Sunday 30 May 2010

BUCKLE UP FOR DUNGAREES (April 10)

After years of being relegated to toddler and maternity wear, dungarees are back in high fashion. As a blend of almost every recent look – jumpsuits, utility, double-denim and Americana - dungarees distil the spring/summer catwalk trends into a single all-in-one item. Ralph Lauren sent baggy dungarees down the runway in washed-out dirty denim with worn scuffed hems, while Jean Paul Gaultier added luxurious voille and satin to his corsetted versions. They're not alone- Alexa Chung, who donned Ralph Lauren's Americana creation in March's Vogue accessorised with only a delicate cameo necklace, commented “My newfound appetite for all things dungaree is becoming a worry.” Other dungarees fans include Lily Allen and Demi Moore, who teamed theirs with tan heels and florals. Even Diana, Princess of Wales, once wore dungarees to a polo match at Windsor.


While you might not want yours to feature a conical bra a la Gaultier, there are plenty of trend-ticking dungarees on the high street. Oasis stock a pair almost identical to the Ralph Lauren version, while H&M's floral dungarees sold out in days. ASOS promises a flurry of new dungaree styles this month, including playsuit-style shorts dungarees. However, accessorise with caution. Team dungarees with anything mannish or oversized – checked shirts, chunky boots or leather – and you run the risk of looking more lumberjack than luxe. Try pairing dungarees with light floaty camisoles, and lace or sheer full-sleeved blouses. Contrast the utilitarian pockets and buckles of dungarees with vertiginous heels or statement jewellery. Or, as a perfect exam distraction, customise your own using strings of lace, ribbons or beads. Urban Outfitters stock cute budget sewing machines – try sewing delicate lace around hems or pockets for an understated new look, or go brighter with patches or ribbons for a more playful style. Either way, brace yourself for a summer of dungarees – make yours totally unique.


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