The chambray shirt has become a staple in many wardrobes, thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal. This classic piece can be dressed up or down, making it the perfect addition to any outfit. However, for some, styling this shirt can be out of your comfort zone.
Fear not! In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to wear a chambray shirt and give you ideas on how to style it for different occasions. Whether you’re going for a casual look or want to dress it up for an event, we’ve got you covered with chambray shirt outfit ideas.
What is chambray?
A chambray shirt is a type of casual shirt made from lightweight, plain weave chambray fabric that features a characteristic denim-like appearance. Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric that has similarities to denim but is softer and more breathable. The term chambray originated from the French word “cambric,” which refers to fine linen or cotton fabric. The unique texture and color of chambray shirts are achieved by weaving white weft threads with colored warp threads.
What color is chambray?
Typically, blue is the most common color used for the warp thread, resulting in the classic blue chambray shirt. However, other colors such as red or green can also be used.
Advantages of a chambray shirt
Chambray shirts are versatile and can be worn in different settings. They are a fabulous basic for casual outings or laid-back events like picnics, concerts or outdoor barbecues. They also work well for office environments that allow for business-casual attire. One of the best things about chambray shirts is their ability to easily match with various outfits.
They can be paired with jeans or a pair of chinos for an effortless casual look or dressed up by pairing them with dress pants and a blazer. Another advantage of wearing a chambray shirt is its durability and long-lasting quality. Due to its sturdy construction, it can withstand wear and tear better than many other types of shirts.
Types of chambray shirts
The following are different types of chambray shirts that you should consider adding to your wardrobe.
1. Classic Chambray Shirt
The classic chambray shirt is the most common type of chambray shirt that you will find on the market today. This shirt usually features a light blue color, button-down collar, front pocket, and long sleeves with button cuffs. It is an excellent choice for casual wear or as part of your work attire.
2. Western Chambray Shirt
Western-style chambray shirts feature embellishments such as snap buttons instead of regular buttons, yokes on the front and back with contrasting stitching, and sometimes even fringe detailing on the pockets or shoulders. They are perfect for achieving a rugged look when paired with boots, jeans or chinos.
3. Printed/Patterned Chambray Shirts
For those who want something other than solid colors, printed/patterned chambrays are a great option because they add interest to any outfit without being overbearing. Some popular prints include stripes, checks/plaids, polka dots among others.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Chambray Shirt
With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best chambray shirts that suit your style and preferences. Therefore, here are some factors you should consider when selecting a chambray shirt:
1. Fabric quality: The fabric quality of a chambray shirt is crucial; ensure that the material is durable and comfortable on your skin. A high-quality cotton blend will provide breathability to keep you cool during hot weather.
2. Fit: Chambray shirts come in various styles and fits such as slim-fit or regular fit, oversized or cropped fit. It’s important to select a fit that flatters your body type and feels comfortable.
3. Color: Chambray shirts come in different shades of blue ranging from light blue to dark indigo hues. Choose a color that complements your skin tone and personal style.
4. Collar Type: Chambray shirts come with different collar types such as button-down collars, spread collars, or mandarin collars. Selecting a collar type depends on the occasion and personal preference.
5. Stitching details: Look out for fine stitching around seams and buttons as this indicates superior craftsmanship.
6. Brand reputation: Always go for brands with good reputations known for producing high-quality clothing items.
7.Style details: Consider unique style details like pockets ,buttons ,sleeve length etc which make you stand out from others .
if you’re looking for a stylish yet practical wardrobe staple that will never go out of style, consider investing in a high-quality chambray shirt.
What to Wear With a Chambray Shirt: Chambray Shirt Outfits
1- Chambray shirt with wide leg crop pants
Knot your chambray shirt at the waist of a pair of high waisted wide leg crop pants. If you have a short torso like me, knotting it instead of tucking it will extend your torso a bit with high waist pants. Complete your look with a pair of mule slide loafers.
2- Glam it up with a pencil skirt.
Create a glam look with a pencil skirt, heels, and statement necklace. Even if you don’t want to go glam, the dressy casual combination of a pencil skirt and a chambray shirt is always a good option.
3- Pair a chambray shirt with a slip skirt.
Make a slip skirt more casual by pairing it with a chambray shirt and mule loafers.
4- Patterned pants
The next time you are wondering what to wear with a chambray shirt, grap a pair of patterned or print pants. The neutral chambray will work with just about any color or pattern- plaid, houndstooth, floral, etc. Here it was paired with a pair of python print pants. All of the animal prints are great options for pairing with a chambray shirt.
5- Chambray shirt with shorts
Pair up a chambray shirt with neutral chino shorts and add pops of color with accessories for a chic summer outfit.
6-Wear a chambray shirt over a romper
Instead of wondering what to wear with a chambray shirt, think of it as an outer layer. It’s perfect with rompers and jumpsuits and any of those sleeveless summer tops. If you aren’t keen on exposing your upper arms, a chambray shirt is a great lighweight cover up.
7- Over a jumpsuit
Chambray blue works well with fall colors like reds, orange and rust.
8 -Wear a chambray with jeans and a cardigan
Pair chambray with denim but make sure one piece is darker than the other for a little contrast. Add a neutral cardigan fo a perfect fall look.
9 -With Jeans and a Vest
A chambray shirt and jeans topped with a vest is a great classic outfit for fall. Complete the look with coordinating loafers or mules.
10- Dress up a chambray shirt with a blazer
Dress up your shirt with a blazer and boot cut jeans. Finish off with heeled boots, mules or clogs.
11- Wear with brown
Blues and browns are a great down to earth color combination. Pair a blue chambray shirt with a brown cardigan and brown print skirt for fall. Complete the look with lug sole loafers to keep it casual. This look can be dressed up or down and makes for a great transitional outfit in changing seasons.
12 -Wear a classic chambray with faux leather pants
If skirts aren’t your thing, the same shirt and cardigan combo can be worn with faux leather pants. Plain black pants will work as well, but a pair of faux leather pants adds an unexpected edge to your outfit.
13- Layer a chambray under a crew neck sweater
Complete a perfectly layered ensemble for winter with a chambray shirt, sweater, pencil skirt, tights and ankle boots.
14- Layer a chambray under a sweater and pair with jeans
A chambray shirt is a perfect layer with a sweater. Here it adds interest to a fair isle sweater.
15- With velvet jeans and a cardigan
Keep any luxe item like velvet pants on the casual side with a chambray shirt. Stay wtih the overall dressy vibes with a statement necklace. Top with a leopard or other printed cardigan.
See also: 12 Outfits To Wear with Velvet Pants This Holiday and Winter Season
16- Top it with a poncho
Instead of a cardigan, top your chambray shirt and velvet jeans/pants combo with a plaid poncho or large scarf worn as a ponch.
17 – With a quarter zip sweater and cargo pants
A chambray adds a touch of interest to an outfit with a quarter zip sweater. The lighter blue of the chambray creates a nice contrast with the navy sweater and olive pants.
By pairing a chambray shirt with the right combination of pieces, you can create an effortless look that’s both casual and classic. From a sleek pencil skirt and blazer to a comfy pair of jeans and a statement necklace, the options for styling a chambray shirt are endless. There are so many ways to make this timeless wardrobe staple your own.
