STREET SCENE : Overalls: Flexible Fashion

Overalls are getting an overhaul. And the new variations are among the summer’s leading looks.

They adapt to nightclubs, outdoor eateries and shopping excursions along Melrose Avenue, in their original full-length version, if not in rolled-up or cut-off looks that end at mid-calf or mid-thigh.

As in the ‘60s, when it was part of the trend-setters scene, the look easily crosses the gender gap. Washed blue denim is the preferred fabric, but white denim and engineers stripes are other favorites.

The local Army-Navy surplus store is a good place to find them. But the American Rag store, on La Brea, offers quite a selection of vintage and new styles in various lengths and fabrics.

At her Melrose shop, designer Rachel London makes overalls for children and adults, and decorates them with her signature silk flowers.

In the department stores, leading labels are Big Smith, Oshkosh and Lee. But you have to pre-wash most of these varieties, to soften the fabric.

Hipsters wear overalls over a swimsuit top, a Hawaiian shirt, the ubiquitous T-shirt or just a good tan.