Why the boiler suit should be on your new season shopping list

Looking stylish has never been simpler

Cream Denim Boiler Suit, £59, Topshop

Calling all electricians and mechanics: prepare to be the envy of the fashion crowd because boilersuits are officially in.

A style that coincides with the current workwear mood for chunky trainers, belt bags and roomy denim, boilersuits are quickly being elevated to trend status.

But, just how did these loose-fit all-in-ones go from Ghostbusters territory to modern sartorial staple?

The epitome of fashion meets function, boilersuits are a statement outfit contained within one item of clothing, but it wasn’t always that way.

Originally made for wearing while working, boilersuits were popularised by women during the Second World War when they began to work in factories.

Built for hard labour, the overall quickly became the go-to uniform for everyone from fire-fighters to plumbers before it was adopted by the fashion crowd in the Seventies and Eighties.

Denim Utility Boilersuit, £59, Topshop; Slinky Roll Neck Top, £15, Warehouse; Continental 80 Shoes, £74.95, Adidas; Belt Bag with Ring Detail, £19.99, Zara

From feminist campaigners to stars of the screen including Joan Collins in British TV series Tales of the Unexpected and Rebecca Holden in Knight Rider, the boilersuit transcended practical status to become the ultimate all-in-one wardrobe solution.

More recently, it’s been spotted on a whole host of A-listers from Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid to Victoria Beckham, and successfully infiltrated the runway.

Polyester Crepe Boilersuit, £68, Arket; Hurricane High Ankle Boots, £89, Topshop; Icon Belt, £45, Levi’s

Channelling off-duty looks, the boilersuit came in vibrant pops of colour at Hermes, while Emporio Armani provided roomy navy versions, and Alexa Chung and Stella McCartney sent them out in muted hues of white, grey and black.

But, just how easy are they to wear IRL?

Unlike jumpsuits, which tend to be more tailored, boilersuits come in a relaxed fit that can be styled to suit a multitude of occasions.

For day-to-day wear, opting for a boilersuit in a neutral colour, like khaki or black, will prove the most wearable, while those who dislike the roomy fit should look for belted versions and pair with comfy trainers.

For those of you waiting for the weather to warm up, or fancy wearing yours to the office, you can also slip a jersey roll neck underneath for added insulation and switch out ankle-bearing sneakers for a pair of heeled boots.

Belted Satin Boilersuit, £79, & Other Stories; Fine Strappy Sandals, £29.99, Zara; Gina Ball Boxy Bag, £32, Topshop; Gold Medium Molten Hoops, £115, Missoma

For a night out, ditch chunky fabrics such as corduroy or denim, and look for silkier alternatives to counteract the workwear vibes.

Then, finish off with metallic strappy heels, and embellished accessories including hair slides and drop earrings.