There’s everyday workwear—like a flea-market chore jacket or off-season lug-sole boots—and then there’s real workwear. A timeless favorite in that category? Overalls.

The bib-style overalls we know today originated in the 1800s, far from their current fashion moment. Originally made from durable denim or heavy canvas for practicality, they were strictly workwear—and almost always worn by men.

Fast forward to today, and overalls have become a go-to for both weekend farmers’ market trips and fashion week crowds. Soon, we’ll likely see them on-screen too. Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in paint-splattered overalls on the And Just Like That set, while Katie Holmes wore an oversized vintage pair for her upcoming film Happy Hours. It seems wearing overalls without actually working in them opens up endless styling possibilities.

The beauty of overalls? They’re for everyone. “Few pieces can be worn from childhood to adulthood, embraced by farmers, painters, or Alexa Chung fans alike,” says content creator and overalls enthusiast Christina Grasso.

### Finding the Right Fit
Start with zero-stretch fabric. “I prefer utilitarian, classic styles—no weird proportions or missing pockets,” says Grasso. Art historian Ruby Redstone agrees, insisting on sturdy denim or canvas for a crisp look all day. If denim isn’t your thing, structured alternatives like suede or corduroy work too.

### Choosing the Right Silhouette
For shape, art historian Sarah Isenberg recommends vintage pairs with attention to waist and leg fit. A loose, straight leg is key, and the bib should span nipple to nipple—anything narrower risks looking cheap. When unsure, Redstone suggests sizing up for layering room.

### Hardware Matters
Details like rivets elevate overalls from childish to chic. “My favorite pair has subtle white hardware—it instantly feels cooler,” says Redstone. Gold accents or flat rivets add polish.

### How to Style Them
With the right approach, overalls shift from workwear to fashion staple. Three tips:
1. Pair with something unexpected—like a lace blouse or suede trench.
2. Stick to heavy fabrics for structure.
3. Embrace contrast—mixing feminine and utilitarian elements.

Redstone swears by overalls as a foolproof base: “White overalls, a lace blouse, and black Mary Janes—it’s tomboyish yet feminine, dressy but practical, and monochrome keeps it from looking odd.”Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text:

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I’ve even worn overalls to a job interview—though I kept the look subdued. A pair of canvas overalls was styled with a ruffled blouse, flip-flops, and a woven metallic bag.

Go for contrast
The key to great styling is playing with opposites. Isenberg loves adding a feminine touch: “My favorite way to wear overalls is to balance their masculine vibe with delicate pieces—like pairing them with a ruffled blouse and Mary Janes for contrast.”

Double up on denim
There’s something effortlessly cool about leaning into the workwear aesthetic by pairing overalls with more denim—whether in the same shade or a completely different wash.

Embrace layers
Simple styling works perfectly—overalls pair well with classic turtlenecks, jackets, button-downs, and trench coats. Grasso, for example, loves wearing hers with a white T-shirt, a long black coat, black loafers, and a worn-in Hermès Kelly bag.

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