Most of us men can put on a sweater, joggers and a backpack and we're ready for big adventures. For Chris Pine, star of Star Trek, this outfit translates into overalls , as practical as jogging, it has a large central pocket that is perfect for putting your keys or your phone. Chris Pine has been spotted several times wearing this body-covering garment. During a more recent outing, he praised the usefulness of its multiple storage spaces for this timeless garment. But Pine's no-nonsense approach illustrates a menswear conundrum: dungarees may appear on the catwalks and be available in workwear brands, but do they really have to be worn in a casual, non-utilitarian style?
La Salopette appeared in the 18th century as a unique piece for working men. The first models did not have a bib, but rather looked like denim pants with buttoned suspenders. Due to their durability and practicality, the trend took hold, and in 1873 Levi Strauss began mass-producing them. In 1911, Harry David Lee introduced the first bib overalls as we know them today. Sold as "Union-Alls", they attached the trouser portion to a bib shirt with suspenders. Today, however, especially with its multiple pockets and cuffed sleeves, it's actually closer to a jumpsuit. So, considering first its decades-long history as workwear , its decades-long use as leisurewear, and the recent resurgence in catwalks, how do you go about wearing overalls?
1 - The Classic Dungarees
It is rather necessary to know how to circumvent the past connotation of this blue work. More recently, it was in the 90s - the last time anyone wore this item of clothing beyond its ironic factor. Tupac Shakur , in particular, gave their no-nonsense design a sense of ruggedness. Will Smith , then on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, made them look like a playful piece of clothing , especially when worn with a strap removed and a colorful, oversized shirt underneath. Kris Kross , emulating another trend rooted in hip-hop, flips them, wearing the back crossed just in front, like oddly constructed pants. For decades, overalls were synonymous with hardworking, working in a factory, growing crops on a farm, or building railroads across the American landscape. Because of this history, in some social circles, clothing is still associated with the working man. To help you, there is no fashion faux pas when you want to wear overalls but simply to match them with the rest of your outfit to give an authentic character.
2 - Which Fabric to Choose?
We must focus on a historical aspect. The classic nature of the dungarees, as an all- denim garment, often with front pockets, conveys a clear sentiment: you're there to get things done, without the need for bells and whistles. So if you're considering dungarees, going back to basics really is the best approach. Look at it from an Americana perspective, but without all that nostalgic, melancholic background. Be rather practical: a simple denim, in a solid color , ideally a blue color. By this we mean a bit loose fit , rather than a slim fit, and consider a pocket or two, purely for convenience. There are many fabrics that proudly adorn this overall, for example linen overalls are very light and comfortable, recycled cotton overalls which are part of eco-responsible approaches to limit the impact on the environment, velvet and its noble side goes perfectly with La Salopette, so many choices that adapt perfectly to the seasons and trends.
3 - What to Wear with Overalls?
So once you're in shape and have your clothes picked out right, you need to think about everything else, especially what you're wearing underneath. You have several options , you can assume the working side of La Salopette with a plain or plaid shirt and high shoes, or to pay homage to the TV shows of the 90s, a wool sweater with a neckline or a colorful sweater , can being a perfect variant for the fall, it could also be worn with a wide floral shirt like a business man and finally the t-shirts , the great classic. The dungarees being a garment of character, you must keep everything else discreet and neutral, which is why the t-shirt easily combines with the dungarees. So think of a plain white t-shirt, with a pattern. You also have to think about layering clothes like a hoodie or a bomber . For a workwear-inspired look, try it with a solid color quilted shirt or bomber.
Overalls, timeless, are an exceptional item of clothing just waiting to be worn.
