Chambray… have you heard of it? Think it’s frumpy or boring?

A chambray/denim top was one of those pieces I never thought I’d wear before starting this blog. Most of the women who wore it seemed to look frumpy. Plus I was stuck on “safe zone” clothes and that wasn’t one of them.

I’m so glad this blog has pushed me to try new things. Chambray has become a favorite in my closet and I now always include a chambray top in my free wardrobe plans for moms.

These photos below come from members of our community who fearlessly accepted our challenge to style chambray in cute, mom friendly outfits.

Before we get started, though, here’s a basic intro to chambray.

What is Chambray?

Officially:

Unofficially, it’s the blue in the pictures below 🙂 And it’s a trend that’s been going strong for several years. In my opinion it’s one of the most mom-friendly trends out there!

You might know chambray as those denim-looking button down shirts everyone wears.

Well you’ve probably either seen them worn the same way over and over, or just plain frumpy.

In this post, we’re going to convince you that chambray (whether in a top or dress) belongs in your mom wardrobe! It’s extremely versatile and durable!

Chambray is most commonly found in tops and dresses. However you’ll also find it in headbands, shorts and even sneakers!

It’s similar to denim, but a much lighter type of fabric. It comes in all shades, from very faded blue to dark blue.

Basic tips for wearing chambray without looking frumpy:

• Dresses should either be cinched (many come with this built in) or worn with a belt to add definition.

• Tops should be fitted enough that they rest snugly on your shoulders and shoulder blades but loose enough that they button without gaping. As is the nature of any button-down shirt it won’t be 100% fitted. That’s okay! You’ll see how fantastic all these ladies look. It doesn’t have to look like a sack 😉

• Busty ladies: Look for a chambray dress without buttons, or for a henley, pull-over style chambray top. That way you can avoid the bursting buttons look 😉

• Only wear chambray with denim (jacket or jeans) if they are opposing shades. For example: A light chambray top with dark wash skinny jeans works great!

• Easiest/fool-proof colors and patterns to wear with Chambray:

  • Floral, plaid, aztec, leopard

  • White, gray, black, any solid color (such as coral, burgundy, or mustard)

Casual Outfit Ideas for Moms Using Chambray Tops & Dresses

Chambray Styled As: A Dress

Polka Dot Chambray + Belt + Thick Cardigan + Leopard Scarf + Leggings + Ankle Boots

Credit: Laurie from Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Dress + Belt + Blazer + Statement Necklace + Leggings + Mules

Credit: Laurie from Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Dress + Tied Button Down Overlay + Pendant Necklace + Tights + Booties

Credit: Laurie from Frumpy Fighters. Chambray/Denim Dress + Utility Vest + Tights + Taupe Booties

Chambray Styled As: A Top

Chambray Top (tucked) + White Pants + Belt + Thong Sandals

Chambray Shirt + Navy Quilted Vest + White Jeans + Riding Boots

Chambray Shirt + Navy Quilted Vest + Leopard Scarf + White Jeans + Riding Boots

Chambray Top (partially tucked) + Burgundy Pants + Belt + Boots

Chambray Top + Herringbone Quilted Vest + Burgundy Pants (cuffed) + Ankle Boots

Credit: Carrie in Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Top (partially tucked) + Statement Color Necklace + Navy Pants + Utility Jacket + Moccasin Slippers

Credit: Carrie in Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Shirt + Thick Pattern Cardigan + White Distressed Jeans + Moccasin Slippers

Credit: Dana in Frumpy Fighters. Striped Tee + Chambray Shirt + Olive Pants + Leopard Flats

Credit: Laurie in Frumpy Fighters. Henley Chambray Top + Pale Pink Pants + Gray Ballet Flats + Fleece Jacket

Credit: Laurie in Frumpy Fighters. Henley Chambray Top + Brown Belt + Leopard Scarf + Black Knee-length Skirt + Leggings + Brown Riding Boots

Credit: Amanda in Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Shirt + Navy Cardigan (shirt sleeves cuffed over) + Black Pants + Black Riding Boots

Credit: Johanna in Frumpy Fighters. Chambray Shirt (tucked) + Floral Skirt + Belt + Cognac Leather Motto Jacket + Cognac Riding Boots

Chambray Styled As: A Layer

Striped Tee + Chambray Shirt (open) + Black Leggings + Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers

Credit: Mary in Frumpy Fighters. Cami Under-layer + Chambray Shirt (buttoned and end tied) + Pattern Maxi Skirt (unfolded and worn empire style)

Credit: Mary in Frumpy Fighters. Pattern Maxi Dress + Chambray Top (open and ends tied) + Straw Fedora

Striped Dress or Skirt + Chambray Shirt + Sweater + Riding Boots

Pattern Dress + Belt + Statement Necklace + Denim Shirt + Combat Boots

Striped Tee Dress + Chambray Shirt (open) + Olive Utility Vest + Taupe Booties

Chambray Top + Ivory V-Neck Sweater + Black Pants (cuffed) + Taupe Booties

Credit: Lorena in Frumpy Fighters. Black Shirt or Cami + Chambray Shirt (open) + Pendant Necklace + Black Pants + Riding Boots

Chambray Shirt + Boat-Neck Long-Sleeve Striped Shirt + Statement Necklace + White Pants + Riding Boots

Credit: Amanda in Frumpy Fighters. Striped Tank (tucked) + Chambray Top (open and tied) + Knee-length A-Line Skirt + Ballet Flats

Credit: Lorena in Frumpy Fighters. White Tee + Chambray Shirt (open) + Pendant Necklace + Burgundy Pants + Lace-up Sneakers

White Tee + Chambray Shirt (open) + Olive Joggers + Thong Sandals

Credit: Carrie in Frumpy Fighters. Striped Tee + Chambray Shirt (open) + Mustard Cardigan + Burgundy Pants + Moccasin Slippers

Isn’t it crazy how many ways there are to wear a chambray top?!

In case you’re starting to think you need one of these in your life, here are some shopping links:

Shopping Links

Here are some affordable options for chambray tops:

Aeropostale | J. Crew | Target | Old Navy (Plus Size) | Target (Plus Size) | Old Navy (Maternity)

Here are some affordable options for chambray dresses:

Target | Target #2 | Old Navy | Target (Maternity) | Old Navy (Maternity) | Old Navy (Plus Size)

Now it’s your turn to share… what do you think about chambray? Have you always loved it, never worn it, or just can’t find one you love yet?
Can you share with us which of these casual outfit ideas for moms you like best?

Click here to leave your response.