Three Ways: Chambray Shirt for Work and Play

Nov 22, 2011

The chambray shirt in these sets is perfect.  It’s just dark enough.  Just slim enough.  Just casual enough.  Perhaps, that is why it is selling out so fast.
 

Blazer: J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer ($188) Shirt: Old Navy Chambray Shirt ($27) Skirt: LK Bennett Safari Skirt (60 British Pounds)

Earrings: Blu Bijoux Pave Crystal Studs ($40)  Bag: Mulholland Weekend Safari Bag ($875) Shoes: Zara Frilled Bootie ($100)

I do not believe that cold weather is an excuse to wear black and hide my body away.  Do that and your just asking to wake up in March pale, depressed and with ten extra pounds on your middle.  Color, people, color.

I think casual attire for the office should be a little more office than casual.  So here, we have a blazer and a pencil skirt to balance the casualness of the chambray shirt.  

I added some frilled booties, I would probably wear them with nude fishnets.  Throw on some slightly sparkly studs and toss in a large bag and your ready to go from casual Friday to your weekend vacation.

This ensemble is screaming for a sleek ponytail and a lightly-tinted pink lip.

ShirtOld Navy Chambray Shirt ($27) Jeans: Rich and Skinny Black Denim ($150)

Earrings: Fossil Disco Ball Studs ($28)  Clutch: BCBG Harlow Clutch ($68)  Shoes: Chinese Laundry Wink Stilettos ($100)

Chambray with black denim is a very popular look right now.  Look through the street style photos from NY Fashion Week, and you will see this ensemble pops up frequently.To glam it up a bit, I added sky high heels, a teal snakeskin clutch and sparkly earrings.

For your hair, I would suggest loose waves.  For your makeup, I would suggest eyeliner and a matte lip in red or berry.

ShirtOld Navy Chambray Shirt ($27) Skirt: Lanvin Taffeta Maxi Skirt ($4,150)

Earrings: Suzanna Dai Sunset Boulevard Drops ($200) Bag: Edith Franchi Clutch ($188) Shoes: Reed Krakoff Leather Trim Boots ($795)

This look is an interesting mix of casual and dressy, but I like the way the taffeta ball skirt plays with the chambray shirt.  And, if you happened to find a ball gown skirt at the local Goodwill, you could probably put this look together for peanuts.  To balance the outfit, I chose suede boots, a box clutch and sophisticated drop earrings.  

This is the kind of outfit that you wear to a fancy dinner party at your boss’s home.  I think it would look best with bouncy, wavy hair and natural makeup with extra mascara.

Three Ways

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  1. Monica says:

    This is fantastic! I've had a navy chambray shirt that's been sitting in my closet because I can't figure out what to wear with it. Would it work in the office with a goldenrod pencil skirt? Are black jeans too dark with a navy shirt?

  2. Govvie says:

    Very creative and pretty ensembles. So do you tuck the chambray shirt into the pencil skirt? Because pencil sirts are so slim, I try to avoid tucking things into them and thus adding any extra padding around my tummy.

  3. Govvie says:

    ha ha. Just read the person complaining about the earlier post. Belle, can you please devote additional compensation-free hours a week to this blog in order to make my complementary reading experience more convenient for me? I don't know how you don't just tell people to f off sometimes.

  4. Roberta says:

    When I saw this shirt earlier today, I thought “really?” since the last time I wore a chambray shirt was about 1996, and I had no plans to revisit it. But I love the way you styled it – eye opening and inspiring.

  5. Aunt_Pete says:

    I LOVE the casual date outfit. As a curvy lady, however, I always find skinny jeans difficult. I might have to look into a black pair though. With a pointy toe black heel, I might be able to pull it off.

  6. Katie says:

    In the Thanksgiving mood, I must say I'm thankful for great blog posts like this!

  7. Ms. C says:

    Fantastic content today! First you provide a possible fix for the little cystic friend that has taken up residence on my cheek for the past six months. And now you've solved my sartorial holiday enigma known as “proper attire for that fancy but intimate practice group holiday dinner party.” P.S. for ladies who like that last look but not the $4k price tag of the skirt, JCrew offers a less fabulous but more reasonably priced option in the Silk Chiffon Sophia Skirt. https://www.jcrew.com/wedding/Wedding_Bridesmaid/bridesmaidpartydresses/silkchiffon/PRDOVR~26694/26694.jsp

  8. Ms. C says:

    Ohh! And I just realized that a necklace I already own will look perfect with the chambray shirt/long silk chiffon skirt combo: https://shop.elvafields.com/collections/necklaces/products/decadent-dawning. Seriously, Belle, you've saved me with this outfit post.

  9. Purchasing a shirt with trio purpose is a good idea. This is a brilliant choice for smart shoppers!

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