You wore them in the '90s, and whether you'll admit it or not, they were extraordinarily comfortable. With their spacious pant-legs and multiple, utilitarian pockets, you rue the day overalls went out of style, until now. According to the New Arrivals at Gap.com, 1969 denim overalls are the next best thing, and at least one woman (besides you), is thrilled.
East Grand Rapids interior designer Mona Buskirk loved her overalls in seventh grade, and she's making a point of heading to Gap this weekend for herself and her daughter. Everyone should experience the comfort and joy of overalls, she says. A middle schooler Mona wore her overalls so much that her mom had to wash them everyday. Weather was never a factor, nor was the setting, Mona had them in capri-length, denim, khaki, and corduroy.
"My friends and I literally used to fight over them," she says. "They were very versatile, you could wear them with a baggy shirt for casual, or dress them up with a tighter shirt and a necklace."
Overalls were appropriate Friday work attire for Mona until she wore them through her pregnancy.
"I donated them, but I would like them back," she says.
Gap is making her dreams come true. The store is fashion forward, or fashion rewind in Mona's opinion.
"Gap is always trying to diversify, especially with their 1969 wear. They have a free spirit when it comes to style," she says.
Some say they'll never don the pants again, like Diane Richards of Grand Rapids.
"I have a rule, if you wore it the first time around, when it comes around again, you're too old to wear it," she says.
Mona is not so convinced, although she is sticking to some rules herself.
"The key to overalls is to accessorize. You have to be confident in them, and never sloppy," she says.
What are your thoughts? Will you jump on the bandwagon headed back in time?
Written by: Erika Fifelski was born and raised in West Michigan, and after a brief stint on the sunrise side, she's home and loving it. Erika enjoys cooking, sewing, vacuuming, and discovering new ways to live sustainably and support local businesses. Photo: Gap
