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:
So part of that equation of suit your body, would have to be the relative sizing of your chest to waist areas! Because of this---I need to pass on this item. But when I gain that extra 10 pounds around my middle that everyone keeps talking about---they could be a great option.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons (IMO) that this looks so great in your example is the fabulous shoes you're wearing with them!! It takes them from the farm to the city (and lord knows, I'm a city girl)!
You are quite the rebel Samantha---I think you post about these items, just to prove you can wear them----and I say, good for you!! jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, usually I am in agreement with you, but today....I have to disagree with you on the 10lbs issue. I think your curves would look incredible inside a loose pair of dungarees. Clothes can't hide outr true shape and the 'space' around your middle would be super-flattering and super-feminine, especially with a pair of your signature sexy shoes. That extra 10lbs would ruin the look. You Could rock them, no problem! XXX
DeleteP.S...I think you are spot-on with your comment about me being a bit of a rebel. ;oD
Well....it's only because I love you to pieces Samantha, that maybe I'll try a pair on next time I see them at the thrift store....deal?
DeleteYes! :oD
DeleteI think you rock them, and own them, and inspire the rest of us to try them. Why ever not? Thanks for sharing your look with Visible Monday! xo
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Wow, Patti. Thank you so much! XXX
DeleteI think you look absolutely gorgeous in those so for you very much YES
ReplyDeleteand for my small flatchested friend YES (she was wearing them beautifuly for photoshoot with me for her band's page)
for me?
bit fat NOPE
I'm size 16 and G cup, I look absolutely AWFUL so yes, if right for your shape wear them at any age!
if not? better donate to charity ;)
Alia
Fair enough Alia! If you don't feel great in them, then certainly donate. I am glad to hear that they work on your friend and thank you for your comment. XXX
DeleteP.S....I am sure that with the right pair you could look just a good as your friend....if not better, with your fabulous, sexy curves!
What timing! I just tried on a pair last week. I liked them, but I couldn't convince myself I'd like them enough to get enough wear out of them.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Jodi and Alia. The chestier you are, the harder these are to pull off.
I love the whole look on you.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Suzanne, I am convinced that you (of all people) would ACE the dungaree look....I mean totally smash it! Just sayin' :oP
Deletelovely and cute outfit, I like particularly that 'gamine' style with a cool twist!, and I think you rock your shoes, they're perfect to add a modern and elegant detail!, love your accessorizing!
ReplyDeleteI like dungarees, but haven't worn them from my teens, as I think they don't suit my full figure. But you're encouraging me to try them once more!
besos
Thank you Monica! You should definitely have a look for your "perfect" pair....I am sure they are out there somewhere. XXX
DeleteSamantha thank you for the lovely shout out!! As you well know I'm a dungarees fan - and strangely I like them because I am busty (F cup) and yet somehow they make me look much more flat chested which I like. So it goes against what I hear other busty girls saying about dungarees... Don't know why I'm different that way?!!
ReplyDeleteLoving your new hair btw, it looks so pretty. The colour of your top suits it beautifully and I love the colour under your dark dungarees - I have a classic blue denim pair and a grey pair and wear them loads except for during the winter. With all the other layers on top (and usually a sweater too) I can't handle the hassle of completely undressing when I go to the loo!! That's their only drawback for me, haha ;)
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
hahaha...yes, very true! The less "faffing" the better.
DeleteI have to agree with your fuller bust rally suiting the dungaree look.
As I said to Jodie (above), I think it is the empty-space that makes them look so good on you!
Boobs fill the top, hips fill the bottom and that sexy-space in-between skims the body and suggests femininity and curves...all of these things are good!
Dungarees are my new favorite item!
They go with everything....and almost any shoe!
XXX
Oh my God, you have your very own perfect dungarees! I still haven't found mine yet - I don't know why, they all fit me in the wrong places!
ReplyDeleteThat GORGEOUS bag and those stacked bangles are the perfect pairings to your outfit.
And those shoes! I have a really similar pair, I feel like we're kindred spirits or something right now. <3
xo,
Liyana | Affordorable
Liyana...I am surprised that you have not found your perfect pair. I would LOVE to see your take on them! Get a pair ASAP (please)....more dungaree inspiration from you is guaranteed to be a good thing. XXX
DeleteI just bought a pair! I was eyeing up a black pair like your's last year, but the other day one of my favorite stores had a great blue denim pair that are fitted in the waist and have a wide flared leg. I need to hem them, but I can't wait to wear them and play around with all the different tops and accessories. I think they can be very sexy if done right.
ReplyDeleteThey sound fab, Tori! Fitted at the waist and flared at the leg, I love that shape too. I agree that they can be very sexy....something left to the imagination always is, I think. Thank you for your comment. XXX
DeleteIt's interesting what some of the well endowed ladies say about not suiting dungarees and I'm one of them. I think alot of it is to do with torso length. I'm short waited and booby and I feel like a blob in dungarees especially if the panel part is on the smaller size as I feel like I'm spilling out of the sides!!!
ReplyDeleteHowever, you on the other hand, are rockin' this look. I particularly like the tan peep toes with the black.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I love reading your different dungaree experience..Spilling out the sides? I chuckled at that...awkward :oD. I think you are right about the waist length playing a part too. My waist is short but my boobs are on the small side and are in no danger of escaping (even if I wanted them to). Maybe if the boobies are bigger the waist needs to be longer..??? There must be a perfect 'dungaree formula' out there for all shapes and sizes. Maybe the maths boffins could do some calculations for us? :oD
DeleteThere's no doubt about it Samantha you're rockin' these dungarees. With your cute haircut and equally cute shoes this look is a winner from top to bottom. I had some of these when I first got married and lived in them most of the time as they were so comfortable. Will have to keep an eye out next time I hit the shops x
ReplyDeleteAnna
Anna's Island Style
You would look great in them, Anna! I would love to see what you came up with. XXX
DeleteYou are truly rocking this dungaree, Samantha ! You look adorable and have the perfect body type to wear it at its best. Many kisses PS You are not five and wearing dungarees, in my latest post I am not five either and wearing pink tulle, LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies - fashion & beauty blog
I saw that Vale! Gorgeous...and definitely a grown-up. XXX
DeleteYou look fantastic in your overalls and pink sweater - great color on you. I bought my first overalls in my 40s, so I fully agree with you - why can't we wear them and own them? We sure can. I have a full figure, and I still think they look awesome, so to your readers - just try them on if you're in doubt. Thanks for useful tips too!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you left this comment Natalia. Fuller figures can look gorgeous in dungarees! I am pleased to hear that you love them too. X
DeleteYou look tres chic in overalls, Samantha! Those shoes are perfect too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you vey much, Dawn! XXX
DeleteYou look amazing, I know they wouldn't suit me though
ReplyDeleteThank you! Maybe if you found the "right" pair? XXX
DeleteI love dungarees and I would LOVE to own a pair but every time I've tried them on in recent years, I just think I've looked so awkward and wrong. I'm not giving up though, I am determined to find a pair to suit me! You look stunning in yours :)
ReplyDeleteSuzy x
www.suzyturner.com
Thank you Suzy. Don't give up on your search! Keep trying them on, when you find them, there are some great styles out there. There will be one for you! XXX
DeleteDefinitely yes on you. You look pretty perfect in them. Love it with this sweater.
ReplyDeleteAlas they don't suit me, never have either. With no bum or hips, dungarees and jumpsuits are dangerous items for me. But you have to curves to carry them of.
Greetje
Thank you Greetje. Although, I am sure there is a style out there (in the vast ocean of jumpsuits and dungarees) that you would look amazing in. Keep pushing those boundaries :oD. XXX
DeleteI bought a pair of dungarees. My 19 yr old daughter and husband are making fun of me saying I need to be down on the farm...mmmnnn...the tags are still on and I'm contemplating their return. I don't want to be mutton as lamb!!! Helpppp! Lol
ReplyDelete