Once you get over a) references to The Waltons b) twinning like a toddler or 3) its association with expecting mums (!) then come and embrace the wonder that is denim dungarees.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while or my Instagram account, then you’ll know that I have a stylish soft spot for any item of clothing that has either been upcycled, is vintage or timeless or just generally falls under the category of  being a ruddy useful item, innit!

Don’t get me wrong, I love a fantastically out-there, dare-to-be-different trend but I’m really trying hard to 1) curate a wardrobe that is not wasteful and 2) works for me and the wardrobe space I have. Plus, lets not forget, finances, too!

For many, racking up a massive plastic debt does not feel good!

Am I right?

Additionally, having to wrestle daily with a wardrobe, rummaging amongst all the fast-fashion buys, bought as a bargain or a whim, certainly doesn’t make me feel good; not to mention it’s a real farrking time waster when you’ve got a PB to smash on the school run and then a train to catch.

If truth be told, I often reach out for the usual style suspects (denim, grey, black, navy or white) and I’m guessing that a lot of you do, too.

Which is why I am here today, wanging on about dungarees. IMHO, they’re worth the investment and get better with age.

My advice is to look for a pair that’s made well (check the fastenings and inside seams) and in terms of fit, the actual style hasn’t really changed much from the classic-but-baggy cut that seems to work with most body shapes.

Like any worthy wardrobe item, it may take time to find the right pair – a bit like searching for the perfect jeans. I’ve popped a selection here, that ‘Barbara’ from The Good Life would be very proud of (I frickin’ love this surburban-80s-sitcom style reference!) I’ve included mine too, which are from Fat Face.

I’ve had my pair for over three years now and honestly wear them loads. Admittedly, they might not come across as being super smart, but I’m here to show you how you can dress them up as well as down and for all seasons, too.

Enough of the talk, let’s walk the walk. Here’s how I wear mine, John- Boy…

So there you have it.

I mean I could literally give you fifty more style options of how to wear them. Dungarees are a lot more versatile than you think. Once the weather warms up, I’m looking forward to wearing them with black midi-heels and also my yellow Swedish Hasbeens.

Over to you folks. What do you think? Daunted by dungarees, still?

I promise you, there’s not a paintbrush in sight…

If you have any style dilemmas you’d like The FT Times to help you with, feel free to drop me a message in the comments below. Simply scroll down. xoxo