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When I remember that I’ve only been wearing chambray shirts for 7 years, it almost doesn’t make sense. They’ve become such a staple in my wardrobe over the past few years, that they feel like something that’s always been a part of my life. But when I actually think about it, I remember that no, I didn’t actually become interested in chambray shirts until I started hanging out on Pinterest and interning at American Eagle. It was then that my eyes were opened up to versatility that is a chambray shirt and I learned how to style a chambray shirt so many different ways. But before we get into all of the fun stuff, let’s start with the basics.
J.Crew Factory Chambray
Aeo Jegging
Everlane Modern Wrap Sandal c/o
J.Crew Factory Ear Jackets
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J.Crew Factory Chambray
Aeo Jegging
Everlane Modern Wrap Sandal c/o
J.Crew Factory Ear Jackets
What Is Chambray?
A lot of people think that denim and chambray are the same thing , but that’s not really true. They’re made similarly: by weaving cotton together, but the construction of each of those fabrics is different. Chambray , is a simple crisscross weave, allowing it to be lighterweight. It also allows for an even exposure of the colored and white yarn. That’s why some chambray also tends to be lighter.
Denim on the other hand, is made with a diagonal weave. Why is this weave important? Well, it has two times the amount of yarn, causing it to be a heavier weight. It also hides more of the white yarn, pushing the white yarn to the back. That’s why your jeans are typically lighter if you turn them inside out.
Does that make sense? Feel free to ask for further clarification in the comments about the weaves and weights! Proper Cloth also has a great close up picture of both cloths so you can see the different weaves, if you’re curious.
When To Wear Chambray
Because chambray is such a light fabric, it can be perfect to wear by itself in the warmer months, like summer, or as a a layering piece in cooler months.
In the summer, I like to squeeze as much use out of it as possible though. Why? Because it’s the perfect piece for all of your weekend outings. I’ve worn mine running errands, getting dinner with friends, sitting on the couch reading, or to your fourth of July bbqs. I’ve even found chambray skirts that are perfect for work! It might seem or feel weird the first few times, but trust me, once you get comfortable with the idea, it’s completely worth it.
In the colder months, everything I said still applies. still keep most of your chambray shirts for weekends, but you can really use any event or excuse to pull them back out.
How To Style A Chambray Shirt
Trying to figure out how you could pull off all of the ways I mentioned styling a chambray shirt above with some of the examples below? Well let’s imagine you have a busy day of running errands and then going out in the evening. Here’s what you’ll do: you can throw it on with a pair of old shorts to run errands in the morning, and then switch out the shorts for a nicer pair of white bottoms or fun shorts for an evening outing (like a dinner date or a friend’s bbq). Getting brunch with friends? Through it over a dress and knot the front to give yourself a more defined waistline.
Personally, I have three favorite ways I like to style chambray. First, I love to style chambray with leather details. Why? Well have you noticed that chambray with leather looks really good together? Look how well in some of these pictures my chambray shirt plays off of the cognac.
My other favorite way is to style chambray with black skinny jeans. I feel like it it does two things. First, the black skinny jeans help to slim and lengthen the look of your legs. Second, since a chambray tends to be brighter colors, a chambray can really help to brighten up the overall look of the outfit.
Finally, the third tends to always surprise people. I love finding ways I can mix around my outfits. The the recent one in the past years has been chambray shirts paired with skirts. It’s a fun twist on your basic work outfit. The only downside is that they tend to have an issue with the shirt coming untucked. I found a solution a few months ago though, when I saw on their site that J.Crew was selling a chambray bodysuit. My chambray shirt coming undone will no longer be a problem!
A few other looks I want to try? A chambray shirt paired with a maxi dress (like I mentioned above). I’ve also still never paired my chambray shirt with leather or with leather leggings. But I think this should be the year I finally try it out. What do you think though? Do you have any suggestions about how I should style it? (Also, isn’t it funny how much of a transition piece this top is.)
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I’m totally okay with the Canadian tuxedo. Just make sure that your chambray and jeans are completely different shades if you’re going to do chambray on denim.
Chambray Shirt With White Jeans Outfit
Today’s outfit was a little similar to one that I seem to do every other year around spring and summer. A chambray top, white skinny jeans, and sandals. But this year was going to be different. First, my chambray was finally even more lightweight AND it had light sleeves AND it was a popover. Next, I traded out the typical cognac sandals that I always wear and substituted them for these pretty dusty pink wrap flats from Everlane. I love the little addition of color from flats like these. It adds a little something to every outfit and makes it seem a little extra special.
Photos by Kimberly Graydon
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