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dressing down
April 9, 2014

The Cult of the Fashion Overall

By Erica Schwiegershausen

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Recently, while explaining her warm-weather wardrobe plans, Gwyneth Paltrow admitted that she “never stopped wearing overalls,” and has an entire collection which she plans to break out (along with menswear-inspired sandals) this summer. She’s not alone: Last month, Selena Gomez was spotted arriving at her Hollywood hotel in a pair of Black Orchid overalls, Amanda Seyfried walked her dog, Finn, in a chambray one-piece, and Sarah Jessica Parker went on Ellen in a pair of fitted, cropped overalls, paired with an oversize button-down and turquoise heels from her new collection.

Over the years, the denim dungaree has found many fans, from Princess Diana to Rihanna — though perhaps none more outspoken on the subject than Leandra Medine, who took to her blog to defend the garment after Justin Bieber was criticized for the casual attire he wore to accept a Diamond Jubilee Medal from the prime minister of Canada. “Getting dressed seems profoundly easier when you can anticipate that a large patch of denim will cover your chest,” she proclaimed, voicing the sartorial wisdom that so many stars already take for granted.

Click through our slideshow for a look back at the best, worst, and weirdest instances of celebrities wearing overalls, including Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, and more.

Related

Gwyneth Paltrow Will Live in Overalls and Sandals
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1 / 31 Photos
Selena Gomez, 2014 A documented full-denim enthusiast, Gomez is a master of the sexy overall, worn with a crop top that’s actually a bra to show ... Selena Gomez, 2014 A documented full-denim enthusiast, Gomez is a master of the sexy overall, worn with a crop top that’s actually a bra to show off the obliques. Photo: Bruce/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES/� 2014 FameFlynet, Inc - Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013 Paired with Koolaburra sneaker wedges and a pair of space-age sunglasses, SJP looks like a casual astronaut. Photo: 2... Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013 Paired with Koolaburra sneaker wedges and a pair of space-age sunglasses, SJP looks like a casual astronaut. Photo: 247PapsTV / Splash News/© www.splashnews.com
Rihanna, 2013 For a look both girly and tough, Rihanna pairs her baby-blue denim with a sports bra, beanie, and Chanel cuffs. Photo: PERRY SMYLI... Rihanna, 2013 For a look both girly and tough, Rihanna pairs her baby-blue denim with a sports bra, beanie, and Chanel cuffs. Photo: PERRY SMYLIE / Mirrorpix/� www.splashnews.com
Alexa Chung, 2012 Alexa Chung never misses an occasion to wear overalls. By our count, she has at least ten pairs in regular rotation. Photo: Ro... Alexa Chung, 2012 Alexa Chung never misses an occasion to wear overalls. By our count, she has at least ten pairs in regular rotation. Photo: Rob Loud/Getty Images
Alessandra Ambrosio, 2014 Ideal errandwear, overalls photograph especially well in parking lots. Photo: Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
Diana Spencer and Sarah Ferguson, 1980 No woman will ever look as pleasant in overalls as Diana Spencer, for whom they were a wardrobe staple bef... Diana Spencer and Sarah Ferguson, 1980 No woman will ever look as pleasant in overalls as Diana Spencer, for whom they were a wardrobe staple before she married into royalty. Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images
January Jones, 2014 January Jones enjoys a casual Tuesday lunch in L.A. Photo: Bauer-Griffin/2014 Bauer-Griffin
Kim Kardashian, 2008 Kardashian demonstrates the remarkable power of overalls to be either entirely sexless or quite lewd. Photo: Chris Polk/Get... Kim Kardashian, 2008 Kardashian demonstrates the remarkable power of overalls to be either entirely sexless or quite lewd. Photo: Chris Polk/Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, 2002 As far as celebrity disguises go, there’s no denying that this is a pretty brilliant one. Photo... Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, 2002 As far as celebrity disguises go, there’s no denying that this is a pretty brilliant one. Photo: Mario Magnani/Getty Images
Heidi Klum 2012 Not to be outdone by her daughter’s tulle streetwear, Heidi Klum wore a pair of purple-butterfly-patterned overalls on their Pink... Heidi Klum 2012 Not to be outdone by her daughter’s tulle streetwear, Heidi Klum wore a pair of purple-butterfly-patterned overalls on their Pinkberry excursion. Photo: Alo Ceballos/Getty Images
Cameron Diaz, 2007 Though not technically overalls, this skimpy halter over-dress is one of the more bizarre examples of denim layering. Photo: ... Cameron Diaz, 2007 Though not technically overalls, this skimpy halter over-dress is one of the more bizarre examples of denim layering. Photo: James Devaney/Getty Images
Katy Perry, 2008 One advantage of the overall is that you can simulate your clothes falling off onstage without actually suffering a wardrobe mal... Katy Perry, 2008 One advantage of the overall is that you can simulate your clothes falling off onstage without actually suffering a wardrobe malfunction. Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
Elle Fanning, 2013 In the overall game, Fanning has age on her side. Photo: AKM Images / GSI Media
Elton John, 1991 This context-free image of Elton John wearing overalls and a large crucifix is also available as a poster. Photo: Time Life Pic... Elton John, 1991 This context-free image of Elton John wearing overalls and a large crucifix is also available as a poster. Photo: Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Lydia Hearst, 2013 Here, Lydia Hearst wears a seersucker bathing-suit top; heathered, sweatpants-overalls; and metallic sandals to NYFW. Photo: ... Lydia Hearst, 2013 Here, Lydia Hearst wears a seersucker bathing-suit top; heathered, sweatpants-overalls; and metallic sandals to NYFW. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Leandra Medine, 2013 The Man Repeller blogger wore these conservative dungarees to the La Perla fall 2013 presentation. Photo: Paul Porter/BFAny... Leandra Medine, 2013 The Man Repeller blogger wore these conservative dungarees to the La Perla fall 2013 presentation. Photo: Paul Porter/BFAnyc.com/BFA NYC
Miley Cyrus, 2008 Though Cyrus remains a suspender enthusiast, this shiny jumper is from her Disney days. Photo: K Mazur/TCA 2008/Getty Images
Chloë Sevigny, 2003 Somewhere on the spectrum between high-waisted pant and dungaree, this bizarre corset of a jean looks both uncomfortable... Chloë Sevigny, 2003 Somewhere on the spectrum between high-waisted pant and dungaree, this bizarre corset of a jean looks both uncomfortable and unflattering. Photo: Mychal Watts/Getty Images
Amanda Seyfried, 2014 Though wrinkly, this denim one-piece is a perfect outfit for walking Finn the dog. Photo: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
AnnaSophia Robb, 2013 Not unlike how it is with the senior Carrie Bradshaw, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether AnnaSophia Robb is in c... AnnaSophia Robb, 2013 Not unlike how it is with the senior Carrie Bradshaw, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether AnnaSophia Robb is in costume or not. Photo: Raymond Hall/Getty Images
Julie Christie, 1973 Arriving at Heathrow Airport, Julie Christie is a vision of utilitarian travelwear. Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images
Christina Applegate, 1992 Fresh-faced and wearing floral cotton, Christina Applegate may look like a preteen at a slumber party, but the 21-year-... Christina Applegate, 1992 Fresh-faced and wearing floral cotton, Christina Applegate may look like a preteen at a slumber party, but the 21-year-old is actually at the Golden Globes.   Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images
Fergie, 2005 If a striped bandeau top as red-carpet wear isn’t casual enough, you can always wear differently cuffed pant legs to further emphasi... Fergie, 2005 If a striped bandeau top as red-carpet wear isn’t casual enough, you can always wear differently cuffed pant legs to further emphasize that you DGAF. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Erykah Badu, 2013 Oversize overalls are a concertwear staple for Erykah Badu. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images
Rihanna, 2013 While it is unusual to see RiRi dressing for comfort, leather overalls layered over a hoodie seems more sweaty than anything. Phot... Rihanna, 2013 While it is unusual to see RiRi dressing for comfort, leather overalls layered over a hoodie seems more sweaty than anything. Photo: Josiah Kamau/Getty Images
Jennifer Aniston, 2008 Aniston wore these mildly infantilizing dungarees while filming Marley & Me, because apparently you can recognize a do... Jennifer Aniston, 2008 Aniston wore these mildly infantilizing dungarees while filming Marley & Me, because apparently you can recognize a dog lover by their overalls. Photo: John Parra/Getty Images
Whitney Houston, 1990 With a fanny pack and three chest pockets, Whitney Houston certainly has plenty of storage space. Photo: Time Life Picture... Whitney Houston, 1990 With a fanny pack and three chest pockets, Whitney Houston certainly has plenty of storage space. Photo: Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Keyshia Cole, 2013 Though originally intended for strenuous work environments, contemporary overalls are not all rip-proof. Photo: Paul Warner/G... Keyshia Cole, 2013 Though originally intended for strenuous work environments, contemporary overalls are not all rip-proof. Photo: Paul Warner/Getty Images
Zoe Kazan, 2013 This mismatched getup looks mostly like Kazan was running late and threw on a pair of overalls over her laciest nightgown. Photo... Zoe Kazan, 2013 This mismatched getup looks mostly like Kazan was running late and threw on a pair of overalls over her laciest nightgown. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images
Zoe Saldana, 2009 Zoe Saldana chose an industrial look at the 2009 G-Star spring show. Photo: Michael Tran/Getty Images
Amy Poehler To our knowledge, Amy Poehler is one of the few celebrities with the good sense to only wear overalls while in character. Photo: NBC... Amy Poehler To our knowledge, Amy Poehler is one of the few celebrities with the good sense to only wear overalls while in character. Photo: NBC/Getty Images
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