Overalls, or dungarees as I am used to calling them, have been a fringe trend for about a year. And I mean super fringe. You might know the bib-front style all too well because you wore dungarees as a child. They’ve been coming through in casual farmer-esque denim, as well as dressier leather, pleather, silky fabrications and drapey polyester blends. Some styles are oversized and some are tailored. 

The point is to wear dungarees with a relatively thin under-layering piece, fluid or fitted, sleeved or sleeveless, solid or patterned. If you like you can also layer a topper over the whole lot. The pictures below are great examples of the look. 

The overall effect of dungarees is casual, and especially so when paired with a tee and sneakers. That way of styling the piece is my least favourite. I much prefer the dungaree vibe when ladylike, girly and dressy elements are added into the mix, like heeled boots, refined pumps, elegant sandals, dressy bags, arm candy, cascading long locks and lipstick. To my eye that’s a more fun and fab juxtaposition of elements, and new way of wearing the item. 

My first reaction to seeing dungarees, especially in denim, was that the trend is reserved for kids and teens. But I soon changed my mind because as with most trends, effective outfit execution is everything. It’s how people wear what, when and where that gives them a stylish advantage. So before you formulate an opinion about dungarees, take a peek at these stylish outfits in action:

• Simple, bright and very polished. I love the pointy toe pumps and addition of the blazer and structured clutch. A beautiful outfit.

• Fashion forward, chic and elegant. The narrow cut and dressier fabric of the dungarees makes all the difference, as does matching them with dainty shoes and bag. Genius outfit.

• Midriff-baring with a pile of pearls, red nail polish, and mirrored shades. Cute deluxe.

• Round shouldered edge with structured bag, pretty points and long coat. Fabulous.

• Oversized and rough around the edges with classic hat, flowing topper, and bejeweled wrists. Creative and different (I’m ignoring the flip flops).

The downside to wearing dungarees, and any style of jumpsuit or romper, is that they’re impractical in the restroom. A deal breaker in itself. At least with dungarees, you keep the top part of your body warm with the layering piece.

I’m not actively searching for dungarees at all. But if a dressier pair crossed my shopping path, I’d be tempted to try them on. They’re a fun piece that can be worn with a dressy support act that makes them look more sophisticated. So for that reason, I’m in. Over to you. What’s your take on overalls and dungarees?

Cobalt and burgundy merchandise is in high supply this season, and most of my clients like both colours. Some wear burgundy with cobalt. Why not! So we’re picking sides between the colours, and I have no idea which one will win. 

I don’t wear burgundy at all. My nod to the trending colour is a patch of it on a very bright twinset, and that’s it. When it comes to red, I am devoted to bright tomato. It conjures up all sorts of happy feelings when I see it and I’m even more excited about the prospect of wearing it with blush pink. I do love burgundy on others though. Some of my friends and clients look utterly delicious in the colour. 

I like cobalt, and love to wear it with black and shades of white. It’s also great with shades of orange and ink blue. I am without a doubt Team Cobalt.

Over to you. Are you Team Burgundy or Team Cobalt? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. But if you’re sitting this one out on the bench, there’s hot cocoa and buttery shortbread to snack on.

A shade of blue with a shade of orange is a glorious pairing. First, blue is better than black if you want to stay away from Halloween associations. And second, blue and orange are complementary colors. 

I was inspired by orange and blue outfit combinations while pinning looks from the Spring 2014 runway collections. Take a peek: 

• Orange and turquoise knitted top matched with mango culottes. A super look with casual messenger bag and metallic blue sandals.
• Cobalt and ink checked wide leg trouser suit and mandarin orange shirt. Stunning.
• A bouquet of orange and cobalt with stripes. Festive and flirty.
• Dark orange with cobalt and orange swirls. Dramatic yet simple.
• Quadruple pattern mixing in cobalt and orange. Harmoniously hectic.
• Welted Dutch orange sweater with turquoise window pane slouchies. Elegantly no-nonsense, and fun with the backpack.
• Orange, light blue, turquoise, yellow and brown evening edition. Refreshingly different formal wear.
• Orange red trouser suit with turquoise bag and footwear. My favourite combination of orange and blue.
• Shades of mango orange with ink and turquoise checks. Delightfully ’70s.
• Muted French blue fluid shell with Dutch orange pencil skirt and metallic and fur accessories. Modern and ’90s inspired.
• Controlled chaos in geometric orange, yellow, orange-red and periwinkle. Zebra patterned shoes for even more chaos.
• And Prada’s rainbow Christmas tree outfit of oranges, blues, blush and neutrals. You’ll light up the room in this outfit.

These combinations are by no means exhaustive. For example, a shade of orange matched with navy, ink and denim blue is a slam dunk. You needn’t select a bright and bold orange either. Earthier versions in rusts and burnt oranges work just as well with shades of blue. Or match light blue or faded denim with pastel peach and apricot. 

Remember that if you don’t like to sport orange as a solid colour or clothing item, wear it in a pattern, as footwear, or accessories. I like the addition of white to a blue and orange combination because it freshens up the palette. Don’t think you have to wait till Spring to sport orange with blue. Wear the combination year round and whenever it tickles your fancy. 

My favourite mix of orange and blue is a deep orange-red with bright turquoise, and hint of white. I also like ink blue with Dutch orange. Will you wear orange with blue?

Here’s a collection of items that I like at Banana Republic right now. Some are simple, and others are more dramatic. There is an additional 40% off your purchase today, so go Team Bargain Hunters. 

• Striped Bow Crew: Fun, graphic, romantic and conversational. Fairly thick for a fine gauge pullover. 
• Monogram Colourblock Wool Cape: A dramatic piece for mild Autumn and Winter weather. 
• Turnlock Sweater Cape: A more casual cape with bohemian and cuddly appeal. 
• Quilted Knit Moto Jacket: This one is for Team Navy and Ink Blue. Texture rich and super comfy. 
• Extra-Fine Merino Wool Vee Sweater: V-neck pullovers are hard to find at the moment, so give this essential a bash if you’re after great layering pieces that are as fab worn on their own. Fluid and non-itchy. 
• Sloane-Fit Windowpane Slim Ankle Pant: I wish these were regular length, which they might be on you if you’re petite. Match with black top and booties and you’re done. 

These items can be dressed up for business casual and formal, as well as dressed down with denim items, relaxed footwear and handbag.