In this week’s issue the Grazia fashion team have put their stamp of approval on the boiler suit. Not that we ever disliked the overalls (such a functional item can be extremely chic), but there’s been a sudden spate of A-lister wearers who have brought the utilitarian uniform back into the spotlight. So if you thought boiler suits were more Phil Mitchell than Phoebe Philo, think again.
Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, Stella McCartney, Dree Hemingway and Charlize Theron have all been leading the charge and giving the trend some extra polish and pizzaz. We first spotted the boiler suit’s comeback potential when after featuring an MiH version in the Fashion Charts it sold out almost instantly. Charlize and Dree have both worn this slightly ‘70s loose-fit soft-wash boiler suit and to a great result. But of course, with a loose all-in-one comes hurdles. Here are our do’s and don’ts of boiler suit basics…
DO:
Dree Hemingway, Stella McCartney and Gwen Stefani bring on the boiler suits
*Flash some flesh. Make like Dree and unzip that otherwise potentially unsexy onsie to reveal a bit of décolletage. And be sure to roll up the hems to show some ankle.
*Make the most of snappers, zips, drawstrings and any other figure flattering device. This is why MiH’s boiler suit has been so popular – it’s a versatile piece you can wear totally loose or slightly fitted.
MiH’s chic boiler suit
*Wear with heels. It’s kind of a no brainer, we realise. But still, for anyone who isn’t a giant this is a good idea.
*Team with sneakers and a rucksack (a little bit like Gwen Stefani in her G-Star jeans) if you fancy a more street-ready look.
DON’T:
Sorry Heidi Klum, this boiler suit styling is too casual for us…
*Wear with heavy duty boots like Timberlands or Doc Martens, this will look too industrial. You’re on your way to chic, not the petrol station.
*Layer. OK, so Kate Moss gets away with putting a poloneck under hers, but that’s Mossy, we forgive her anything. Layering adds bulk and takes away from the slightly saucy flesh-flashing we mentioned earlier.
*Don a hat or any other look-at-me extras. Two statements don’t make a right. In this case, you must always let the boilersuit play the biggest part.
Mossy gets away with layering her boiler suit… but it’s not advisable