While statement knitwear claimed its spot as the fashion standout on the most recent series of Traitors UK, an unexpected favourite emerged on the other side of the pond.
Despite Maura Higgins and Lisa Rinna doing the most with their looks, it was a pair of dungarees that stole the show. Worn by Rob Rausch, an ex-Love Island contestant and – SPOILER ALERT – eventual winner of the US Traitors, this workwear classic was given a whole new life. Partly because he's kinda hot, and partly because there's something undeniably appealing about dungarees.
Featured in this article
Paired with a chill confidence, they not only signify practicality and a strong work ethic, but also reimagine a fashion trend that had a chokehold on us in the early 2010s. Did the dungarees, worn without a top, win Rob the Traitors? Possibly – so it might be the perfect time to figure out how to wear dungarees, the 2026 way.
Thinking back to the last time dungarees made such a statement, HBO series Girls instantly comes to mind, with two hero characters donning different versions of overalls during a couple of major scenes.
On one hand, you've got Jessa (played by Jemima Kirke) in a pair of cropped, body-hugging denim dungarees worn with a tight turtleneck and a pair of clogs. It's season 5, and she's in her serious student era, as her affair with Adam slowly emerges to the surface, all while pretending it's not real.
Meanwhile, in the penultimate episode of the series, Hannah (played by the show's creator, Lena Dunham) dons a look from the opposite end of the dungaree spectrum. In her third trimester, the look pays homage to the early days of the character, dressing almost toddler-like and innocent. Hannah's short dungarees have definitely become one of the signature looks of the whole series, referenced a whole decade later.
Around the same time, another dungaree queen was firmly on the scene. Brit style icon Alexa Chung was a de facto instigator of the 2010s dungaree looks. Whether it was her collaboration with denim brand AG (Girls' Jessa wore one from this collection), her love of vintage pieces dating back to the 1970s or her eponymous label, Chung provided us with endless dungaree content that aged pretty masterfully. Even today, her easy, breezy approach to overalls that dressed them up and down feels like a totally achievable style goal.
But you don't just need to look back for inspo. From Zadie Smith to Katie Holmes, celebs continue to reinterpret the piece for 2026. Their recipe on how to wear dungarees? It's pretty simple – just treat them like another pair of jeans. While embracing the country bumpkin vibe might have worked on The Traitors, real-life style responds much better with subtler nods. A cowboy boot poking out of a pair of rolled-up denim overalls is a great intro, as is layering a cardigan and a cropped trench over your dungarees.
If there's a style lesson we actually want to borrow from Rob, it's that dungarees can look pretty sexy, too. Worn without a top, they can act as an elegant alternative to jumpsuits or dresses, with a revealing back and just the perfect amount of side cleavage action. A brand that understands the sex appeal of denim and workwear silhouettes is Dsquared2, though some pretty severe confidence is required to pull their looks off.
Such is the dichotomy of a pair of dungarees. With a few different moves, they can go from the most practical to the sexiest look in your wardrobe, and it's totally up to you in terms of which route you will take.
Scroll to find out some of our favourite dungarees that are currently on the market – as well as different ways of styling them for spring 2026.
Classic Blue Denim
If you close your eyes and think of dungarees, you'll probably be imagining a pair in blue denim. Whether floor-length or in the form of shorts, these have true style potential that goes above and beyond their initial purpose. Belt them, wear under a maxi coat or flip the front flap down and slip on a pair of heels. If you're choosing a classic blue denim pair, think about the rest of the look as far away from a decorating outfit as possible.
Save when you shop with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Apron Dress
As soon as the MiuMiu SS26 show happened, people scurried to find their own interpretation of apron dresses, digging into their grandmothers' closets to find something similar. With a £1660 price tag, the actual MiuMiu dress might seem like an overly ambitious investment for anyone who's just dipping their toes into the dungaree world. So instead, invest in pieces that emulate a similar vibe at a lower price point. A dungaree dress will look great with just a vest or a bra underneath, though it might feel more comfortable layered with a button-up shirt or a long-sleeve ribbed top underneath. Add a pair of chunky sandals or knee-high boots, and you're ready to take the look from day to night.
Save when you shop with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
Dark denim
Like with any retro silhouettes, dark denim is a reliable choice that instantly signifies modernity. Loose, low-slung dungarees with wide legs are a great base for a transitional look, especially when worn with trainers, a bomber jacket and some fun accessories. Or embrace the 1970s vibe with a bandana, a pair of retro glasses and a floral blouse underneath. Darker shades of denim will easily incorporate the piece into your wardrobe without sticking out as a sore thumb.
Save when you shop with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Beyond denim
Whether it's a pattern, a unique shade or an alternative textile like suede or linen, dungarees can also play the role of the star. Instead of trying to blend them into the rest of the outfit, this look is all about putting the focus on the piece. To make sure you don't end up looking like someone's toddler, pair overalls in statement colours and prints with elegant shirting and luxe leather bags that will show you're not only an adult, but a chic adult at that.
Do you now feel more prepped for the next big fashion comeback of 2026? We sure do hope so because dungarees and overalls are turning out to be a true spring favourite. Amped up for the evening or dressed down for every day, overalls are the personality update to classic jeans we've been waiting for. Although we still haven't figured out a practical way of getting them off when we need to go…
.jpg)