When you think “overalls,” do scary flashbacks to such ’90s has-beens as Kris Kross and “Blossom”’s Joey Lawrence come to mind? Banish the thought. The farmer-fashion favorite is back, in a big, stylish way — and mercifully, this time around, they’re not as baggy. Wanna give this tricky trend a try? We hit the streets to see how New Yorkers (and some savvy out-of-towners) are getting overalls right.
Do: Skirt the issue
Aussie tourist Holly Turner puts a girly spin on the tomboy trend with a coverall dress, mixing in subtle femme touches like a pretty necklace and sandals that are at once sparkly and low-key.
Do: Personalize your look
Loosely rolled cuffs (exposing a cute ankle bracelet, no less), devil-may-care twisted straps and a sweet floral bra peeking out from beneath a leopard cami add up to a singularly stylish look for New Yorker Emma North. What keeps it from looking sloppy is that her H&M overalls are lean, not too oversize.
Do: Refine hippie style
Local actress Sofia Black-D’Elia — set to star in “Viral,” the next film from the “Catfish” guys — keeps her Topshop togs from going too granola with on-trend trimmings like a sleek ponytail, dainty gold chains and a polished bag.
Do: Think beyond demin
Mix it up like New Yorker Kim Proal, whose striped linen choice from Zara offers a modern update on the engineer stripe. Take note: Different fabrics and patterns are already hitting stores for fall.
Do: Reference the past — a bit
Kirsten Curtis is only 18, but the student from San Antonio has a throwback edge, adding a ’90s-esque printed bucket hat to her button-front shortalls. Keeping everything else simple — plain white Chucks and a tank top — makes the look fresh, not costumey.
Don’t: Dress like a cow
Seriously. Singer and actress Rita Ora went bovine berserk. And is she really going to top it off with that clear raincoat? Just … no.
Don’t: Go there
Avoid the dropped strap — a favorite of Will Smith back in his “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” days — at all costs.
Don’t: Overdo the accessories
Baseball hat. Gold medallion bag. Gold sneakers. Statement earrings. Pendant necklace draped over her prison-stripe, sleeveless cropped turtleneck. Miley’s Chanel overalls say enough on their own without piling on every trend under the ’90s sun.