Overalls are an easy thing to slip into and put on quickly when you want a look that’s casual and fashionable and breezy. But after you’ve got on your top and your overalls, what’s next? What shoes go well with overalls? Answering this question is going to be the crux of many style decisions you have to make.
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
Where Do Overalls Come From?
Today, you probably think first of overalls made from denim. However, denim overalls didn’t come around until the 1870s. That’s when Levi Stress patented blue jeans. Once he started selling pants made with denim, everyone wanted a pair. He used the same material to make overalls and now, this is the iconic look. But way before any of that ever happened, overalls were being made on the other side of the world.
In the 1600s, overall-like pants were being made in Dungri, India. This was a village where a special type of durable cloth was produced. The material was just the first thing for making workwear, clothing that had to be hard-wearing and durable despite tough use.
Overalls were refined and later spread all the way to the U.S. as a popular workwear for people who did tough jobs, such as working on farms and ranches. The baggy fit and comfortable design allowed for freedom of movement so work could be done. Meanwhile, the tough material was able to stand up to the rigors of harsh working conditions.
American Icon
When overalls were made with denim, they became much more popular and spread all over the country. Overalls made the jump from the farms to the factories during World War I, when the U.S. started to industrialize much more heavily. Workers of both genders learned that overalls were easy, comfortable, durable workwear for factory jobs as well. Construction workers, farmers, ranchers and miners had all embraced overalls at this point. Overalls were firmly cemented as go-to workwear.
The trend continued with World War II, when more women joined the workforce in order to fill the jobs left behind by men who went overseas to fight. Overalls became hugely popular with women at this time. Now, they were worn by men, women and children regularly. Parents found that overalls made perfect play clothes for their children once kids’ versions of the overalls were released in the early 1900s.
High Fashion Superstar
After that, there was no shopping overalls. They had become a fashion staple and in the 1960s, they started to become popular fashion. Now, overalls are super hot and trendy when styled the right way and still worn as workwear when styled in other ways. There’s no limit to the looks you can create with overalls and that means there’s a lot of different ways to wear them.
Which, in a way, can be a bit of a curse. It’s confusing. Having too many options sometimes makes it harder to design outfits. So it’s helpful to have some set ideas to work with when you’re trying to put together a great overall outfit. What shoes go well with overalls? Knowing how to answer this question will help you put together lots of different looks that you will love.
Shoes to Pair with Overalls
Footwear makes or breaks any outfit. It’s an essential and many people look at shoes first, before they take a look at the rest of you. So the shoes you wear are a crucial element and truly, they are the foundation of any outfit. Stick to shoes that naturally pair well with overalls and look good with any type of overalls you might want to wear.
Ballet Flats
Capture a more elegant vibe with simple ballet flats. They’re comfortable to wear and they’re available in any color you might want. They pair very well with overalls, matching the casual, low-effort look of overalls just perfectly. Ballet flats and overalls look amazing with a peasant blouse and a tousled hair style. This is a great daytime look that’s perfect for casually hanging out. It’s an effortless look that is still casually stylish and very much on trend.
Boots
When you’re dressing in overalls for fall and winter style, there can be no better option than boots. Made to keep feet warm and give you traction across a variety of terrains, boots are always a great option for your feet. If you’re going to be hiking or engaging in outdoor activities, consider if boots might be the best choice to give you stable footing and protection from the elements. Boots can keep your feet dry and warm even on the ugliest days. That makes it a lot easier to feel stylish and feel good!
Lots of different types of boots look good with overalls. Motorcycle boots and combat boots are just natural, pairing well with denim and with just about any other fabric. Work boots and hiking boots create a super casual look that’s great for rough outdoor activities. Fashion boots are perfect when you’re being a bit more glitzy. Ankle high boots, sleek leather boots and furry boots all look great with overalls and they can all be cornerstones of fall and winter outfits.
Flat Sandals
Cute and casual, flat sandals are a perfect choice when you’re wearing overalls in spring and summer. Open-toed, strappy designs capture a perfect casual design that looks just right with overalls. Your feet will stay cool in the heat and your look will remain stylish for whatever comes your way. This is a great option for the beach or for the park, as long as you won’t be doing any strenuous hiking.
Flip flop thong styles and gladiator styles are perfect as beachy wear. Pair this with overalls and a straw hat and you’ll strike a casual, laid-back vibe that’s just right for any day at the beach or by the lake. Finish this with a straw handbag packed with plenty of sunscreen and a pair of big, dark sunglasses and you’ll have a totally social media-ready style look that’s going to be amazing in photos.
High Heels
If you want to make your overalls look a lot more glamorous, try stepping into some high heels. This is a great way to finish off your look and there’s no limit to the colors and styles of high heels you can choose from. Pointed toe styles will elongate the legs. Strappy styles will show off some skin. Stilettos will add some serious sex appeal. Closed toe styles with chunkier heels add just a little lift. There’s all sorts of ways to wear high heels and they all match beautifully with overalls. Denim overalls with some super sexy high heels creates a really great look.
Show off your great heels by cuffing up the bottom of your overalls, rolling them up a little to reveal your ankles and your footwear. Capri overall styles are especially suited to high heels. Otherwise, cuffing overalls works just fine for showing off all your favorite footwear.
Loafers
Whether canvas, leather or some other material, loafers are a perfect match for overalls. The slip-on style strikes just the right casual vibe to go well with any style or color of overalls. Loafers are available in a huge variety of designs and colors, so they’re a great match for overalls in all different designs and colors, too.
Wear them without socks because that’s what the slip on style is all about and try different types of loafers to really have fun experimenting with all the different casual looks you can create. Complete this look with a casual slouchy handbag, some cool and colorful jewelry and you’ll have a look that’s very relaxed and fun that says you’re ready for all kinds of casual daytime or nighttime outings.
Sneakers
Whether they’re low cut, mid cut or high cut, sneakers are a wonderful choice for overalls. These two items just look good together. Overalls and sneakers are a natural and since sneakers are available in every possible color combination and style you can imagine, there’s no limit to the looks you can create with these two elements alone. Match your sneakers to your top, your purse, your jewelry, maybe even an extra embellishment that’s on your overalls. Have fun playing around with different colors and different sneaker looks and you will never run out of ways to wear your overalls.
With sneakers, you’ll want to always wear socks. Sneakers aren’t really made to be worn with bare feet, though people sometimes do this. Don’t! You can always choose no-show socks if you want to put the emphasis on your sneaker style and eliminate the socks from the outfit altogether. You can also opt for tube socks that have stripes on them to play around with color even more.
White sneakers create a classic look against denim overalls, creating contrast that really makes the sneakers pop. Pair this with a white T-shirt to create a style combination that can’t go wrong. Add a bandana if you want to add a pop of color and this will be just the right accessory to pull this look together.
Wedges
Wedges are a perfect summer shoe and a great match for overalls. Wedges give you lift without compromising much of your overall foot support. They’re cute for the beach and great for outdoor events that aren’t too strenuous, like picnics and barbeques. They come in a big array of colors, so you can match them to any overall outfit you might want to wear.
Wedges can be used to create casual or dressier outfits, and they’re perfect for day or night wear. They can be used for a dressed-down or a dressed-up overall outfit, so these versatile shoes are just a great option. However, they aren’t super easy to walk in, especially across uneven paths. Don’t wear wedges with overalls if you’re going to be hiking or doing anything too active. Otherwise, let your style shine.
The Evolution of Footwear
Footwear was probably one of the first items of clothing ever created. Yes, that means ever. After all, this was an absolutely essential item if one was going to attempt to cross any terrain whatsoever. Ancient humans hunted and gathered in order to eat and survive, so they needed to cross a lot of terrain of all different types. Rocky areas, hills and valleys, streams, enormous fields filled with unknown dangers, they had to face it all. And in those early days, footwear was just about protection. It was really just animal hides tied onto the feet.
And in the Stone Age, that was a super fashionable look. It worked perfectly for wandering around looking for animals to hunt, and all of that. But these days, footwear is a whole lot more modern. There’s a huge variety of styles and designs out there. Heels can be added to create even more styles, which makes things a bit more difficult. Knowing which shoes to wear with what is a huge style challenge because there’s so much to choose from.
When you know some natural pairings to put with the item of clothing you want to wear, it’s a whole lot easier to style great-looking, head-turning outfits. Start with some classic combinations and some strong outfit ideas and soon, you’ll know enough about the fashion you like and your personal style to start creating your own overall and shoes pairings.
What Shoes Go Well With Overalls?
When you’re looking for shoes to wear with your overalls, there are all sorts of options that are going to look fashionable and be fun to wear. Try on different shoe styles to see which looks you like the best and which styles will work for what you have to do. Remember to keep it casual, keep it fun and play around with your fashion to fashion perfect overall outfits. Follow celebrities you like on social media to see what types of footwear they’re wearing with their overalls. The more you play around with fashion, the more ideas you’re going to get to create your own amazing styles.
Sources:
Beyond Retro – The History of Dungarees
The Every Girl – How to Style Your Overalls + Our Favorite Pairs
HoodMWR – Shoes to Wear with Overalls: Types and Tips
Lookastic – Sneakers with Overalls Outfits
Marie Claire – How to Style Denim Overalls: A Guide