M&S Dungarees

… with a pink blouse and matching blossom.

While I definitely think my style has changed recently, there are certain feminine and nostalgic pieces that I always seem to come back to, that have long been part of the way I dress. My penchant for Peter Pan collars began at an early age and has been well documented, as has an enduring obsession with Liberty florals and Laura Ashley dresses. As a child I was no stranger to dungarees: purple or pink needlecord trousers with dungaree straps and frilly bottoms or cotton Liberty print (all lovingly made by my Mum), with a Ladybird Broderie Anglaise blouse underneath; denim with tartan patches on worn knees for my brother. But this was one sartorial throwback I wasn’t completely convinced I could still pull off.

Dungarees have been all over the high street for a few seasons now, but there was something about this particular stylish nostalgia trip that seemed a step too far for me – whether it was the risk of looking like an overgrown toddler or the potentially less-than-flattering cut, I loved the look on other people but really wasn’t sure that it would suit me. That was until I spotted this pair on the ‘new in’ section of M&S, whose praises I’ve sung on numerous occasions – half my wardrobe is from there just now! After umm-ing and ahh-ing, the very next day I got an email about their latest 20% off event and decided to give them a go.

I’m really glad that I did – I tried them on, was smitten and happily donned them for the Google party I went to that evening, which was school-themed (really it seemed rude not to). The tailored style makes them that bit more wearable and a tad more flattering I think – the tapered cut skims rather than clings, loosely draped at the top and tapering to a skinny, slightly cropped finish. The minimal aesthetic (no buckles, bells or whistles) keeps things grown-up rather than over-the-top girly and details like the belt loops and buttons give a smart twist.

Dungarees are one of those pieces that you have to find the right version for you; I thought a smart black pair would be more ‘me’, and more wearable than their denim cousin. They’re actually surprisingly versatile and I’ve already worn them on countless occasions. They have the ability to look as though you’ve really considered your look (really, who has the time?) but are so easy to pair with a pretty blouse or simple T-shirt, throw on and go and look like you’ve made a real effort. Wearing them also feels surprisingly liberating; I am really not a trousers person but something about wearing them brings out a childish, carefree feeling. With dungarees all over the shops, there’s sure to be a pair out there for you.

For this outing, I wore my dungarees with a bright pink shirt – another recent M&S purchase that has served me very well indeed. It complements the girly feel but the bold hue and softly tailored cut keep things stylish. I finished things off with my leather jacket (I haven’t seen many toddlers sporting one of those), a favourite vintage bag, trusty Clarks ankle boots (heel height definitely required) and a liberal sprinkling of blossom. Seriously though, could the Meadows please look like this all year round? Edinburgh is so beautiful in the Spring.

Are dungarees a nostalgia trip too far for you? How would you wear them?