1. What's In Stock (WIS)
If you want to try out chambray, but you don't know what pieces to look for, here are some ideas. First of all, chambray shirts. Chambray shirts give you a casual/working girl look (Rosie the Riveter, everybody), but you can always feminize the look with the right accessories or a cute skirt.
Most shirts are long-sleeve button downs, but some are short-sleeve. In addition to sleeve length, patterns are changing. Solid denim is getting a makeover with prints like hearts, anchors, and polka dots. Also, ombre denim is becoming popular.
Not only do they have prints, they have colors. Jeans aren't the only thing that can make a splash. Chambray shirts are working up the waves. Colored chambray makes it easier to pair a chambray shirt with jeans, so you don't get the "denim on denim cringe".
The second chambray trend is backpacks. Of course a patterned backpack is fun, but why not make it denim? I think a cute acid wash look is a must. It gives an edgy, free look that works well with anything. I'd be careful with denim bags, though. You don't want to look too hippie or like a super-retro throwback.
The last chambray trend is dresses! Dresses are great but a denim dress is adorable in any and every way. I like the 50s housewife style dress with a collar.
A fresh chambray sundress is a summer essential. It creates an urban look that you can easily pair with gladiator sandals and a cute cardigan.
Not only does the denim dress trend work in warm weather, it can carry over to fall and winter (though winter may be too cold). Think about it. What could be cuter than a chambray dress and a nice pair of boots? Not much.
A trend that's multi-seasonal is a plus, because there are so many ways you can style it, and you never have to pack it away with your summer or fall clothing in anticipation for another season.
So what's not to like about chambray dresses? Scratch that. What's not to love?
2. To Pair With (TPW)
Pairing a chambray item can be hard. There's the ever-present fear of that denim-on-denim nightmare just waiting to happen. It's a fashion rule. Never ever ever should you pair denim with denim, unless there's a contrast with washes/color (so say no to light wash + light wash.)
My fixes to those "what to wear it with" blues are simple. A chambray item is such a statement on its own, so don't completely overpower it. Nothing to crazy or bright and you'll look like a perfect 10.
Personally, I would take a chambray shirt and pair it with floral skinny jeans in a lighter color. I'd tuck in the shirt, and only button it halfway. Underneath, a black cami would do. Ankle boots, a neutral bag, and little to no jewelry.
For a housewife chambray dress with a collar, I'd add simple jewelry (nice silver bangles and rings will do) combat boots, sandals, or wedges. For a fall appropriate look, an infinity scarf and cognac boots would spice up a chilly Saturday outfit.
A chambray sundress is a spring and summer dazzler. I'd go Ariana Grande style with a youthful cardi and flats. Sandals and wedges can transform the look from town-exploring chic to beach picnic glam. For jewelry, a cute woven bracelet (like a friendship bracelet) gives a beachy and boho look without taking the attention away from the chambray.
If you're still stuck with your outfit woes, comment below and I'll see what I can do!
3. Make-upped Pretty (MUP)
There's a lot of ways to wear your makeup with this look. Only a little bit is needed because A) you're beautiful without makeup and B) you want some focus on your outfit, not just your face.
A simple eye with neutral shadow and mascara would tone the look down, but if you want a pop, add a bold lip color. For a cutesy-fresh look, dewy pinks add some youth to an edgier chambray outfit.
To me, the key is the lips. Bold gives a pop to a chambray-fied outfit and natural gives a new and springy feeling to an adorable style.
Whatever you choose, feel confident in it. As they say, confidence is the best makeup you can use. Or maybe its just me who says that, but it's true. Showing you can rock your style with a smile gives everyone the impression that you are unstoppable!
4. Hair and Now (HAN)
Of course hair is an accessory! The way you style it changes the look entirely.
For that chambray shirt with floral skinnies, and pompadour (bump in the front area) says fierce and glam. If you want it casual, try curling your hair and pinning the front pieces on either side of your hair on the back of your head with a hair bow. Or go the Rosie way, and wear a bandanna like a headband.
With the collared dress, the hair bow style works well. Also, a braid or bun is a smashing way to keep your locks pretty and out of the way.
And finally, when you're modeling the Ariana-style outfit, go Ariana with the hair as well. Just throw your hair into a ponytail and look fab. If you have straight hair, you can curl your hair in the ponytail so you'll look like you are twinning with Ari...or she's twinning with you!
So that's this week's trend. Chambray is definitely cute and easy to wear. The great part is you can wear chambray to so many places - school, work, parties, out and about! Try it out! When you do, tell me how it worked. If you still need help comment below and ask me for extra advice. Thanks for reading! XOXO, Meryl
Tank $60, ChicNova; Shirt $19.50, Old Navy; Shirt $47.40, ChicNova; Dress $70, LuLu's; Dress $39.50, PacSun; Dress $49.99, ModCloth; Bag $49, Urban Outfitters; Bag $129.40, ChicNova; Bag $26.99, Charlotte Russe; Cardigan $34.99, ModCloth; Wedges $29.50, Wet Seal; Bangle $6.80, Forever 21; Lip Balm $3.99, Maybelline; Blush $15.25, L'Oreal Paris; Eyeshadow $18, Sephora.
