Picture the scene. The weekend has finally arrived, and after a week of early starts and dressing for work, all you want to pull on is the easiest outfit your wardrobe can supply, so chances are you reach for your favourite pair of jeans. Whether you move with the trends and favour a high-waisted straight leg or have stayed loyal to the super-slim skinny, it’s understandable if you’re a little bit fatigued with the year-round staple. After all, they are on call for every occasion.
Whatever the fashion dilemma, denim is a reliable go-to, but as summer has come around and autumn is on the horizon, you might be looking for a way to refresh your humble jeans. So what if I were to tell you that one of the most popular denim styles of the ’90s—dungarees—is making a strong comeback? They never really went away, but there’s a new wave of dungarees that are influencer, editor and A-list approved.
When Who What Wear’s affiliate editor, Emily Dawes, came into the office in Mango’s Striped Dungarees, I immediately thought of outfits I’d started to see popping up on some of the chicest women on Instagram, and so my interest was piqued. Notably, Jennifer Lopez is also on the list of certified dungaree fans, as not only has she been spotted out in the denim style on at least four occasions (as well as in this pair of tailored Brunello Cuccinelli overalls), but she was also pictured out in L.A. a couple of months ago in a simple two-piece outfit consisting of a white T-shirt and black overalls—a good reminder that this easy, zero-effort uniform is perfect for busy days when you’re in a rush.
Style Notes: Deborah shows how a wide-legged, cropped pair can be dressed up with heels and a tailored shirt.
Style Notes: Proving that there isn’t an outfit that can’t be built from a plain white T-shirt, Dina’s low-key weekend look is casual cool.
Style Notes: Pernille’s dungarees of choice are also a pinstriped pair worn with a baggy tee and chunky sandals. Do we spy a new Scandi-girl uniform?
Style Notes: Just when we thought we’d seen all the ways to wear a blazer, Hannah’s made her overalls business-casual with a boxy black jacket.
Inspired by how easily this effortless, on-the-go outfit will work in any wardrobe, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best dungarees to buy now and save you time outfit planning later.
Not only are these dungarees loved by Who What Wear editor Emily Dawes, but the pinstripe print is an influencer pick too.
It may be pricey, but Rag & Bone denim is worth the investment. No matter how many times you wear these, the colour and shape won’t be compromised.
The strap and waist detailing give these white dungarees a little extra edge.
Size up for an ultra-slouchy fit.
The barrel leg deserves a spot on your radar, the high-rise waist, loose-fit legs and ankle-grazing crop make them a fashion-editor favourite.
Swap traditional indigo denim for a dark-cocoa wash that is just as versatile but has a little more of a rock-and-roll edge.
There’s little that The Frankie Shop doesn’t get right, and these flared overalls are no exception.
A classic, everyday, blue dungaree in flexible denim for comfortable wear.
Toast has nailed the cottagecore look with premium polish, so all you need to achieve the look is a Peter Pan collared shirt and Birkenstock clogs.
Ankle-length styles are perfect for wearing with heels that deserve to be seen.
Calling all tall people! These long dungarees are for you to comfortably wear with flats without them turning into a three-quarter length leg.
There’s something about black denim that looks automatically expensive.
MC Overalls specialises in, well, overalls. Expect heavy-duty, long-wearing dungarees, boilersuits and jackets from this unisex brand.
A jumpsuit-meets-overalls hybrid for dressier occasions. Just add a silk shirt and platform heels.
Paige knows how to make the most of denim, and this white pair comes in a stretch fabric for the perfect fit.
Clever, Victoria Beckham. These are specifically designed to allow the top to be rolled down to wear as jeans too.
I have it on good authority from a fellow fashion editor that Good American denim is some of the best and most comfortable they have ever worn, which is no easy feat.
Bored of classic denim? Try a subtly printed pair with a slim-leg cut.
It’s impossible not to feel slightly happier just by looking at these. You’ll have to act fast, though. These vintage dungarees are one of a kind, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.
