It came on slowly.
Hints here and there.
It was probably supported by our love of all things French and a nod to North American western nostalgia.
And then suddenly, 2013 became THE YEAR OF THE CHAMBRAY SHIRT.
Every designer, ever mall shop, everybody has one. They make you think of your boyfriend. They make you think of how sexy a woman can look in a man's shirt. They make you think of Jean Seberg in the South of France:
They have become de rigeur for the wardrobe now, sported by all of the it girls:
And moi:
In the picture above I am wearing the Gap Boyfriend chambray shirt, last year's red eyelet skirt from J Crew and a pair of Marc Fisher slingback wedges.
Ah but here is the thing: even as I was ordering the shirt I worried. Was I a fashion victim, jumping on the latest trend, or was a fashionista, simply adding a new classic to my wardrobe?
When everyone starts hawking something, I start to get nervous. The ruffles of several seasons ago, the hints of neon. In my mind, chambray is a classic fabric and the boyfriend shirt a classic shirt, but how can one be sure? How do you know that you are purchasing something with staying power, or are purchasing something that is about to jump the shark?
I worry about these things. Some of the nice costume jewelry pieces that J Crew has out now appeal to me, but I worry that in two seasons, I will put them aside because the colours will be passe or look clunky. I am almost always late to any band wagon and generally feel that if I am purchasing something, it could mean that the end is near for that style...
I believe I am good on the chambray shirt, though I worry if everyone is wearing it, how much of a lemming am I? As my father always said "if everyone jumped off a cliff would you do it, too, just to fit in?" Um yes, sometimes, dad. I worry that I will be sick of it as I see it so much on others. Perhaps I worry in vain? Perhaps not?
So would love your thoughts on both this trend and on how and why something goes from being a trend to a wardrobe "classic".
Have a great day and stay safe out there!
Hints here and there.
It was probably supported by our love of all things French and a nod to North American western nostalgia.
And then suddenly, 2013 became THE YEAR OF THE CHAMBRAY SHIRT.
Every designer, ever mall shop, everybody has one. They make you think of your boyfriend. They make you think of how sexy a woman can look in a man's shirt. They make you think of Jean Seberg in the South of France:
They have become de rigeur for the wardrobe now, sported by all of the it girls:
 |
| Reese in Paris |
 |
| Charlize |
In the picture above I am wearing the Gap Boyfriend chambray shirt, last year's red eyelet skirt from J Crew and a pair of Marc Fisher slingback wedges.
Ah but here is the thing: even as I was ordering the shirt I worried. Was I a fashion victim, jumping on the latest trend, or was a fashionista, simply adding a new classic to my wardrobe?
When everyone starts hawking something, I start to get nervous. The ruffles of several seasons ago, the hints of neon. In my mind, chambray is a classic fabric and the boyfriend shirt a classic shirt, but how can one be sure? How do you know that you are purchasing something with staying power, or are purchasing something that is about to jump the shark?
I worry about these things. Some of the nice costume jewelry pieces that J Crew has out now appeal to me, but I worry that in two seasons, I will put them aside because the colours will be passe or look clunky. I am almost always late to any band wagon and generally feel that if I am purchasing something, it could mean that the end is near for that style...
I believe I am good on the chambray shirt, though I worry if everyone is wearing it, how much of a lemming am I? As my father always said "if everyone jumped off a cliff would you do it, too, just to fit in?" Um yes, sometimes, dad. I worry that I will be sick of it as I see it so much on others. Perhaps I worry in vain? Perhaps not?
So would love your thoughts on both this trend and on how and why something goes from being a trend to a wardrobe "classic".
Have a great day and stay safe out there!
wendy you are so funny. to me chambray shirts are a staple and a classic. i've been wearing them my entire adult life. maybe it's a california thing?
ReplyDeletei think you are positively safe as far as trends go. i would never stop wearing mine b/c someone deems them passe. and i could care less about who else is wearing them! now those j. crew necklaces...they make me nervous. :)
Thank you Janet - you are a classic so if you tell me I am good, I believe you!!!!
DeleteSO glad you are back and I am LOVING the trip pictures...
WMM, it's all a matter of attitude (well, except for neon). Trends cycle through, so chances are that if chambray starts becoming dated, put it away for 5 years and you are going to be right on trend :)
ReplyDeleteTrend or not, I always buy what I like and wear it with confidence. When something is ubiquitous and I have doubts, I either hold off to see how the "trend" develops, or buy a cheaper version that I wouldn't mind parting with after a few seasons. I don't really have a pack mentality, so I tend to not second guess myself. I think you look fantastic in chambray!
thanks Anthro Blogger - I love this shirt and it was perfect in many ways!
Deletecompletely know what you mean bc I have that predicament all the time. ( says I mostly in lycra from indecision!) but i got chambray after umming and ahing bc ultimately its a jean material and everyone wears jeans as well. But there are certain trends where I just wouldnt bother with. imagine someone walking in wearing the checkerboard dress from louis vuitton? I have to say I would whisper discreetly to my friend - fashion victim/ or msut be garance dore's staff who got a leftover press outfit.But my gay friends would have beaten me to it!
ReplyDeleteCSW - that is very funny! I actually like the chambray shirt more than most button-downs for some reason - i think it is this particular shade of blue and the casualness of it!
DeleteI think of chambray shirts as classic as blue jeans, been wearing them for years and won't stop even if they become passé. As you may know, I nominated myself to do the public service by reviewing almost every chambray shirt J.Crew and its factory store has (still have a few more to go), but I don't mind because I know I'll wear them forever. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe costume jewelry is a different story and why I may mimic the look mostly with vintage/antique things I own but I did succumb to the rosette necklace, albeit with cheap knockoffs.
Agree with Anthro, you look fantastic in chambray! I think that blue is beautiful with your coloring.
Tiffany rose, can I just say that you are doing a most amazing Public Service with your Chambray shirt reviews.
DeleteIf I ever do buy one, I will certainly know where to go to for a run-down of them all!
T.R. - I love your public service! It is funny - hardly see the chambray around here yet, but from the sounds of it with you and Janet, it has been huge in Cali for quite a while. That may be part of the whole western vibe?
DeleteI love the shirt, too and have worn it 5 times in the last three weeks, which is always a sign...
I think Chambray shirts are a total classic - they never go out of style!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I don't own one, nor do I think I ever have owned one. Not because I don't like them, but simply because I'm not a Chambray shirt kind of woman. I would feel like a victim wearing one, I think, just because it would be jumping on the trendwagon for me.
Love the combination of the blue with the rose colour!
Ah Ruth - you hit the nub for me. I might have had one years ago, but not lately and although I loved the shirt, I was feeling very fashion victim-y when I ordered it, even though I also think it wills stand the test of time. I think it is the darn Gayle from J Crew with her pronouncements - I have always worn a stripe T, but it is starting to feel icky to me at times because of how they are hawking them over at the Crew! I may have to stop reading the descriptions..
DeleteYour outfit is perfect, it suits you so well.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realize that chambray was a trend until everyone starting talking about it. I thought it was just a basic item of clothing, like jeans or a black t-shirt. I don't own one, but I wouldn't have any qualms buying one.
Thanks Abby - I just see it everywhere now in magazines, blogs, etc - it has all of sudden become the ubiquitous shirt of the season...
DeleteLast year i got the keeper chambray from the crew and i love it.It is soeasy to wear and versatile,just like wearing jeans.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of getting one,but after seeing it in all the magazines and blogs i had to have one too(i know,i know).
So glad i did:)
Your outfit today is one of the my favorites!!!
Hi Ina!
DeleteMaybe I just take awhile to catch on. And I can assure you that the only way I would ever know what was in style was to check the blog and the web - would never know otherwise as all you see women wearing on the street around here half the time is yoga wear!
Love lightweight chambray, just said sad goodbyes to 12-year-old RLs that were loved to death (and had wide shoulders). But I gotta tell ya, the only gals I saw in chambray shirt in Paris were Americans who were also wearing baseball caps and sneakers. Also grateful for relative absence of capris. On way to airport - see ya soon!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels Fred! WHat were they wearing in Paris?
DeleteNow if you wore it everyday, it would be an issue. I guess when I saw your pic I thought "well doesn't she look good" and not "hmm, chambray". A plain basic chambray is a classic.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, but do you live anywhere near manitoba. We were watching the 3rd in the North America series and they had the yearly red-sided garter snake orgy - it was creepy...http://archive.audubonmagazine.org/features0410/attraction.html. Have a good one and watch out for snakes!
note to self: not every day...
DeleteNope, Manitoba is 1/2 a world away from me - as far from you as Kansas or the Dakotas. The orgy is always a big deal and makes the media coverage here in Canada. Barry is scared to death of snakes so skips it...
I think of a chambray shirt as a classic neutral like the white buttondown that goes with everything. It took me awhile to find one I like: not too thin, not too bulky, not too faded, etc. I bought mine from Jcrew Factory 3 years ago and my favorite way to wear it is with a black pencil skirt. Love your look!
ReplyDeleteHI Marie - I will try that look as I have a black pencil skirt that I bought end of 2012 season and never wore yet! To be fair, it's because I rarely wear skirts these days...But am going to try that this weekend!
DeleteI have worn a chambray shirt since high school so I'd say it's got staying power. I still have my old Banana Republic one from the 1990s. It is a bit thicker and heavier than I like, but I can't bring myself to get rid of it yet.
ReplyDeleteI think the trendy part of the chambray shirt is wearing it with a dressier bottom like you have with this skirt or like J. Crew puts it with everything. The shirt itself is a classic and won't go out of style. You will always find way to wear it. I think it looks fantastic here, I love it with the red skirt and shoes.
I also have an LL Bean denim shirt from the early 1990s that is on its way out. It's got snaps down the front and a straight hem. IMO the hem is dated and I don't like the shirt any more because of that. So it's possible a chambray/denim shirt could be dated if you don't go with a classic style.
HI Cate - great points! I think you are right in the how it could look trendy category! I am impressed that you still have stuff from the 1990s! Even the stuff I could still fit in is long gone - I have such limited closet space that I am always purging!
DeleteWell don't be too impressed, you'll probably see me on Hoarders one of these days ;)
DeleteLove your chambray with red, that is a perfect outfit on you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone, it's a staple like denim jeans. I don't have one, I did but I never wore it so it left, that's more about me not wearing that style of shirt though!
Did you see the new arrivals from JCrew? I can't find anything that stands out but I've only had a quick look. I'm still back in the crewlade bar, hanging drunk over a barstool, after discovering those kiki ballet flats!
Oh I wish my Kikis would come! There is one thing I am thinking of ordering - the black peasant blouse - I have been looking for one for two years! Long story as to why - but am nervous - it has to fit just right not to make me look pregnant!
DeleteI saw the Kikis yesterday and they are cute. In a moment of self-control I did not get them, but definitely would.
DeleteLane, you are NOT helping ;-)
DeleteTried it in the store yesterday. Sheer, I will need a cami and too short. Nothing I liked in the new rollout.
DeleteOh darn - just ordered it - oh well - will give it a try and if it doesn't work - simply return it - got free shipping at least...
DeleteLove the shirt with red-- perhaps you'll start your own trend. I have a large Gap chambray shirt-- very old-- that goes in to the garden with me and cuts down on how much sunscreen I need. I have that keeper one too and love it. MLane wears the same clothes for years and years and beams when he is "in". "See, I told you this would come back!"
ReplyDeleteThat is too funny, Lane! My father used to swear the same thing about his plaid polyester suit! Some hipster in NYC is probably wearing it!
DeleteBLUE NOTES WMM, I am with clubhouse here in that a not-too-stylized (shoulders, hem, collar, western buttons) chambray shirt is a staple along with black turtlenecks/ tees, white jeans, a navy cardigan or jumper, dark denim etc.
ReplyDeleteAs always, best to buy and wear the classics/ staples that appeal to us, our frames and our lifestyles personally. Get why ruth and Dani are taking passes, but if button-downs aren't thing there are always chambray tunics, tee shapes (BR had one recently) etc.
Think the shirt you picked is pretty great with your colouring, eyes and the new, more relaxed style that is now most of your routine.
I was wearing striped tees and chambray long before Gayle came along with her high-low, fancy-casual, mix-it-up mash up pronouncements. So I guess I will continue to do so.
As for other ubiquitous trends, one of my tests is always how many items/ outfits will I wear it with (a variation of CPW)? The answer for chambray is weekly or so, distinctive costume necklaces not so much. Although I will cop to picking up a couple of more prominent ones on super-sale - pushing my own traditional/ conservative/ real thing look a bit for not huge dosh. Summer parties, BBQs etc. should be fun, so why not experiment a bit?
Off to troll the new JC roll-out (more printed capris.) Although I might want new Everlane sandals and shirts, so that will divert the crewlade.
Was that an Everlane scarf you wore on your visit with WMM? Very very nice looking. I have some T's from them and like them, esp. for the $.
DeleteYes Lane, that's the Everlane spring scarf in striped sky. A summer staple so far, I am like Dani re. neck burn a/o a little extra layer for the non-stop moves between heat and airco that are city life. Actually wearing their navy v-neck tee right now. Curious what tomorrow's shirt intro will be like, as have been on hunt for just-right-white staple for months now.
DeleteGF - spoken like a woman who knows - amen!
DeleteHi WMM, your outfit is fantastic. I think the chambray shirt is a classic. Likely the way Gayle of JC has styled it will go out of fashion (I am thinking of how she pairs it with heavy costume jewellery necklaces under the collar, with the shirt buttoned to the top) but the shirt itself will endure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise! You have such great taste- I always appreciate your thoughts!
DeleteI 100% hear you, Wendy. I had a chambray shirt in the 1990s (the known as a "jeans shirt") and when I started seeing them everywhere some time ago, I was incredulous that anyone would revive such a ridiculous trend. But then, you know, I got one ... and then a polka-dotted one ... and then a white one. Mine are exclusively from Old Navy and JCPenney, so I am enjoying them a lot now and will not feel guilty if I stop doing so later. I was in Germany this past week and definitely saw no chambray shirts, and not really a lot of/any capris either. Ah well.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder when something will peter out...I was watching the Xfiles with my son last week and there were Laura Ashley dresses and big suits on Scully. I remember loving those looks so much!
Delete