeling doubtful about dungarees, have a look at my How to Wear the Pinafore posts here and here for a few more tips and ideas - most apply equally well to either.

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Princess of China: 5 Ways to Wear a Printed Scarf

When I picked up this £4 porcelain print scarf in Primark (finally ticking off that trend - yes!), I had visions of it tied '50s starlet-style around my head, accompanied by cat-eye sunnies and my beloved Tigra Convertible as we raced across hill and highway, shaking out a mane of perfectly tousled hair on arrival (rather than the Bridget Jones bird nest which has thus far accompanied every topless foray we've made over 50 mph, followed by several hours of agonised detangling).

However. It being the hottest summer the UK has seen for 7 years, my convertible has decided to exercise its right not to convert. Yes, I have put up with a winter of rain and snow slinking through the cracks which the proprietors of retractable roofs must stoically bear, only to find that, in response to sunshine, the lid remains resolutely shut. Hopefully I shall be able to give my driving diva ensemble a day out before the sun disappears (I refuse to respond to Mummy Muses' insinuations that my car is now of more value to me as a fashion accessory/photoshoot prop than a mode of transportation, although there may be more than a grain of truth in the accusations), but in the meantime, I did have a few other ideas!

The DIY Top

Well, if the perfect printed top hasn't come to you... make your own! No needles required, just a bit of creative folding and a sturdy strapless bra to tuck around... 

Version 2.0...

Scarf (Worn as Top): Primark, Skirt: Boohoo, Shoes: F&F

The DIY Skirt

The next logical step!

Scarf (Worn as Skirt): Primark, Dress (Worn as Top): Primark (Past Season), Shoes: F&F

The Headscarf

Going for a bit of a landgirl vibe...

Scarf: Primark, Dungarees and Shoes: Both Boohoo, Top: New Look (Teens)

The Wrap

A touch more traditional, but that doesn't mean to say you can't still exercise a little creativity... drape over shoulders for a romantic "off-to-the-opera" cape feel, or belt for more structure...

Scarf, Dress and Belt: All Primark, Shoes: F&F

Thrown over one shoulder, it also makes a chic peekaboo cover-up for a look which you might otherwise feel is a tad too revealing...

Scarf: Primark, Top: Love at Topshop (Past Season), Skirt: Boohoo, Shoes: Carvela (Past Season), Hair Band: Accessorize (Past Season), Bag: Primark (Past Season)

The Neckerchief

Go West...

Scarf, Top and Boots: All Primark, Skirt: Topshop

How would you wear yours?

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