A Beginners Guide to Overalls: 7 Anyone Can (and Should) Try

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Overalls. It's a word that strikes both excitement and fear into our hearts. Fond memories of hazy summer days with a popsicle in our hands and dirt between our toes might spring to mind at first, fast forward a couple of decades and it's easy to become flustered with how to translate the childhood staple into an outfit that doesn't require pigtails. We've narrowed it down to three basic styles—the dressall, shortall and overall—giving you both a basic denim option and more adventurous one, then cooked up a couple of fool-proof suggestions on what to wear them with. Ahem: Overall, we think you'll be happy with our round-up below. —Cleo Zancope

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• Short and sweet, avoid wearing anything too "precious" with this dress. Otherwise your friends will be saying, "Osh Kosh B'gosh, what are you wearing?" instead of, "Oh my gosh, great outfit!" Denim Pinafore Dress in Vintage Wash, $54.30 at
• Inspired by Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, stick to the never-fail combo of black and white for a grown-up spin on overalls that'll carry you from day to night. Mini-Skirt Jumpsuit in Blac
• Perfect for beach-side livin': pair classic denim "shortalls" with swimwear, jelly sandals and a panama hat when your heading to the water, then swap in a crop top, gladiator sandals and beachy waves for running errands on your bike (adorable basket inclu
• These patterned shorties have some bold character, so keep it relaxed like the model above with a classic white tee and casually layered accessories. Railroad Printed Overall in Secret Garden ,$118 at
• Incredibly versatile, these full-length overalls boast tapered legs that leave your top and shoe options wide-open. Like fine wine and cheese pairings, try: a sheer silk button up with pointy toed pumps, a striped St.James tee with boat shoes, or a sporty
• A winner-winner-chicken-dinner for creating an effortless summer ensemble, we would like to live in these airy white overalls. Take an edgy approach with black accents, keep them fresh in an all white palette, or add in pops of color; whatever your mood,

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