How to Style Dungarees

Want to learn how to style dungarees without looking like you’ve joined Dexys Midnight Runners? Look no further! We’re exploring the history of dungarees and looking at how this versatile garment has been worn throughout history to help give you some vintage dungaree style inspiration!

Here at Joanie, we’re big fans of dungarees, and we want to make incorporating them into your wardrobe as easy as possible! There’s nothing we love more than a ready-made outfit that you can dress up or dress down, and with dungarees, the vintage styling possibilities are endless because they’re associated with so many different eras.

The History of Dungarees

The modern word dungarees is probably derived from ‘Dongari Kapar,’ the name of a village outside Mumbai in India where a loosely woven, thick calico fabric was historically manufactured. This calico cloth was known locally as ‘dungri,’ and was used to fashion clothing for farmers and people working on ships at the nearby port. 

Dungri cloth was often dyed an indigo-blue colour, and though some sources cite this as an early version of denim, the method of production and qualities of the fabric mean that it wouldn’t look like the denim that we wear today! 

Over time, the name dungaree began to refer more to the style of overalls than the fabric itself. The first reference to dungarees as an item of clothing rather than a fabric is in a short story from 1891 by poet and author Rudyard Kipling, who was born in Mumbai and spent a lot of his life in India under colonial rule.

In America in the 1890s, Levi Strauss invented the first pair of denim overalls, intended to be worn as protective workwear. This style was similar to the dungri workwear worn by Indian farm and ship workers, but made from a more robust denim earning the brand the tagline ‘never rip, never tear.’

During the First and Second World Wars dungarees started to transition into a unisex item of clothing as more and more women began working in factories to aid the war effort. By the late 1940s, dungarees were beginning to be considered a fashionable item rather than just workwear, with stars like Judy Garland even sporting them on the silver screen!

Dungarees as Fashionable Items

From the ‘40s onwards, dungarees have maintained their status as fashionable garments for both men and women. With minor variations in cut and shape throughout the last 80 years, it’s difficult to think of a decade where dungarees weren’t in style for at least a few years!

As a style that has well and truly stood the test of time, we think that dungarees make a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. They’re so easy to dress up or down, and it is this versatility that makes them ideal for transeasonal dressing - pair them with your favourite vintage tee in the warmer months, or layer over a chunky jumper when it’s colder outside!

The fact that dungarees always inevitably come back into fashion make them a great wardrobe staple to invest in now and keep forever. Much like finding the perfect pair of jeans, the ideal dungarees will fit well with room for a little bit of stretch to accommodate chunkier layers underneath, and ensure that you’ll be able to keep wearing them for years to come!

How to Style Dungarees

Buying wardrobe staples now and keeping them for years is something that we believe in wholeheartedly at Joanie, which is why all of the dungaree styles that we design are made with a hint of stretch for comfort and to ensure that you get the most wear out of them!

Still not convinced? We’ve styled some of our favourite Joanie dungaree styles below to help inspire you!

Bleecker Stretch Denim Dungarees

We might be biassed, but our Bleeckers might just be the perfect dungarees. Don’t believe us? The reviews speak for themselves! In warmer months, style this classic denim pair with your favourite white T-shirt and high tops, and when it gets colder, layer over longer sleeves with a pair of chunky boots! 

Baxter Denim Short Dungarees

If you’re already a fan of our Bleecker dungarees, then meet Baxter - Bleecker’s shorter sibling! These ‘90s-inspired short dungarees have the same hint of stretch as their longer counterparts, and their hems can be rolled up if you’re looking for a tan, or worn rolled down if you prefer your shorts to hit mid-thigh. Baxter is the perfect style for summer, and if you layer them with tights and jumper when it’s colder, they’ll see you through winter, too!

Bleecker Stretch Cord Dungarees - Pink

A twist on the classic Bleecker shape, the bright pink hue of these cord dungarees makes them the perfect all-in-one outfit to brighten even the dullest of days. Style with a vintage tee and sandals for a comfy everyday look, or, if you really want to lean into the bubblegum pink vibe, pair with our pink stripe Clodagh tee!

Mercer Stretch Denim Pinafore Dress

If you’re looking for an easy-to-style, feminine take on dungarees, look no further than Mercer! Our bestselling dungaree dress looks great teamed with tights or layered over knitwear when it’s colder outside and can be transitioned effortlessly into the warmer months by pairing with a retro blouse like Etoile or even over your favourite vintage tee!