This outfit looks eerily similar to this outfit from last July. With so many repeat pieces, it’s going to be happening a lot these days. :)
Here are a few more outfits I’ve made with this sleeveless chambray shirt.
Do you want to know something sad? I just recently had to get rid of my classic chambray shirt. I’m trying to remember when I even bought it. Five years ago? And I wore it all the time — like twice a week for those five years.
So, yeah it was pretty gross.
But it was the shirt version of my best friend.
I decided not to replace it right away because the quest for the best friend chambray shirt can’t be rushed, you know?
If you find a winner, let me know.
Shirt: old from Madewell (similar)
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: old from Topshop (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (also, leather version)
Watch: Skagen via Nordstrom
I know how difficult it can be to find a good replacement for an item you’ve loved and worn for years. On the other hand, isn’t it great that we actually keep and wear clothing for that amount of time? It just goes to prove that being interested in style and fashion isn’t necessarily about consumerism.
http://capsulewardrobeexperience.blogspot.no/2015/03/finding-inspiration.html
My sister bought one from Target over 3 years ago and it’s still going strong! It was expensive at the time and from the brand Mossimo. She used to wear it very often but now I have it as a hand me down. I couldn’t find it on the target site but there’s a person selling theirs so you can see what it looks like :)
https://www.tradesy.com/tops/mossimo-button-down-shirt-2063650/?utm_source=gpl&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=CA_Shopping&utm_content=Tops%20%3E%20Button-Downs&CAWELAID=120156970003070784&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=120156970002497125&cadevice=m&gclid=CL-Ahob8z8QCFZQvgQod6K4AQw
Long link, haha. Anyways! I’ve started my first capsule wardrobe for the spring and summer months (where I live they’re pretty much the same thing) and I was wondering how you factor in bathing suits into your budget? Do you not count them into your budget or your capsule? Thanks! I love the blog and site so much it hurts
Katie
Thanks for posting that link. I hadn’t heard of tradesy before and it looks amazing!! I’ve been slowly building my spring summer capsule and have been trying to be conscious and thrifty about my purchases so this app looks like just what I need.
I have been looking forever for a chambray shirt- I would order them online from various stores, only to return them. I tried on all the ones at J.Crew and Madewell and Anthro.
I finally found one at the Gap Outlet for 6 bucks. :-).
My condolences on your chambray bestie…I would be heartbroken lol. I’ll be on the lookout! <3
Hey Caroline,
as I was looking at all the pictures of you wearing this shirt, I noticed I liked your haircut more without bangs. I admire your hair and wished I had that much, that super cool waves, and that gorgeous color. With all your hair pulled back, it revealed more of your face, which is really pretty. I want to say your very long bangs weigh things down a little, and your face seemed more bright without them. Do you regrow them one day, or are you satisfied with them right now?
PS: I’m still thinking of having my hair cut into very short bangs, because I like bangs and the artsy vibe these short blunt ones have. Hope I’ve got enough hair to do so! :)
PPS: You encouraged me to try the Jeans-on-Jeans-trend, which I found very silly until now. But I got a black Jeans shirt, and mix it with blue jeans. Works wonderfully! And not ridiculous or silly at all :)
I thrifted my best friend chambray shirt, it was already paper-thin and soft and perfectly oversized…. But I ripped it one too many times and I replaced it with one from Loft. It functions just fine but it doesn’t have the same charm. Good luck searching!
Kate
Myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
I picked up this one from J. Crew Factory this fall, and have really been loving it! It is an integral part of my European-travel capsule wardrobe.
https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shirts_tops/washed_shirts/PRDOVR~91506/91506.jsp
I have this same one! It was the winner for me after checking out ones from jcrew, old navy, loft, madewell, target. Love the color and cut. I loved the color of the non factory jcrew, but it seemed cut too tight across the shoulders and I was worried I would rip it when I moved!
Kim & Sarah –
How does the sizing run on this shirt?
I’ve been looking for my “unicorn” chambray shirt forever and have tried on multiple styles. Does this run fitted or roomy, like “I stole this from my boyfriend”? Thanks!
I love this outfit! Simple yet very stylish – right up my alley :). I was glad to see you incorporated so many of your existing pieces into your spring capsule – shows the process is really one that works, and that you really can keep creating awesome outfits with a reasonable number of key pieces. Love your blog!
Just gotta say that I am VERY jealous of your sleevelessness; it’s snowing here!
I actually love seeing the same outfit twice – the hair completely changes the vibe of the outfit! It’s a good reminder that hair is a great “accessory” :)
Did you get new jeans for this Spring Capsule. I believe I bought mine sometime after you did and I feel like my knee area has gotten faded, but yours still looks super fresh. I really love this outfit and I wish it was warm enough here for sandals and sleeveless shirts. Hopefully by mid-April!
I love the concept of a “best friend shirt” because everyone has that one shirt that they just can’t help but wear all the time. Sorry about the loss of your chambray, they really are an awesome “goes with everything ” kind of piece.
This is my favorite, favorite chambray shirt: https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/moredenimfavorites/PRDOVR~44875/44875.jsp.
I’m on my second one of these because I, like you, wore the hell out of it for about three years. It finally wore a hole in the armpit, sooooo I bought another one. :)
So sad about the best friend shirt! You might try this one from J.Crew Factory. I bought it last spring and have loved it ever since! http://bit.ly/1K5mCVV
I bought my first ever chambray shirt September 2014 and rapidly began trying to make up for lost time. I LOVE it! And I realized it’s sturdy enough and holds up so well that I take it on vacations with me all the time and where it to or three times with different outfits (and without washing =D). Helps make packing for travel so much easier. Plus it goes with everything.
My chambray is from H&M and granted it’s not even been a year yet, but it’s going strong so far.
Good luck on your search for your next “old faithful” =)
As usual, aritzia has a great one but it’s a little pricey. They always go on sale though. I have one from years ago that’s still going strong!
I LOVE my chambray from JCrew Factory. I actually have a basic one, and one with polka dots. I wear them all. the. time.
This is the basic one I have:
https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shirts_tops/washed_shirts/PRDOVR~32043/32043.jsp
Sadly it doesn’t look like they carry the polka dot one. I love it.
The selvedge chambray at j.crew is hands down the best. They seem to slowly rotate through the different washes/colors. I’ve had mine for 5-ish years and it’s soft as ever and still looks crisp. My husband has the men’s equivalent and it’s his favorite shirt. And the hidden button-down collar is awesome.
Reminds me of the Mary Chapin Carpenter song “This Shirt” the piece of clothing that has gone through so much with you – https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQyCkwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAbL1LptZ8Vc&ei=aIYZVcuHN8yrggSS_oLADQ&usg=AFQjCNHcBm7vPJODHlV1xpjTi58Eldme6A&sig2=xD–V7vHpxWggp3DSPupeg&bvm=bv.89381419,d.eXY
i was wondering why your chambray shirt didn’t make it into the spring capsule! i am very sad for your loss as i also have a beloved chambray shirt that i wear at least 2x a week.
my personal favorite is from h&m, because they are soft cotton but also have some stretch in them. it’s the only long-sleeved chambray shirt i have ever found that fits, as i seem to have broad shoulders and issues with the shoulders/armpit areas always fitting too tightly. i have this one shirt from h&m in about four shades of chambray and i bought a second one in my favorite color for when this one wears out. it’s that good! :)
I love this outfit and the bangs are a great change in my opinion. I mostly do jean on jean by way of my jean jacket but maybe a crambray tank would be a good addition for my summer capsule.
I like the way you take “outfit repeats”. Instead of moaning about it you graciously accepted it :) xx
https://www.jcrew.com/mens_special_shops/slimshop/PRDOVR~43683/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20+225~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~chambray/43683.jsp?isSaleItem=false&isFromSearch=true
This may be the best purchase I have ever made. Like ever. I bought full price, which I never do, in xs men’s about two years ago and I wash and dry it and it literally looks brand new. The details are amazing and the fit is good, though I wish I got the slim fit (that didn’t exist yet in this style.) Good luck with your search, though having tried on multiple JCrew and Madewell women’s chambrays I’d say this chambray is in another league.
i NEVER EVER EVER thought i’d pack up my classic chambray bff. but this season, I traded it out for a lighter linen boyfriend shirt from old navy. I haven’t regretted it yet, but seeing that it went with SO MANY things, we’ll see how it’s looking in a few weeks! <3
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
Hi Caroline,
I really like your style and I enjoy seeing your outfit posts. There’s only one little thing, I’ve noticed that sometimes the shirts need a bit of ironing :S. I think this will give the photo’s a cleaner look and will pull the outfits together. Hope you don’t take this the wrong way ;)
J crew chambray all the way. I had one from br, two different ones from aritzia, and it wasn’t until I bought my j crew that I found “the one”. And then I took my sons to the farm and caught the sleeve on a fence and ripped it! But luckily my mom fixed it and I still wear it.
Good luck on your search!
When you’re ready to buy a replacement, you should check out Tradlands. They make the quintessential chambray shirt, I think.
That is such a universally flattering shirt! I have one so similar and I love it!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Condolences! I did have a look at your Spring Wardrobe and wonder where it was! I too am looking for a chambray shirt. JCrew have one I am eyeing up, but can’t quite afford so I have been scouring Forever 21 for a similar shirt. Do let me know if anyone finds anything?
Thanks for sharing,
Stef :)
the amount of chambray happening in my closet is insane: a dress, a short sleeve, a 3/4 sleeve, a long sleeve, and a tank. (insert hiding face monkey emoji) but they are the best pieces and go with everything!!!
but I have to say my best friend shirt is the long sleeve from the banana republic outlet, I thought cloth and stone was my jam until I put on this one and wanted to wear it to bed….that’s how I know I found a winner with anything. taking day to night to a whole other level over here ;)
Oh, man, there’s a gorgeous one on Tradlands right now that I daydream about. I still haven’t found my perfect chambray shirt, but I suspect that’s the one. I had one that I liked from J. Crew, but it didn’t last out the year before ripping in the shoulders!
Here’s the one from Tradlands so you can daydream about it too!
http://tradlands.com/products/the-clare
Really going to need a tutorial on how you’ve styled your hair here!
I actually have been keeping my eye out for something to recreate this outfit because I love it so. At gap they had a light weight sleeveless chambray that I fell in love with, a little on the pricey side for the material but everything about it is great to me.