All in ones and how to wear
Boilersuits & Dungarees. Do you love them or hate them? I know a few people that hate them and would never wear them for fear of looking like a character from a children’s TV show. But there’s no greater feeling than being able to throw on one item and you’re done! The question is… do you go oversized for ease of movement and the knowledge that you can crawl around like a baby or climb on the local climbing frame without showing your knickers? Or do you go tight and sexy with the added worry of getting that dreaded wedgie? Hmm decisions decisions!
One thing’s for sure though, they’re here to stay and you just have to scroll down to see the vast amount of all-in-ones that are around right now to know that they’re a trend that won’t go away! So if you can bear having to get half naked on the toilet run, then this blog is for you.
Many of you worry about wearing the right style for you’re body shape and if you have a long body, sometimes it’s a bit of a gamble finding one that isn’t going to dig in in all the wrong places (ouch!) But I promise there’s a jumpsuit/boilersuit/pair of dungarees for everyones - it’s just a case of finding them.
Long Body
I’ve tried on a lot of duds to know that it is a bit of trial and error unfortunately. I wish brands would give the measurement of the body length so that buying online would be easier. There has definitely been more than one occasion when they have had to go back as they wouldn’t fit my long body, but I have found some really good ones. Sezane and The Frankie Shop being my favourites. With dungarees, most have adjustable straps that help give extra space for a longer body. But make sure that the bib isn’t too low as you don’t want to solve one problem by creating another. Taller ranges will give extra room in the body and if you have short legs, you can always cut off the bottoms or take them to a tailor. Look for styles that have a dropped crotch of blouson styles that give a bit of extra room.
Petite
My tip would always be to shop from petite ranges as these will be tailored to your frame. If you are looking for a boiler suit, sometimes the arms can be too long if you buy from a regular range, so unless you want an oversized look and don’t mind rolling up the sleeves, the petite sections are ideal. There’s a lot of cropped styles around at the moment that work for a petite frame and the little short romper suits are perfect for shorter ladies. Look for styles that have a higher waist as this will elongate the legs and also a clean unbroken line also works as this will streamline your frame. For footwear, opt for heeled boots with a pointed toe, heels in a similar skin colour or simple slimline trainers.
Tummy area
The tummy area is a pain in the well… tummy isn’t it. I don’t know about you, but fluctuating hormones have got me feeling bloated all of the time, and added to this the fact that lockdown has resulted in me eating all the pies… i’m definitely feeling conscious of this area. I’m not one for saying we need to disguise a bigger tummy, but I know that I feel self conscious about it, so if you’re the same then read on. If i’m wearing fitted dungarees I try to opt for a rigid denim or ones with a small amount of stretch so they give me a bit of support. I like to wear smoothing pants too to help give me a smoother line (I don’t like to wear suck me in control pants as they’re too uncomfortable) For boilersuits or jumpsuits that are a softer material, try an oversize style that skim rather than clings. Materials such as linen and cotton are good for this and also are great for regulating the temperature when we overheat too (the hot flushes are real!) The best tip I can give for disguising the tummy area is to look for styles with a belt - I have four jumpsuits all with belts and they not only help to disguise but also they allow me to adjust to create a really cinched in waist or a bit more of a blouson effect. Another tip is to go for a jumpsuit with an empire line or a seam just under the bust and loose/wide trousers. This will allow the eye to be drawn up away from the waist and the material will just skim over the waist. Opt for busy patterns too as this can help disguise the area. Ruffles, details around the neckline and shoulders also help to draw the eye up away from this area. You can always add interesting jewellery too to make your neckline more of a feature.
Big Boobs
For all you big busted women out there, All-in-ones can be your friends. Even pretty strappy ones. I promise! In fact I have seen lots of gorgeous women with beautiful voluptuous figures rocking a pair of dungarees. Firstly invest in some really good bras to give your bust shape and lift. If you want to wear a strappy jumpsuit without a top underneath, a really nice simple sports bra with a cross back will give you the support you need, but can look really lovely under a jumpsuit. Also, look for jumpsuits with slightly wider straps that will cover a wider bra strap. Opt for a style with a narrower bib as this will make your bust area appear smaller. Get a really good quality fitted t-shirt and/or vest to wear underneath your dungarees, this will give a streamlined look. Lots of boilersuits and jumpsuits have button up tops or zips, Un-do them a bit to create a V-neck which will give you a flattering shape. Stay away from really oversized Andy/Pandy style jumpsuits and instead go for ones with a fitted waist or a belt to allow you to create a cinched in waist. Wrap style jumpsuits are also super flattering for a larger bust.
Footwear
So many options with footwear and really anything goes, but I always try to go for something a bit more feminine on my feet to counteract the manly style of the jumpsuit. I love jumpsuits and boilersuits with heels as it makes the look less mechanic and more catwalk! The ankles are so sexy, so rolling up the hem of the jumpsuit and adding a heel really looks good. Add an injection of colour with a colourful heeled sandal or a bright handbag and you’ve got a really special outfit.
For boots again, I love a heel, even if it’s just a low one. Chunky boots are great, but there is a fine line between a really good outfit and working down the mines! So a low heeled cowboy boots or pointed toe heeled boot will always be my choice of boot. If you do go for a chunky boot, wear a pair of slim leg dungarees to counter balance the look.
As we come into summer, flat sandals will be the footwear of choice and again, simple sandals work really well with a boiler suit or dungarees. Clogs are the shoes of the season, and these can be a great choice as can strappy sandals espadrilles and flip-flops.
For trainers, opt for the classics like Converse and Veja or go for something simple like a classic white leather trainer or simple pumps like these Muji ones below. Again roll up the trousers to show a bit of ankle. You could always add a pretty pair of socks or even a delicate ankle chain for a feminine finishing touch.
Other tips
When on the hunt for dungarees look for ones that are the same style as your favourite jeans - so slim leg/ skinny/ straight leg and also buy from jeans brands that you know fit you well. These will more likely fit you and suit your shape.
Team your dungarees with a classic Breton and simple ballerinas/block heel shoes for a classic grown up look.
If the all-in-one is quite boyish/oversized in style, wear with feminine accessories to counter balance the look.
For pear shaped/big hip ladies - try a style with a flared leg to balance out the hips.
Try wearing your dungarees with a blazer and trainers for a modern take on the look.
Team with a simple tee or vest for easy ‘Meryl Streep from Mama Mia’ vibes
Wear a pretty lace or frill blouse under a pair of dungarees to add a feminine touch.
If your all-in-one has a belt, consider swapping it out for a wide leather wrap one or an embellished one for a killer evening out look.
The best of the rest
I have scoured the internet for the best dungarees, jumpsuits and boilersuits that money can buy and collated them all in one place for you below. There’s so many amazing styles out there and I promise there’s one to suit everyone. Have a look below to see if any take your fancy!
*All items are linked and some are affiliate links which means I make a small commission on the sale (this doesn’t make any difference to the price you pay)
