You’ll no doubt have noticed that overalls (or dungarees) have been popping up everywhere recently, I’ve had my eye on these for some time. But being a trend that was super popular in the early nineties (and therefore a dime a dozen in thrift stores), I knew that the humble overalls were perfect fodder for my before and after obsessed, scissors wielding hands, and all I have to do was get my mitts on an old pair. I looked high and low for just the right candidate, most I found were of the super tight variety and therefore not alluding to the relaxed, grunge vibe I was going for. I finally found a pair in a secondhand store, and if I had to imagine the person who owned them before me it would go something like nursery school teacher that moonlights as a janitor or factory worker with a penchant for weekend diamond mining. Anyhoo, what I was looking for was denim, and a slouchy waist and I got both so I can’t complain.
Wearing: DIY Overalls, Lillibon swimsuit (as a bodysuit), a pair & a spare for Tony Bianco heels, Brahmin Bag, $5 aviators from Glastonbury, Coach Watch.
You can see the offending overalls above, not something you would wear out on date night right? For this project practically all I used was a pair of scissors which made it a pretty straightforward cut and wear project. The black denim was perfect for cutting and then not hemming – the lazy of you can rejoice!
Supplies:
- thrift store overalls
- scissors
- quick unpick aka seam ripper
How I did it:
1. To start with I looked at the length of the legs, a fail safe way to modernise any crappy piece of clothing is to change the length (amirite?).
2. I cut the legs in what I think is the most flattering hem hem shape around – with a slight rise to the outside.
3. I then used a seam ripper to remove the pocket on the front, ridding the overalls of the sesame street vibe they were giving out.
4. I decided to modernise it a bit by taking off the buckles. They didn’t look that good and whoever owned it before me had made a mess of threading them anyway so best removed I think.
5. To replace the buckles I cut two small slits in the straps to create button holes for the buttons at the front. To finish I gave the overalls a good wash in the machine so the hem frayed for a more rough and casual look. You could of course hem the edges if you wanted to.
Volia!
Outfit photos by Lauren Engel
WOw… that’s some pretty cool DIY
what a huge difference you made! totally in love with this one: )
xoxo, Jules
ā„Come Visit My Blogā„
I love this idea. I have not been into the overalls coming back but I love how you transformed these overalls. Great post and love your blog!
-The Fashionista Tourist
the result is amazing, as usual!
You’re such a creative person ! xx
http://blondebutterflies.blogspot.be/
Aww you’re too sweet. In all honesty this was very easy. š
So cool! When you wear it, it kind of looks like a dress!
http://www.whatsashawears.com
This is probably the first time, when I see really nice overalls!
Good job! š
You make me excited to go thrift shopping again!! š You are so talented!
p.s i recently started out a blog and would be absolutely thrilled if you could just take a look and give me some sort of feedback? š
Have a lovely day!
http://www.thecapriciousnature.blogspot.ca
Great DIY! I have to try this!
SHE WALKS Blog
Wo-how! You did an amazing job in transforming these oldies. They look amazing!
Thanks!
very cute little diy
Lauren
livinginaboxx
bloglovin
This is so cool! Like them a lot.. I really like overalls.
XO CHAMAFASHION
http://www.chamafashion.com/
What a cute outfit, and great job modernizing a vintage pair. I don’t know if I can get on board with the overall trend, too many flashbacks to bad junior high fashion, but you’re making me second guess guess myself.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
Hahaha I’m very glad to hear that. š
So cute, love this project and look!
Amber
FACE IT Catalog
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This looks so awesome! The shorts have just the right length š It’s also nice to see a black overall instead of the popular denim one.
http://love-your-ego.blogspot.de
Those are darling. I spotted a pair of vintage short overalls in a thrift store the other day and it crossed my mind to try to alter them into something cute, but I’m not quite ready to bring back overalls in my life yet. I had a fun idea of using old vintage buttons (round jewel colored ones) or something.
Those are so cute!
That sounds like the coolest idea, have to remember that for next time.
These look absolutely great on you. Whever I do DIY clothing I always make sure its not too complicated but these steps seem easy enough to follow! Thanks for sharing š
http://abigailalicex.blogspot.com
Hahaha yep, these are pretty much cut a then wear!
WOW! Such a big change! I love it xx
Justine | BRIGHTON DREAM
AMAZING!!!! I love the result!!
xx
ABI
You did an amazing job, love it! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
Thanks so much, glad you like.
I just haven’t been a big fan of the overalls trend. I never really liked them when they were “in” in the 90’s. That being said, I can appreciate the look on others, including you. You did a great job remaking these into something you would wear, and the simple styling is awesome š
Thanks so much, doing a before & after is a great way to experiment with a trend without blowing the bank š
Love it! Such a simple tutorial but I love all your handy hints such as how to cut the legs to a flattering shape!
http://cequisuit.blogspot.com
They turned out great, fantastic job?
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks!
I haven’t been loving the overall look, until I saw your take on it! I like the short hem line and pairing it with a singlet gives it more of a playsuit than handy man feel. Great post!
Tina
http://www.trashtotreasured.blogspot.com.au
I was a bit up in the air about the return of this trend, but they are so incredibly comfortable to wear so I’m hooked now. x
Hi hi!
I have loved your blog for forever. I have a request: could you do a diy on this top (http://stylescrapbook.com/2013/06/rain-city.html) I love it to bits and would be very excited to see your interpretation. I do hope you consider!
Much love from a trusty Montreal follower
Z
Thanks Zoe, will put it on my list! š
Love this idea!
Corporate Catwalk
Facebook Page
Great project!!!!
Thank you so much, glad you like it.x
It’s such a cool DIY.
Thank you!
I seriously love everything about this outfit.
and totally obsessed with the heels.
Emma
http://emmacristy.blogspot.com
Thanks! I try to wear the heels I designed for Tony Bianco as much as possible š
Great, I like it even better short! It looks amazing on you! =)
http://davrilpoisson.blogspot.com/
Thanks, I think it was a bit dowdy long so the short works well. x
Looks so damn amazing on you.
denimandglory.wordpress.com
Hahaha oh thanks! It’s super comfy which is a bonus.
ahh these are so cute! i once bought a pair of black overalls online but they didn’t fit when they came and i couldn’t ship them back overseas which was such a shame ): i love how you’ve redone these though (:
xx
Natalie | Salt & Sail
Thats such a bummer, perhaps hit your local thrift store?
Wow! The finished look is amazing, completely overhauled with what looks like not too much effort. Now to find the perfect pair to transform!
Harriet
sperorose.blogspot.co.uk
It was such a cinch to do, def try it if you find some thrifted overalls.
It looks so great now!!! I love it š
http://voguesweetvogue.blogspot.com.es/
Awww thanks!
WOW! This is the easiest diy ever! and the result looks so good!
Anne’s Scribbles and Doodles
Great to hear you like it!
I absolutely love how those overalls turned out! I seriously need to thrift my own pair now, I’ve been seeing them everywhere.
me too, was going to buy but decided to DIY instead and I love them!
Awesome look! Great idea to cut off vintage overalls.
http://stylegodis.com/
Cup .. nak share kat fb laa … best laa … bleh kan ?? š
What a great idea!
I’ll try it!
http://poisshower.blogspot.it/
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What a great way to revive an ugly old pair of overalls. I love the outcome! Your styling is excellent š
xo, Holeh Pocket
love overalls!! love how you refresh old stuff and how you style it!!
the combination of the overall and the galden watch are great…what kind of watch do you wear on the pictures?
I found exactly those overalls in the op shop! Definitely doing this š
I’ve been backtracking through your blog and I must say that I absolutely love every post I’ve seen so far. This one stood out for me mostly, because it would be something I’d definitely wear (I’m a bit of a no-frill kinda gal) and something I would not have come up with when coming face to face with the before-overalls.
Wonderful inspiration, execution and photography! Thank you!
I kinda liked the overalls BEFORE they were cut. Of course, if I was as petite as you, I may cut mine too.
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