Grown Up Denim Dungarees

Style Theory: Dungarees are slowly (slowly) becoming an acceptable garment for a 'grown up' to wear and since I have worn my black H&M non stop I thought I would dive into it a little further with blue denim dungarees..

Denim dungarees can be tricky, they are slightly harder to wear than the black tailored version as they can veer towards the Huckleberry Finn look fairly easily. I wanted to style these Asos ones with a grown up twist to hopefully avoid the overgrown baby look, so I paired them with a denim shirt, my trusty navy Zara blazer and sandals. They are, I agree, a complete love them or hate them item, I kinda love them as they are so comfortable (I love having no waistband digging in to my stomach) and pretty versatile. They look just as good with trainers as with heels. The wide leg look ticks this season 70s trend but does need to be worn with heels so as to elongate my legs.

These are from Asos and have a rather large (really bad on me) rip across the thigh. In my opinion it is completely unneccassary and will be patched up when I have a second to no.1) read SusieSoSo's guide to patching up jeans (Sue is seriously amazing at tips and tricks and finding fab high street finds) and then secondly getting my needle and thread out and do it.

Shirt: H&M
Blazer: Zara
Bag: H&M
Sandals: H&M

These are a most definitely a "flash trend', they have been bubbling around for the last few years with the trend really coming to the fore this year but I do not see it having much longevity so I would buy non-expensive and wear lots now.

Here are my favourites from the high street now:

Moto Boyfriend Dungarees £48

A fairly baggy slouchy dungaree, would look fab with a tailored shirt and heels.

LA Redoute Boyfriend Dungarees £59

These are a really soft, comfortable, light denim with a little stretch. Perfect for summer holidays, wear with a vest top and sliders for a cool, laid back look.

Asos Denim Full Length Dungaree £45

The description of these state that they are 'full length' but they look ankle length to me. These will be a flattering dungaree as they are a neat fit with a slim leg.

Mango Denim Dungarees via Asos £54.99

The plain styling at the front of these dungarees will flatter, as with all clothing it is a matter of trying on different styles of dungarees to see which ones are cut right for your body shape.

Asos Denim Dungaree with thigh rip £45

These are my dungarees in the photos above, at 5ft2 these are the perfect length with heels for me (if a teeny bit long) They fit true to size and are super comfy, just need to patch up that rip!

Are you in the love them or hate them camp? Have you divulged in the dungaree trend as yet? I must admit I have tried on so many pairs to find a pair that fit me properly, some are too long on the body, too tight, too loose on the leg so if you are wanting some try, try and try again with different styles you will find your perfect pair!

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, I read everyone and really love hearing your opinions. Until next time Frances xx

Dungarees..yay or nay??

Style Theory: Dungarees are just for toddlers, no? Maybe a few years ago but now they can look chic and cool on grown ups too! They have transcended from babies through to maternity wear and are now being worn by celebrities and fashionistas alike.

They look cool on 20 somethings but I think people slightly older, or in my case a lot older, can wear them too. It is all about styling, keep to one colour like Olivia Palermo, they look fab with ballet pumps and a blouse. Think grown up, keep bags structured, jewellery delicate and throw on grown up coat or trench over the top.

This is my favourite dungaree look, Olivia Palermo styles her black Paige dungarees elegantly with sheer black top underneath and elegant pumps, the recipe for dungaree success.

These khaki dungarees look stunning styled with a white tee, white sandals and a pop of colour with a red bag.

Again, an elegant look with pointed pumps.

Alexa Chung styles her dungarees with classic pumps, white blouse and a Burberry mac.

Love the stripe, heels and red lipstick.

A casual look but again pointed elegant brogues in a vibrant red add a touch of  sophistication. 

Dungarees look great with a sheer white blouse underneath, pull the look together with matching heels.

All white a brave take on the dungaree look.

A delicate T-shirt under a pair of distressed dungarees  adds an elegant touch.

Last year dungarees were worn with trainers and T-Shirt (see the picture of how I styled them last year below) but to bring them up to the 2014 look why not give these styling tips a go:

Wear with a sheer/silk blouse underneath

Or a delicate T-Shirt with subtle embellishment

If wearing black or grey dungarees wear a black or grey top underneath it makes the outfit look more 'put together'

Wear with smart ballet pumps (pointed metallic pumps look great) or with heels or sandals.

Keep jewellery subtle, layers of fine gold jewellery looks fabulous.

Add a structured bag, slouchy bags make the whole outfit look too sloppy.

Add a pop of colour to your neutral outfit with a bright primary coloured bag, red looks great. 

Wear a smart 3/4 length or full length coat or mac over them.

With this in mind here are the best dungarees on the high street:

Paige Dungarees £165

Zara Racerback Jumpsuit £39.99

These are a safe way to wear the dungaree look, would look lovely worn with a sheer long sleeved black top underneath and a pair of flat pointy pumps.

Try with a top like this:

Mango Stripe Texture T £14.99 (also comes in white to wear with denim/grey dungarees)

These shoes:

Russell and Bromley ToThe Point Shoe £125

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Bag £125

ASOS Dungarees in relaxed fit £38

New Look Dungarees £26.99

I would style these denim dungarees below with an white embellished T-shirt or cream silk blouse and heels.

Topshop Denim Dungarees £38

Mango Dungarees £59.99

Miss Selfridge Dungarees £49

What do you think of dungarees? I know they are a complete 'marmite' item but I am a fan.

Here is how I have worn mine, first how I styled them last year with sneakers, vest top and denim jacket..and them how I now think they look better with smarter shoes, a coat and a lace, pretty top.

Last Year styling of the dungarees with the kids!

Coat: M&S
Dungarees: ASOS
Lace Top: H&M
Shoes: M&S 

As above.

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, have you already got dungarees, how do you style them?

Until next time, Frances x