https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 07:24:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1465304 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:05:02 +0000 frannieb 1465304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread - I think sometimes we get caught up in wanting things because how they look on others. I myself have a chambray button up shirt because I felt I needed one because I saw so many on fashion sights. I didn't take into account that my my fashion aesthetic does not like button down shirts. I wasn't until spending time a YLF and thinking about what I wear and what my silhouettes that I like are that I made this realization.<br />so another fist pump of solidarity - if you have to think really hard about it maybe it is not the shirt for you. &nbsp;<br />Words of wisdom from the book "I'll drink to that" by the personal shopper to the stars Betty Halbriech. &nbsp;Her basic theory if you don't love it at first no amount of time is going to make it better.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1465131 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:45:09 +0000 catgirl 1465131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See, your pinned looks are making me want one - even though I just got rid of THREE (too big, too Western, too meh).&nbsp; WHY?!!&nbsp; The denim and leather skinnies look just KILLS me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1465128 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:40:18 +0000 Anonymous 1465128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think every woman's "go to" piece is a little different. I, for one, don't own a white shirt--even though it's always listed as something every woman should have in her wardrobe. Why? Well, I don't look good in white, for one thing. I also hate trying to keep white shirts white.</p> <p>I bought a couple of button-down shirts this year to wear underneath pullover sweaters. Only one is chambray and most of them are printed, but I'm finding I get a lot of use out of them. I'm chalking this up to the "Who Knew?" thing.</p> <p>Long story short, either you'll be one of those women who gets a lot of wear out of a chambray shirt or you won't, but if you're not sure, maybe just buy one and see... assuming, of course, that you've viewed Pinterest boards, etc. and determined if any of those looks are what you'd actually wear.</p> <p>Hope this helps!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1465108 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:48:40 +0000 trekkiegirl 1465108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To answer Gennifyr's question, no I haven't decided yet. It may come down to which I happen to see first on my next shopping trip lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1463931 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:33:19 +0000 crutcher 1463931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SOOOO...glad that you brought this up...I have also read and drank the koolaid re/chambray shirts...I have three..one Halogen, one RL, one Lucky...I have yet to wear either of these three and felt wonderful...Mostly I just feel meh...Today I tried again to wear the Halogen with a black sweatshirt, black jeggings...I just feel meh in the outfit...<br />Should you buy such a staple and have it in your collection?...Yup, if you try it and are sure you will be able to style it to wonderful in your look...If not, leave the little sweetie by the wayside and move on...<br />I am not sure what I expect but whatever my mind's eye sees and the reality of me in the mirror are just not clicking..<br />JMO... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1463690 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 02:30:11 +0000 annabelle 1463690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes think I have a wardrobe hole, then I look high and low to find the perfect boxy cut perfect burnt orange from the perfect french terry for the dream shirt. Then... I realize about the "wow she looks so cute" fantasy item, the item is (wait for the tada moment...) not something I'd ever thought of wearing when dressing in the morning. So while I don't own a burnt orange french terry shirt, and it seems like a really off the path color and something cozy to own, there never once has been a time when I go to the closet and say "Daaaum I wish I had one of them burnt orange french terry shirts, because I'd wear the hell out of it right now!"&nbsp; I'm learning to distinguish what my brain thinks I want, from what my brain wants me to wear in my real life. </p> <p>BTW for you, I see you in something like Runcarla owns - a lightweight darker denim shirt and not chambray. I have a light colored denim that is pretty distressed with rips and repairs (more than would work for you) and I wear it more often than I expected. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not/page/2#post-1463653 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:54:10 +0000 Carla 1463653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are some items that have become 'classic' - like the Jean jacket, striped mariner shirt, white Jean, white men's shirt, leopard skirt, black pencil skirt, Jean skirt, ballet flat, pointy black pump, beige trench coat, leather motto, riding boot, chelsea boot - I could go on. The chambray shirt, and the plaid shirt are another two. </p> <p>It is USEFUL to have these items in your closet, since they adapt to many outfit combinations and can sometimes be 'just the ticket' to solving a wardrobe delima. I think it is worth experimenting with. If you are having doubts, put it on a list and wait for the perfect 1 (ONE). </p> <p>In my search for a chambray shirt, I probably tried on 2 dozen over a 6 month period of time before I found a very soft DARK denim. I only own one, because it is not a real signiture of my style. I do, however like having it in my closet. I might go a month or longer without even considering it, then it becomes a 'go to' item. </p> <p>FWIW, it is the backbone of my vacation capsule, used by itself and over my sundress in-lieu of a sweater on cooler nights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463642 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:44:55 +0000 Aida 1463642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes considering items in isolation is tricky; the right chambray shirt could certainly be styled in a more rocker way, even blue ones. In cases where I'm looking at a single item I try to think in a more abstract way. For a chambray shirt: Is denim part of my style core? Are button-ups part of my style core? Would I prefer a jacket in the outfits using I'm drawn to? Could I achieve the same vibe with a different kind of shirt?</p> <p>FWIW I have a "classic" chambray shirt which I haven't worn in a couple years that I'll be purging. I also have a faded, very boxy, rather stiff denim shirt which I <i>do</i> enjoy wearing but only as a shirt (as you mentioned, a denim jacket will be cheekier and punkier in most outfits). Since denim and button-up shirts <i>are</i> part of my style core, I've been thinking of also adding a soft white or a vintage-wash <i>denim</i> shirt because I know I'll wear them (as opposed to the more classic chambray).</p> <p>And of course, sometimes we really do just need to get an item and work it into or out of our system :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463629 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:24:38 +0000 Gennifyr 1463629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you make the decision yet? I came across a really light one today for $10 and grabbed it. It's similar in colour to the other light blue stuff I've added for spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463610 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:46:03 +0000 trekkiegirl 1463610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yeah, some of those are really cute! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463581 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 22:38:25 +0000 Marley 1463581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a board on Pinterest right now on the chambray shirt. &nbsp;I have several of them hanging in my closet but haven't worn them for several years - but, I'm thinking about giving them a try again this spring.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/mmillsmargesson/chambray/">https://www.pinterest.com/mmil...../chambray/</a></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463226 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 02:43:55 +0000 DonnaF 1463226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm wondering if a dark denim shirt might suit you better than a lighter blue chambray?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463093 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 20:18:56 +0000 rachylou 1463093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They're good with the black leather leggings. Still, I'm not sure if it's not a distraction. Doesn't seem quite polished enough. I'd lean towards black or grey tho definitely, if I were you.</p> <p>Meanwhile back on the ranch... annagybe found this patched ruffle denim skirt for me last year, and I'm still thinking about it... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463089 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:59:32 +0000 Marlene 1463089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like my chambray shirt. &nbsp;Its the "boyfriend" style from Gap and is very neutral with its details so I find I wear it many different ways. &nbsp;I also like that its 100% cotton (not tencel, which I do not like the feeling of on my skin). &nbsp;I tend to not like collars in general but this one sits perfectly on my neck so it doesn't annoy me the way most collars do. &nbsp;I like to do the denim-on-denim look so it fits into many of my outfits. &nbsp;I don't have ANY white button-front shirts because I find them fussy and stiff but the chambray shirt fills that "must have" role for me in my wardrobe. &nbsp;I find the color of chambray works better with my coloring than a white shirt these days. &nbsp;It may not be my favorite piece of clothing but it does work hard and I'm really glad its there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463079 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:36:13 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1463079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could see you wearing one in the way that Janet describes. Also your examples with the black leather and non-leather leggings. It might be more useful for you than a jacket. I like the way a chambray shirt can serve as a jacket or a shirt. <br />For me, I've found my denim jacket way more useful than my two chambray shirts, though. I just don't wear collared shirts that much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1463006 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:38:47 +0000 trekkiegirl 1463006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rambling Ann - I don't know how, but I somehow missed your post with the Pinterest link. Definitely saw a few in there that I liked! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462957 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:07:10 +0000 thimblelina 1462957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had one a few years ago that I loved. For me it is the hand of the fabric - I want some softness and good drape -- and the color quality -- I like a 'dirty' chambray that skews brownish or grayish rather than baby or royal blue. I wear chambray with black denim, white denim, khaki chinos, army green fatigues, leopard prints and red. I'm looking for a new one now. Madewell has some decent examples. I bought a plaid shirt last fall, too, and I've worn it over 20 times (I track)... Very little would make me more bummed than tying up money in clothing that goes unworn! A dress or cocktail top I realize might only get used a few times a year but I expect every skirt, jean, shirt, jacket or shoe that follows me home to be a real workhorse for at least 3-5 years.<br /> (My old one was BR ca 2008... I wasn't as careful with my laundry then &amp; gradually it's perfect fit became gapey in the bosom. It had snaps so I couldn't just move a button. It ended it's useful life as a sun layer open over a tee in the garden or on hikes...as many of my clothes do!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462951 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:58:02 +0000 AM 1462951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. Janet describes exactly how I wear a chambray. And I have about five of them. I find them incredibly useful for the work from home life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462934 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:36:01 +0000 Janet 1462934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand exactly what you mean! I've been convinced at various times that I "needed" some item that came into my consciousness (often via YLF), even though I'd never considered it before. Yet somehow I managed to get dressed before I had that item, right? </p> <p>That said, I do own a couple of chambray shirts (plus, um, a couple of old "imperfect" ones that stay in Texas for my grungy ranch wear collection). One is a classic fitted Levis one in a mid-wash, one is a roomy light wash blue, and one is a gray Tencel roomy fit from Club Monaco (bought while shopping with Angie and the fabbers in Boston). I find them useful when I want to wear something with non-denim bottoms (they dress down black or patterned trousers really well), dress down a skirt, or layer over a tank or tee in changeable summer weather (almost like a jacket substitute). They also look good with white or cream jeans, although I have to be in the right mood to wear light jeans. In colder months, I sometimes like layering the chambray shirts over a long-sleeve tee when I'm sick of sweaters, and layering a leather jacket over top can provide just enough warmth for the not-so-cold days. </p> <p>My style (when I'm actually making an attempt, which I haven't been for the last month!) is definitely more rock inspired and casual, so I think a chambray or denim shirt can work for that kind of style -- it's all in the styling! I'm definitely a mood dresser too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462929 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:17:38 +0000 trekkiegirl 1462929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rambling Ann - I have some!!! Love them to death I'm afraid to wear them too often though, because they aren't high quality and I want them to last. They have an inside panel like riding breeches, which, being a horsey person, I also love!</p> <p>Texstyle - I'm a mood dresser too, but within the confines of my preassigned "weekly schedule" lol...&nbsp; I often look at my pins for outfit inspiration too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462925 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:00:49 +0000 texstyle 1462925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should add, I'm not sorry I bought the shirt I finally settled on as it satisfied my "need" - rather it was a real need or a perceived one. Now I have a perfectly good chambray shirt in my closet for whenever the mood strikes me. And I'm very mood oriented when it comes to dressing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462923 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:55:19 +0000 Rambling Ann 1462923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you got one and ripped the sleeves off into an edgy tank top, how would that be? &nbsp;A problem with a lot of them is they are loose and floppy, which doesn't match your style at all. Size down? Tailoring to give it some waist definition?&nbsp;</p> <p>Not saying you need one, but being able to say what doesn't work helps me avoid similarly inappropriate purchases. </p> <p>ETA: you need those leather leggings.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462920 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:50:06 +0000 trekkiegirl 1462920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale and Marilyn - thanks for your input. It's certainly a tough decision! I honestly don't know if I really want one or not, and almost feel like I need to just get one and start wearing it, then see what happens. But that is a waste of money I can't justify. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462919 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:47:24 +0000 Susie 1462919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2 or 3 years ago I thought that I "needed" a chambray shirt....doesn't everyone?...&nbsp;and bought one that I probably wore 2, maybe 3 times. It just wasn't me. And I am nodding my head at Lisa because last fall I too almost succumbed to the plaid shirt trend before asking myself why, because I haven't worn plaid in ages. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462918 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:44:55 +0000 trekkiegirl 1462918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point, texstyle. I do wear plenty of dressy things at work, so I could pull this off. On weekends I tend to wear black leggings a lot, so I think I could get quite a bit of use out of the shirt then. I'm so torn now, because I just remembered that one of my favorite outfits is the black leggings, white tank, and chambray shirt look. Especially with leopard flats or brown boots. Super comfy and casual but cute. I know it's the ubiquitous college girl uniform, but I like it, so there And I did happen across a couple other slightly dressier looks that I like, and are a bit more edgy. But again, those could be just as easily recreated with a denim jacket instead... in most cases... ARGH! The decision! </p> <p>And if you're wondering why I'm putting so much into this, instead of just getting one of each, it's because my shopping budget is usually pretty limited so I have to be very careful about what I purchase. I also don't want any more pieces I don't absolutely love. The only exception to this will be if I go to another 3/$1 sale at the thrift store. And even then, I still want to make sure I'm not just buying to buy, because it's so cheap. I need to still be intentional about my purchases! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462913 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:32:46 +0000 Marilyn 1462913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through the same thing with chambray shirts.&nbsp; I tried shirt after shirt looking for the right one and none of them looked right with my other pieces.&nbsp; In the end I came to the conclusion that maybe the look just isn't me.&nbsp; </p> <p>Lisa hit the nail on the head.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462911 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:31:36 +0000 Aziraphale 1462911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I don't know if this helps, but I usually go for a style that is a little darker and grittier than most -- so perhaps the same sort of thing you mean when you say 'edge' --&nbsp;and I have no desire to add a chambray shirt to my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462906 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:20:57 +0000 Astrid 1462906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also wanted one for a while, but every chambray shirt I tried I was feeling kind of meh about. In the end I stopped looking. I think I wanted one because I felt like it would be the perfect versatile piece for my casual life, like the white button down for the dressy woman. And of course chambray looks great on my coloring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462899 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:11:09 +0000 texstyle 1462899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends on several things to me - *if* you wear dresses, skirts and non-denim bottoms a lot if makes more sense unless you really like the denim on denim look, or the denim on casual look.</p> <p>I also bought not one, but several chambray shirts over the course of a couple of years- trying to find "the" one. Finally, for me, it was a faded version that felt the most comfortable out of them all. Which surprised me because I didn't like a faded denim jacket on me and opted instead for a dark wash jacket. Anyway - even though I found the one I wanted (see Finds) and like it - I still don't find that I wear it all that often. I wear a lot of jeans and casual pants and I feel the chambray shirt looks best with dressier bottoms to keep the whole look from being too "country" or "rate" for me. It works with white bottoms and it will also work as a swimsuit coverup for me which makes it worthwhile, just not a workhorse in the wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/contemplating-a-single-piece-and-whether-it-fits-with-my-style-or-not#post-1462898 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:10:46 +0000 viva 1462898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a sheeple too. </p>