I used to look at dungarees with undiluted scorn.
I was open to wearing them but only if a suitable occasion arose, and that occasion had VERY strict parameters. If I found myself running a painting and decorating business whilst eight months pregnant with triplets and a burning desire to wear my hair in pigtails and hop around like a schoolgirl, then dungarees would be the outfit of choice.
To date, this scenario has not yet presented itself and so I remain dungaree-free. But there are changes afoot. I can sense a shifting in the fashion winds and I am *whisper* starting to grudgingly find a place in my heart for the go-to outfit of Huckleberry Finn.
Rita Ora, SJP, Keira Knightley. (Images courtesy of PA/Rex/Xposure)Celebrities have long been fans of the dutiful double denim. Cressida Bonas won't take hers off (probably much to Harry's frustration) and Rihanna is oft photographed as she pays homage to Andy Pandy (the TV character, not me).
Where once I saw a childish and slovenly look, I know see a quirky, comfortable piece that is giving the two-fingers to the spanx-fuelled fussy fashion of the world. I'm not sure if I am regressing, digressing or if my taste in clothes has just become depressing.
But if you don't have the legs of Heidi Klum, is it possible to join the ranks of the dungaree devotees?
Helena Christensen, Alexa Chung, Fearne Cotton. (Images courtesy of Splash News, Rex Features, Getty)See, I am like one of those people who has had an epiphany at the hands of some radical preacher and so it is in a fit of convulsions and mouth-foaming that I am here today to tell y'all the good news - yes, open your heart to The Dungaree Deity.
The key is to wear them fitted - but for the love of everything holy, not tight - and to keep the whole look pared back and minimal. A dark wash is the shade of choice for what the fashion dahlings are calling the nu-dungaree, and the addition of a rip earns you bonus style points. Pair them with simple heels or wedge trainers, and pop a plain or breton tee underneath.
Advertised
And if the thought of this is sending you screaming to the river with a straw hat on your head and a homemade fishing line in the other, then maybe a kitschy pinafore dress in a deep wash is an easier option to wear.
The high street is teeming with options and with festival season around the corner, brace yourself for, eh, braces.
- Cute and Kitsch
Missguided Isabella Short Dungarees In Mint €25.99, Topshop Moto Clean Indigo Pini Dress €45, Bellfield Denim Dungaree Dress €54- Dungaree Shorts
River Island Yellow Lemon Print Dungarees €50, New Look Dungaree Shorts €35, River Island Black Denim Dungarees €35- Strictly for Grown Ups
French Connection Marilyn Printed Dungarees €105, Warehouse Denim Dungarees €85, Boohoo Boutique Alice Satin Strap Sequin Dungarees €30, See by Chloe Worker Dungarees in Fluid Twill €597Advertised
Fashions change, but so too do our attitudes to styles. When I first saw biker boots with girly dresses, I thought it was a mis-matched horror. But now I love fierce footwear with florals, and buckles with bouquets.
So what do you think of the nu-dungaree? Is it as horrible as it was first time around or are you starting to embrace the kitsch? And what fashions did you take some time to warm to, what pieces in your wardrobe went from scorn to worn? Share your growing loves in the comments!
