The Chambray Shirt is one of those items (like the striped shirt) that appears on many Essentials Lists because of its classic, timeless look and the versatility of it.
That said, it is also one of those “Essentials” that I call optional.
(An “optional essential” - how's that for an oxymoron??)
But hear me out before you skip this one altogether. Unless you just hate the color blue or are opposed to denim in any form, you may want to rethink it.
Like denim jeans, chambray shirts are unique in that they “go with” just about any other color and pattern.
And also like jeans, a chambray shirt gives a casual, modern, laid-back look that can also be incredibly polished and sharp.
But the traditional chambray shirt has less stretch and give than many tops, and many women also don't like the more masculine look of many of them.
I'm always on the lookout for chambray shirts that address these “objections” and when I find them, I add them to the catalog
HERE.
So if you're in the market for one, keep an eye out for one that appeals to you. But if you just don't like them - never have, never will, then today wear a top you DO love - and reach for something that is versatile and can be worn multiple ways.
A while ago I wrote these tips for choosing a Chambray Shirt taking into account your body type. Here are the tips:
PEAR SHAPE: Look for flowy material that can be worn tucked, half-tucked or untucked, that hits at your hip-bone zone (within 1-3 inches of hip bone). Go with the classic button-down style or one with a ruffle collar. Bell sleeves and scoop necks also look great on a pear body type.
Rectangle: Anything goes, but if you have a large chest and don't like a button-up, consider a popover style and flowy fabric that drapes over your curves. Look for one that can be tucked, un-tucked, half-tucked or tied at the waist.
Inverted Triangle: Find one that fits your shoulders but isn't too big in your waist. You may need to have a tailor take your shirt in at the waist and add darts to give it shape. Avoid ruffles or details that add visual weight to your shoulders and opt instead for an angled neckline (which is automatically created with a button-down or split neck shirt).
Hour Glass: Stay clear of button-downs that pull or gape at the chest, but don't go oversized either. Look for something that is tailored that skims over your curves with an open neck. Split neck tops or popover button-downs in a soft material that has some shape are great. If it is too boxy looking, accentuate your waist with a loose half-tuck.
Round/Apple: Wear shirts that flow under your bust, or
peplum styles that expand at the waist. Wear open necks - i.e. scoops and V-necks - as they can lengthen your upper body. Tops should fall lower than your hipbone.
AVOID: Avoid high necklines and boxy, baggy or formless tops are not ideal as they make your upper body look larger.
For Everyone: Adding an open cardigan or jacket over the chambray shirt creates a vertical line down your front...a great trick for many body types.
Once you have a Chambray Shirt you love, your styling options are limitless. See below for just one example, using items from the Wardrobe Basics Essentials.
