Overalls Are All Over the Runways

By Kendra Gilbert on November 17th, 2009

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The fashion industry is never one to turn down a revival. The latest example of the industry’s fascination with what’s come before: Overalls.Yes, the rugged uniform of the working class that experienced a fashionable revival in the nineties with a trendy “shortalls” update, are now back with a vengeance. And in a variety of forms too.

The least surprising, and most literal, reincarnation of the overalls can be found at Ralph Lauren. The designer sent a slew of models-as-country-bumpkins down the runway, showcasing the designer’s spring collection. The pastel pallet, combined with the the rough edge of the denim overalls, created a lovely aesthetic. Then, Ralph turned it up a notch with a pair of silver, wide-legged “glamouralls,” which, suffice it to say, are just about guaranteed to never be worn out, by any woman I’d associate with at least. I’m sorry. Some things just cannot be paired, and black-tie and overalls are one of them.

Other designers have managed to find a better balance in their attempts at redesigning a classic. One of my favorites is Rachel Comey’s rust red ankle-length overalls. Unlike other incarnations, Comey’s design needs nothing under or over it. So, when wearing them you don’t have to worry about looking like a dorky kid in denim overalls and a white t-shirt. This version definitely has a good chance of making it out and onto the streets. And, perhaps, onto the Sartorialist blog.

But, with that said, I think this overalls revival will be another flash in the pan. I just don’t think most woman can, or want to, pull them off in a chic way that can exist outside of the playground.