Overalls Over All

What comes to mind when you think of overalls?  For me the simple answer is it's complicated.  I like overalls, but they don't always like me and they're just as often out of style as they are in.  It seems like once every decade or decade and a half some form of overalls comes around again to generally mixed reviews. 

To be truthful, the last time I wore overalls was during my first pregnancy.  A friend loaned me hers.  She'd worn them during her first pregnancy and promised that they would offer supreme comfort and cute style.  Plus, they weren't officially maternity wear and the idea of wearing regular clothes was a comfort somehow.  True to her promise they did deliver on comfort, but looking back on pregnancy pics, they fell horribly short on style.  I looked enormous and schlumpy.  I don't know if I blame the overalls or me. 

Before that, I was a teen in high school when I wore overalls.  It was freshman year,  and they wound up being so short—I had a growth spurt mid-year—that by the end of the year I was pulled aside, made to do a length test and then told if I wore them again I'd be sent home.

This year, I saw some while out shopping with my daughters and asked if they'd like to try some.  The responses varied from a shrug to a wrinkled nose and a swift head shake in the resoundingly negative.  As for myself I wasn't tempted at all.

Some months later, I was browsing Shein, not specifically searching for anything, definitely not looking for overalls, when I saw this cute black/ivory gingham number and decided it was too cute to pass up.  

I wasn't sure if they would fit if I bought them in my usual size.  Sometimes they can run so tight in the hips and thighs that I have to size way up or give up entirely.  Not one to let old overall experiences and prejudices stand in the way of present style, I purchased them in my correct size, crossed my fingers, and hoped they fit.

Once they arrived, I let them sit on the dresser for a week before I worked up the courage to try them on.  Not being able to wiggle into them would have been a blow to my self-esteem.  Even though I'm pretty secure in my shape when things don't fit we have a tendency to blame ourselves first and the clothes second when it should be the other way around.

I stood in front of the mirror, held my breath, and tried them on.  They fit!  Not only did they fit, they fit really well and still felt comfortable.  Not too tight and not swimming-in-them loose.

My absolute favorite way to style black gingham is with bright mustard yellow.  So, for today's post, I used the same color palette and styled it two ways.  The first is with a black mock turtle-neck and yellow cardi.  I didn't really care for this cardi.  It was too baggy and really gave off a schlumpy vibe, so I ditched it for the rest of the pics. 

The second style is with a form fitting yellow sweater underneath and I like this style the best.  I've worn it this way several times and always feel stylish and comfortable.

If you're thinking of giving overalls a try, I'm always on board for (slowly and cautiously) trying new things.  Do a little research, find a stand-out style you like and give it a try.  But, remember, don't blame your body if it isn't a perfect fit.  Blame the style and get back out there and try again.

Shopping Info: Turtle neck and overalls from Shein, sweater from J Crew, flats from Charlotte Russe.