Outfit Inspiration: Chambray for Summer

I looked around on Pinterest trying to get my creative vibes moving and saw a few outfits with chambray shirts that reminded me what great pieces these are to have in our closets. Whether you have one chambray shirt, a dress, a skirt or a simple accessory, chambray next to linen is a great fabric for summer. Of course, chambray can be worn all year round, but due to its lighter weave and weight it is ideal for these warmer days.

Girlfriends, summer is still here for a while, and while our feeds, and the retailers are doing their best to move us forward into fall, Halloween and yes even Christmas, I am choosing to embrace these dog days of summer and live them to the fullest.

To me there is nothing more crisp and summery than chambray with white, and a little bit of tan. Thus, though Pinterest was the initial inspiration for this outfit, it is completely my own idea pulled together with pieces from my closet.

While, I have numerous chambray pieces, I went with this thrifted Cremieux, rolled sleeve button down with raw hemline. It needed its time in front of the spotlight. It can be worn on its own as a top, or as I did today used as a topper to add interest to the outfit. It also would provide a bit of warmth in the air conditioning, which in some places can be quite fierce. I’ll include a few options in the shopping links at the end of the article.

My under layer is a simple striped Croft & Barrow tank top, clearance at Kohl’s a few seasons ago. I chose blue and white, but any striped color combination would work for this look. You could also change the look by using a floral print or a graphic tee. Do what you love.

You also know, I have to add a little jewelry, so my necklace, a gift from my spouse, and the bracelets, seen in the previous picture were my add ons. I chose not to bother with a belt. I typically wear them all the time, but it is starting to seem silly when there is no chance of my pants falling down. Ha, ha.

My distressed, white, Stylus jeans are thrifted. I still have to laugh at how I was so against distressing for years, and now I actually look for it. I know not everyone is on the distressed bandwagon, but to each her own. Wear the things that make you feel comfortable and confident. The pieces I don’t feel good in are shorts and short skirts, due to my bad varicose veins. Rather than bemoaning that I don’t feel comfortable in those pieces, I just reach for the things I enjoy and live life.

My bag is a recently thrifted Fossil piece. I have been on the search for a few neutral colored bags. Shhhh! Don’t tell my hubby. He thinks I have too many bags already. Now, that can’t possibly be true! Ha, ha.

Another option with a chambray button down is to tie the bottom, for a cute cropped look.

It occurred to me I could also pull the tank out so it hangs below the tied up chambray piece for an additional fun look.

I thought about wearing white sneakers, but chose my denim Keds instead.

Here are a few possibilities if you are looking for something similar.

Do you have any chambray in your closet? How do you like to wear it? Do you wear it just in the summer or all year round. I love to hear from you, so please leave a comment or two. What did you think of this outfit?

Check out a few of my past chambray outfits by clicking on the links. Denim Daze 2.0, White with Denim, Denim Daze, Long Sleeve Chambray Shirt, Light Wash Chambray, With a Maxi Dress, Chambray Dress with Denim Vest, and With a Poncho.

I am including a few shopping links for chambray pieces, and neutral colored bags. Use these for inspiration or to buy yourself a little something. If you purchase something through one of my links, I get a few pennies, but every cent counts. These are affiliate links brought to you at no additional cost. All opinions are my own.

I hope you have a great day!

Denim Daze 2.0 - Ruffled Chambray Top - Casual

When we talk about denim, we often think of chambray. Chambray typically uses the same cotton fabrics that true denim does, but they are put together in a a different way, called plain weaving, as opposed to twill weaving for denim. Chambray is lighter weight as it uses single strands of thread as opposed to the double strands that denim uses. However, we most often identify chambray as denim as it comes in the same washes and typically serves the same purpose for casual dressing.

This darker wash Liz Claiborne chambray top was on the clearance rack at JC Penney. I don’t frequent Penneys as much now, but when I have a coupon and am looking for a specific item, I will go there. Believe me, as a clothes horse, I have spent lots of money on clothes, but I have always felt the need to shop clearance and second hand. Now, I feel thrifting is even more important for environmental reasons. Land fills are overflowing with plastic, furniture, appliances, clothing and just general garbage. Why throw stuff away, when we can repurpose it?

I thought for a casual look, wearing these Christopher and Banks, Bermuda length shorts would be something different. Plus, most people grab their shorts for summer outfits that are cooler. These Sonoma shorts are light weight, the perfect length for those of us who are a little more leg conscious. I like the way this darker chambray top looks with the tan shorts. For a girl who usually loves lots of color, being more toned down once in a while is a nice change.

I absolutely love the detailing on this popover top. The raw edges on the bodice and sleeves, as well as the ruffles make this a very pretty and interesting piece.

Since this was a relatively casual outfit, I wanted to keep my accessories more minimalistic with a few beaded bracelets, a pendant necklace from Christopher and Banks, a white bag and sneakers.

This white and tan bag is a thrifted Jaclyn Smith. It has a longer strap so you can wear it as a crossbody bag.

This pair of Windsor Knot Grasshoppers were a recent purchase this season. Here is a link to DSW where they have several colors. Once again, it is the details that make an outfit so much more interesting. The stripes on these sneakers and the braided cord, just adds a special touch. Of course this would have looked great with a fun pair of sandals as well.

Do you have a fun top like this, that has unique textural details? How about a pair of shoes that are more interesting because of their different details? A bag can also be a focal piece for an outfit, adding color, texture, and other details.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Remember your comments help my blog, plus I feel like I have friends out there, even though we have never met. If you ever have an idea for a post or a series on my blog, let me know. I’d love to have your input.

I’ve included a few shopping links for more chambray tops, but also for tops with fun details. Be sure to do some window shopping. All your clicks help support the blog as well. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.