Yes You Can! Overalls.

Yes You Can!

Overalls

From the fashion runways to the closets of celebrities, overalls have made a major (and unprecedented) comeback.  Back in the day, I used to love a good overall- I’d rock it with a sunflower-print tee, some keds, and a giant, floppy hat (also accented with an oversized sunflower pin).  I was 9 and my inspiration was the awkwardly amazing, 90s TV pre-teen icon Blossom.  Oddly enough, overalls have come back into vogue at the same time actress Mayim Bialik (who played Blossom) is reviving her career (btw, thank you a million times over Big Bang Theory).  Is it irony or an overall manufacturers’ conspiracy?  Either way, I am happy.

So onto the reason for writing this post: there is a special challenge for moms in rocking an overall.  It is one of those tricky trends- it can be hard to find the balance between looking young and fresh and looking well…so young that you might have just freshly pooped your pants.  Let’s face it: any trend where we can actually match our children should set off some sort of alarm in our heads.  If it didn’t, we would all still be wearing onesies emblazoned with “Mommy’s Cutie” or “Daddy’s Princess” (and not even adult Blossom could pull that off).

The trick to overalls is keeping the look edited and the pieces sophisticated.  Read on for my tips.

Just leave the floppy hat back in the 90s.

How to Work an Overall

 

It’s all about the color.  Keep it sleek with black denim overalls.  Why black?  Because choosing a denim wash can be tricky.  Too light or bleached reads “high school.”  Too classic and you run the risk of looking like an overgrown toddler.  Black, on the other hand, is sophisticated.  Black says, “This is not my first time at the overall rodeo.  I have lived through the 90s and come out a sophisticated, overall-wearing adult.  I have my period now and everything.”

Pair overalls with a simple tee.  A fitted tee in a solid or stripe is all you need with a statement piece like overalls.  It’s all about editing down and keeping it simple.  It’s also what makes this look so easy to pull off…everyone has a basic tee.  Bonus: even if your tee is covered with a couple of random stains- maybe a little baby poop, spit up, miscellaneous food stains from toddler snacks- the overalls cover it right up!

Add a blazer.  Trust me, it sounds counterintuitive, but a fitted blazer adds a bit of polish to the look.  This is the power of a great blazer- even overalls suddenly become chic!  Bonus points if you can cuff the blazer sleeves to show off a fun lining.

Choose ballet flats.  I love a ballet flat with overalls.  There is something about a feminine shoe that perfectly balances the baggy, boyish silhouette of the overall.  They add a classic touch to the trend.

Keep the bag simple and structured.  Again, it’s all about the edit. Choose a simple satchel, but don’t be afraid to choose a size that fits your needs.  This look pairs well with even a very large bag.

Layer on a scarf.  A scarf easily injects color and pattern into the outfit.  This is where you bring in some fun!  Anything goes, just choose a print that makes you smile.  Even if it’s sunflowers (side note: if Blossom had negotiated royalties on all things sunflower print back in the day, she would never have had to work again).

Finally, add a touch of sparkle.  A playful pair of stud earrings adds a fun touch.