Dungarees on the over-40s...

[explodingkittens]

I am currently coveting a pair of lightweight indigo denim Gap dungarees. I am 43.

I'm aware that this is an item of clothing that probably divides opinion more than any other. But I put them on and couldn't stop grinning yes, possibly in manner of CBeebies presenter

I would wear them with converse/Superga and a close-fitting tee underneath.

I'm kidding myself, aren't I?

[Shamoffour]

I love them but I think they only work if you are very slim (I'm not) otherwise you can end up looking like Bea from prisoner cell block H.

[lalaloopyhead]

I love dungerees but unfortunately they do not love me, or at least I haven't found any that I look acceptable in yet. I do have several pairs that are only worn round the house.

[neveradullmoment99]

I have a pair. I am 49! Did you watch masterchef? One of the contestants was wearing a pair. She looked fine in them. :)

[jelliedeel]

My DD said I was not thin, pretty, 30 or had long hair so i would look silly in them.
I didn't buy them...she is 8.

[lizzieoak]

Jellied, no offence but I think immediately is a good time to point out to your dd that it's not nice to tell anyone that they're not pretty. It's not necessary and she needs to be armed w phrases such as "I'm not sure they're you" if she really feels she needs to steer you or a friend away from an item of clothing.

Probably you thought it sounded funny, but my kids always told me I was pretty and so if they say I look tired I take that seriously!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

We'll I wouldn't and I'm 50.......................................

Not that there's anything amiss, I just wouldn't be able to get out of them quick enough to pacify my dodgy bladder and if I did I'm sure I'd drop the fastening straps in the toilet.

I quite fancy an ALine style dungaree dress though , for Summer, I can hoik it up no problem................goes to browse.

[lizzieoak]

I would definitely be dropping the straps in the loo - I'd forgotten about that! Might buy them anyway though

[MikeUniformMike]

Get them.

[wowfudge]

Blimey Maria that's a bit harsh.

Unless you are a painter and decorator or under 5, I wouldn't.

[unbalancedBella]

I'm late 40s and I have some slim fitting ones. If they make you smile, buy them!

[runningdoll]

Jeeze Maria, you are talking very old money. We've had decimilasation since then!

...and in any case a size 16 in ancient money wasn't particularly big. Either way, I don't think you have to be 'willowy' (or to wait to be validated by others as sufficiently slim) to wear dungarees.

[CountFosco]

The answer to "should I wear dungarees?" is the same as "have more than 5 people described you as 'willowy' in the last 6 months?" wear whatever makes you happy

There, fixed that for you.

Why should women always be thinking we should be decorative and unless we are tall and slim and young and beautiful we should basically try and hide ourselves as much as we can. Except of course while hiding ourselves we can't get too comfortable because that is letting ourselves go. If I see someone wearing dungerees (except possibly if they are clearly wearing them as workwear) it always makes me smile. Someone in dungerees is always going to be fun to be around.

[ChinUpChestOut]

I was about to plough in and say "no a million times no" (particularly when some PPs suggested the 'quirky' look with messy hair etc).

And then I saw the photo of the relatively slim fit dark wash dungarees, with little turn ups, a little white shirt and with heels and I suddenly thought "hmmm, hang on a minute".

So now I think you should buy them. But dress them up with heels. I think they'll look awesome.

[MaudesMum]

I'm dithering about dungarees, but I'm mid-50s, stocky and short-haired, and I think they'll make me look like I'm working in a garage. My compromise is a long pinafore dress in dark grey denim. Only worn it once so far with stripy t-shirt underneath and desert boots, but it got nothing but praise.

[LalaDipsey]

Ok you persuaded me to get some but do I keep them?!?! I am 43 and 5’9 so the top comes to a funny height on me. I’m just not sure

[Ellapaella]

I like them on you but think you need a tighter fitting top underneath, that ones s little baggy and doesn't look quite right. Other than that, yes they look good.

[neveradullmoment99]

I agree with Ella. They need a tight top under them. They are a good fit on you.

[LalaDipsey]

Thank you - however turns out I don’t own any right tops! I seem to have embraced the boxy loose look. This is the tightest I have and not sure I’m keeping it.

[LalaDipsey]

Ok found a tight vest top...

[neveradullmoment99]

So much better :) Yes yes yes!!! Looks fab!

[neveradullmoment99]

The vest top is definitely the one to go for of a tight plain tee.

[neveradullmoment99]

• or
  A scoop neckline is also good.

[LalaDipsey]

I can see what you mean - they do need a tight top. Right will go hunting for some tops so I can keep them! Thank you

[Ellapaella]

Yep the vest top looks much better, a nice tight stripey scoop neck top underneath will look fab.