Go grunge with denim overalls like Zooey Deschanel in Yes Man

Dungarees make a fashion comeback in the comedy smash.

It’s impossible to resist the current craze for all things grunge. Yet while plaid flannel shirts and babydoll dresses have long been accepted back into our closets after their 90s glory days, we’ve got another long-forgotten fashion item making a comeback from the style wilderness – overalls. Yes, we kid you not, and whether you call them overalls or dungarees, there’s no escaping them this spring as they’re back in a big way thanks both to the new generation of grunge lovers and the utility wear trend dominating catwalks.

Indeed, many top designers have been debuting collections reminding us of how good overalls can look and how many different ways they work. These have ranged from sensational showstoppers, such as Jean Paul Gaultier’s shiny silk efforts with conical bra top (!) and Chloe’s tan leather ones to more accessible and everyday types like the worn denims of Ralph Lauren.

But it’s not just a runway thing completely absent any wearability (though the jury’s still out on that conical bra!) as dungarees are replacing playsuits as the thing for the more adventurous and experimental fashionista to wear this spring. Cameron Diaz gave the look a flirty twist with a mini dungarees dress while recent toast of London’s theatre land, Anna Friel, gave them a sporty spirit pairing them with white pumps and matching cotton tee when snapped exiting the stage door of her show, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

However, the true stamp of style success has been given by Alexa Chung who knows a thing or two about offbeat style. The TV presenter turned fashion designer has such a soft spot for overalls that they took centre stage in her debut collection for US brand Madewell which enjoyed its grand unveiling at New York fashion week on Monday. “My newfound appetite for all things dungaree is a worry,” she jokes, yet we know she doesn’t mean it and why should she? Dungarees might once have been uncool but with Alexa leading the charge the past is now long forgotten.

And so with our revised and now more accepting attitude to overalls, it’s funny to note one screen star that was way ahead of the curve and even Alexa – Zooey Deschanel. The famously deadpan star has always been at the more quirky and eclectic end of the style spectrum, both onscreen in hits like 500 Days of Summer and Elf and off when performing with her jazz cabaret act, If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies. And a look back at her 2008 comedy, Yes Man reveals her stepping into some seriously cool dungarees as free spirit, Allison.

Like those unveiled by Ralph Lauren, they’re in the classic denim mould and have a lived-in, vintage vibe. They’re not quite as slouchy or boyfriend-esque as those of the New York-born grand couturier and have a fun kick flare to the legs which is so 70s. But this is just one of many ways to wear them. Ralph’s models kept them feminine with accompanying frilly summer blouses, chunky statement jewellery and metallic sandals while Zooey prefers to go more retro, her sandals complete with espadrille wedges and twisted pigtails. And the choices go on and on.

So whether you want laidback grunge cool, utility athleticism or throwback fun, get friendly with some dungarees this spring!