From overalls to coveralls, b'gosh

The American coverall has come a long way from the Oshkosh B'Gosh overalls of Farmer Brown's day. It has gained glamour through association with a racy European import—the Pirelli worn by sports car drivers. Now, in the hands of trend-setting designers, it goes into summer in great variety. Although originated to protect other clothing, the coverall has now achieved the primary purpose of covering, period—a purpose of which the young man below is obviously unaware. Fishing in Florida in coveralls designed by Ricci for Haymaker are (left to right) Judy DeFoe in beltless blue cotton ($20); June Plyler in Paisley print cotton ($20), with son Mark; Diji Ladd in pink rose print ($17); and Micki Ballou in silk-and-cotton shantung ($23).

Mechanic-style coveralls are in Anne Fogarty's first sportswear collection. Posing at home is Designer Fogarty in striped denim (Saks Fifth Ave., $18) with models Mona Hawkins in floral piqué ($30) and Luisa Gilardenghi in embroidered denim ($30).

Rooftop gardener Hal Lee wears a striped Dacron-and-cotton coverall (White-house & Hardy, $29.50) as he instructs Luisa, in flowered one-piecer (Brigance for Sportsmaker, $35). At right: Ann Allee helps out in striped coverall (Brigance, $35).

FOUR PHOTOS

SHARLAND