The chambray shirt and how to work it. We’ve all got one in the closet: the classic chambray button-down shirt. The plain-weave fabric was originally made in France, but of course, and is the origin of the term “blue collar.” We women borrowed it from the guys back in the 1940‘s, and no regrets.
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You can find a chambray shirt in dozens of cuts and price points. This one is my favorite: a simple slim cut with a narrow collar and patch pocket. I roll up the sleeves most days, especially these 85-degree days! I found this Banana Republic chambray shirt at a thrift shop for under $10, and it’s a brilliant bargain.

A chambray shirt goes with everything, naturally, and today I dressed it up with a swooshy black tulle skirt. Add some sentimental jewelry, and you’ve got a modern mix of casual and dressy. I often wear wedge sandals with this look, but today I went with my new, love-them, Steve Madden oxfords.


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Now, let’s see what’s in your closet, Visible Women.The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple:
- Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
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- In the “Next Step”, you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you’re done!
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Stay fabulous, and wear what you love, xo

Browse these cool pieces:














Chambray shirts are so versatile – you are inspiring me to wear mine more often! I am also loving your oxfords, that print is awesome! =)
Amber
https://www.avecamber.com
https://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber
Good morning, Amber, and thanks for coming over. Your pale pink cardigan is just lovely – the whole Fall look is polished and smart! xox
Love the way you have styled the chambray shirt. It’s a must have in every wardrobe, such a versatile piece and it’s great the way you have styled it in both scenarios. Enjoy your week!
Alison
xx
Thank you Alison and I hope you’re having an enjoyable week as well! And thanks for supporting Visible Monday, I appreciate you. xox
Both looks are super cute, Patti, especially with the tulle skirt! Love the story of chambray as well. Gotta get me some red sneakers!
Have a great week,
xx Darlene
Thanks so much, Darlene, for your kind words and for linking up! Love your Autumn yellow sweater and those cool wide leg jeans, xox.
A chambray shirt is a definite must in my wardrobe. Love how you’ve styled yours with a tulle skirt—such a fab juxtaposition!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Good morning, Cheryl and thanks for coming over! Your knit-on-knit outfit is exactly what I’d like to wear in the Fall – cozy and calm. xox
I don’t have a chambray shirt! I had one freshman year in high school, and I beaded the back with a sun motif. I traded it with BFF Allison for her completely patched jeans, which ended up as the genesis of my crazy quilt (that I’m still patching). I guess that worked out well for me.
Chambray blue is kind of a meh color for tops for me, which is why I don’t have one. I prefer dark denim.
I love the history of your crazy quilt, Anne! Thanks for linking up, and sharing the Bauhaus and your cool socks/shoes, xox.
I had no idea that’s where the term blue collar worker originated from. Live and learn.
This is another brilliantly chic outfit. Those shoes really make it.
I have to mention your hair is looking particularly fabulous here.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thank you my friend, and thanks for linking up your great adventure. I hope your week is going brilliantly. My hair is being helped by a fun blonde topper that makes me look truly blonde again – thanks for the kind words! xox
I need to start pinning some ideas for wearing my chambray shirts because I don’t wear them often enough!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hello, Mireille, and thanks for linking up! You look fresh and pretty in your cropped white jacket – a great transitional piece. xox
Yep, you’re spot on about chambray. You’ve inspired me to get my shirt out!
Thanks, Kim and thanks for linking up – I can see how very busy you are! Best to you in your new home, I know you will bloom. xox
I cant get enough snakeskin so I love the print! What a steal for a lovely shirt. I love the ease of the style
Good morning, Jess and thanks for coming by. I love your released-hem jeans and those fab snakeskin booties! xox
So cute! Love your snakeskin sneakers.
Thanks, Amy and thanks for linking up. Your daughter and grandchildren are beautiful, and so cheerful to see first thing on a Monday morning! xox
Patti,
What a fun look!
A chambray shirt should be in everyone’s closet!
You are so right about it being versatile!
Come join our link up party today!
Hugs,
Robin
Good morning, Robin and thanks for coming by! I love your wide-leg plaid trousers for Fall, xox.
I am a big fan of chambray shirts because of their versatility! I love this paired with the swooshy tulle skirt!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Yeah me too – loving versatility in a piece of clothing! thanks for coming by and sharing your football wisdom – respect! xox
I love chambray shirts. Really like that heavy chain link necklace you linked in too.
Thanks Julie and thanks for coming over! Your Madewell sweater is cozy and delightful! xox
A good chambray shirt is a wardrobe staple. I often pair mine with tulle so of course I love this! xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Yes I remember your tulle skirt, so inspirational. I’m sorry to hear IG is giving you trouble with numbers; it’s hard to “trust” the numbers that big tech spits out. Keep being your fabulous self, pls, xox.
Love it! Love the contrast!
Thanks Nancy and thanks for participating. Love all the great plaid at your place today! xox
Patti, I love how chic you look in your chambray shirt and tulle skirt! Your mix of “casual” and “fancy” is fun and sassy–just like you. đŸ™‚
Hugs,
Sherry
Thank you, Sherry and thanks for sharing your amazing made-from-napkins new top! You have mad skillz, xox.
I love a good chambray shirt, and it looks fabulous with your tulle skirt! Those shoes are amazing!
Joining you with a bright orangey-coral outfit shortly – thank you so much for hosting “Visible Monday”!
Hello Sheila and Happy Birthday to you!! Thanks for linking up and sharing your always-fabulous outfits, xox.
Dear Patti, love both styles, the one with the skirt is maybe my favorite, I love tulle skirts. Kisses and thanks for the linkup!
Fashion and Cookies – fashion & beauty blog
Thank you, Vale, and how beautiful are you in your print dress with white booties! xox
What a fabulous combination! I love chambray shirts, they go with everything, but I think they look great with a swishy skirt! Gorgeous shoes too!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you dear Emma. Your graphic print wrap dress is gorgeous! xox
Great style i love this classic outfit
http://www.bauchlefashion.com
Hi Heather and thanks for linking! I’m enjoying learning more about FASHOM from your post, xox.
It looks great styled both ways! Love the shoes!
Ellibelle’s Corner
Thanks Ellibelle, and thanks for coming by. You look warm and cozy in your green sweater! xox
Patti,
Another effortlessly cool ensemble and fabulous styling ideas. Thanks for the inspiration. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Rena
https://www.finewhateverblog.com
Hi Rena and thanks for linking up. Love, love the pale pumpkin spice you’re showing today. And a hot cup of it would be lovely too. : > xox
You’re right, Patti, it goes with everything. And I don’t have one in my closet. At least I have found it yet. I luv it with the tulle skirt and oxfords. What could be better than that?! You rock.
Thanks Pao. Love your almost-demure navy look today and the shoes are outrageously good. xox