10 Celebrities Show Us How to Wear Overalls Like an Adult

By Andrea Cheng
Updated Jan 15, 2016 @ 1:15 pm
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When overalls first hit the scene—as a fashion item that went beyond toddler- or construction-wear—they quickly became a topic of hot debate. Regardless of whether you're for or against them, we're all pretty much in agreement that celebrities have mastered the art of styling the one-piece like a grown-up—make that, a really chic grown-up. 

Cate Blanchett, a star whose elegance has landed her on best-dressed lists around the globe, tapped into her inner child days before hitting the 2016 Golden Globes red carpet in an inky pair that she styled with a bright orange top and navy Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. And everyone's favorite style star Olivia Palermo delivered another one of her on-point looks when she coupled her black leather overalls with a black ruffled off-the-shoulder top. 

Keep scrolling for 10 lessons learned from the stars on how to pull off the denim dungarees like an adult.

RELATED: 7 A-List Looks That Prove It's Possible to Wear White Jeans in the Winter

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Aim for Contrast

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For maximum effect with minimal effort, stand out by layering a bright knit under a dark pair of overalls, like Cate Blanchett when she gave an eyeful with her orange long-sleeve top and inky slim-fit one-piece. 

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Toughen Up with Leather

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A pair of overalls reads innocent. Copy Olivia Palermo and harden them with a pair that is cut from a tough material, like black leather, and add edgy accessories (think: mesh pumps and chain-link jewelry).

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Look for an Elevated Textile

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Eschew convention and swap denim for an elevated, slinkier fabric. Then take it to the next step, like Zendaya, and commit to one shade for an elegant effect.

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Finish with Statement Accessories

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A striped oversize scarf, a siren-red carryall, and cool patent boots combined takes Emma Roberts's otherwise laidback outfit to a whole new level.

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Embrace the '70s

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Take a cue from Kate Bosworth and channel the '70s with flared overalls, a woven tote, and suede stacked heels.

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Sport Statement Kicks

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Leave it to Gwen Stefani to deliver her signature punk-rock edge. She styled hers with a white tank underneath a cuffed pair and finished with wedged bright blue sneaks.

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Double (or Triple) Up on Denim 

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Beyonce layered a chambray shirt under her overalls—and at one point, probably also shrugged on a denim jacket. Admittedly, tripling up on denim is definitely harder to pull off, but if you're up for it, look for pieces in varied washes and then step into high-shine shoes for a cool kick.

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Oversize Your Shirt

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SJP nailed that effortlessly chic aesthetic she's known for when she styled her slim-fit overalls with an extra-oversize white shirt that hung off one shoulder.

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Bare Your Midriff (If You Dare)

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Who says overalls can't be sexy? Taylor Swift took on Manhattan in distressed overalls layered over a white crop top that revealed glimpses of her abs.

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Use Only One Hue

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Take a tonal approach for an incredibly sleek look, like Olivia Culpo who forewent color altogether by styling her ivory Elizabeth and James overalls with an optic white long-sleeve tee underneath, a two-tone tote, tortoiseshell sunnies, and white pumps. 

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By Andrea Cheng