Why the boiler suit should be your new season style staple
As is the norm with fashion trends, in the past few seasons we’ve experienced a swift about-turn. It’s seen spindly stilettos, massive tote bags and too-tight skinny jeans pushed aside for something a little comfier. In came their functional adaptations: chunky dad trainers, belt bags and mom jeans are all new season must-haves.
It was only natural then that the humble boilersuit would make a return in this welcome era of comfort and practicality. Unlike its often tailored and dressier counterpart, the jumpsuit, the boilersuit is loose-fit, and typically in neutrals like khaki and cream. Material-wise, they’re commonly produced in denim or a heavy canvas.
The latter was a vital property in early iterations from the time of the Industrial Revolution. Back then it was built for hard labour and worn over actual clothes, with its main duty being to protect from grime and soot, hence its other moniker, ‘overall’. Since, it’s been the uniform for mechanics, tank drivers and racers, though more recently, it’s being worn on its own (and minus the hard labour, natch) as a fashion statement. Back in September, the catwalks made a case for exactly that. At Milan Fashion Week, fashion heavyweight Giorgio Armani sent models down his Emporio Armani SS19 catwalk in roomy navy versions, worn with only a strappy flat sandal and sunglasses, making for a chic effortless vibe.
Forest green boiler suit, £180, LF Markey; Round mini bag, £49.99, Mango; Princely mules, £129, Kurt Geiger; Orseund Iris belted jumpsuit, £565, Net-a-porter
For January, nothing is more wintery than corduroy, which offers a smarter, modern alternative to cotton. If you’re not keen on a loose fit style, look for a belted one which is ideal for petite figures. A length that finishes just above the ankle stops a boilersuit from swamping you and will also highlight a good shoe. Styling-wise, anything goes as it’s most versatile.
Workwear boiler suit, £89, & Other Stories; Wandler croc-effect belt bag, £400, Net-a-porter; Reebok workout trainers, £70, Schuh; Polycotton overalls, £135, Mc Overalls
Obvious pairings would be with a chunky boot (Dr Martens are perfect) or a plain white trainer, though a mock-croc mule would look great when the weather warms up. Should you not have had your sparkly fix over party season, the inevitable Kwik Fit vibe of the boilersuit is counteracted nicely with an embellished shoe, jazzy hair slide or crystal earring.
Tracing the trend
1940s: During the war
During World War II, women were just as likely as men to sport an overall thanks to their increasing work in factories. Even in the early 1940s, style was not sacrificed: note her elegant wavy hair and high heels, as she checks over designs on a drafting table.
1980: As seen on screen
Joan Collins could always be relied on to add a hefty dose of glamour to any ensemble. Here, she sports the most distinct boilersuit colour, in British TV series Tales of the Unexpected, accessorising with metallic heels and hoop earrings.
2018: Pounding the pavements
The street style set in Milan also made a strong case for the classic overall. Erika Boldrin wears her oversized one with a ladylike tote and embellished Manolo Blahnik heels for a real high-low look.
