Hello Ladies. Today I am joining my friends Sandra from Apart from My Art and Jennifer from A Well Styled Life and we are going to chat about styling a chambray shirt. It is beginning to cool off in the evenings but the days can still be quite warm. I wear chambray all the time. It is part of my uniform. Covid is dictating how I am styling it. We rarely go out to dinner, and we do very little entertaining at home. So, I am going to show you how I would really wear a chambray shirt today. Let’s take a look at how to style a chambray shirt after 50. For me it is all about the accessories.
CHAMBRAY STYLE DURING COVID
Here is the reality. I know not very exciting. I might wear this when I get “cleaned up” for dinner after working in the yard all day.
On the rare occasion that we might have someone over for an alfresco dinner, I might wear the Cp Shades Lily skirt with my trusty J Crew chambray shirt, and an old Lucky Brand embroidered jacket. I also like it with my Gap jean jacket that I have had for years. They are the best. I own a dark one and a light one. I have had both for probably ten years. I am also wearing my Artemis Design Company Mules which you can’t see. You can see how I styled the same CP shades skirt last fall in the post Over 50 fall fashion we can actually wear.
You can find the lily linen skirt on Free People here
Let’s face it most of us just aren’t getting dressed up much anymore. It does feel good to throw on a nice pair of jeans, a chambray shirt, and maybe a Kantha wrap if it cools off. You can find similar wraps on Etsy here. I accessorized with a pair of bamboo earrings and horn and bamboo bracelets which are linked below the photo
Here I am wearing a pair of Banana Republic Pixie Pants, a J Crew Chambray shirt, and a assymetrical black cardigan I have owned for years and my Birdies. I love these shoes. They are super comfortable and accomodate my bunion. The pin is vintage and the earrings are Native American, similar ones linked below.
Before Covid (last fall actually), I really enjoyed this J Crew Sophie Blazer. It is sold out but they have an almost identical one at J Crew Factory, or you can find it on Ebay here.
Immediately before Covid hit I wore my chambray shirt with the Eileen Fisher organic linen jaket to a conference in San Francisco. This jacket is no longer available, but you can find it on Ebay here. I am wearing it with The Artemis Mules you can find here. All items that can be purchased are linked below the photo.The mules are pricey but add interest to any solid outfit. You can read my post on what I packed for a three day conference here.
How do you feel about chambray? Do you wear it? Thank you so much for reading How to Style a Chambray Shirt After 50. Now pop over and visit Jennifer and Sandra to see how they have styled theirs.
A WELL STYLED LIFE
APART FROM MY ART
Karen B. says
Cindy,
You have become a fabulous fashion model. I love the linen skirt and the shawl. Chambray is a favorite but only once it’s cooled a bit. The evenings and mornings are tolerable, but the daytime highs (in Southern CA) are still in the high eighties/nineties.
Such great posts on fashion.
xo,
Karen
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Karen
Oh boy talk about the reluctant fashionista….that’s me. I do love chambray. Let’s face it we aren’t going anywhere too soon …so chambray all day!!
Bev Marshall says
I love your style ideas! I ordered a new denim blouse and the Eileen Fisher red jacket featured on eBay…! Thanks for the ideas!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Bev
I love that Eileen Fisher jacket I am so glad you found one on Ebay. It is great with a denim shirt I think!
Nancy Brantley says
You look great in all these pictures, Cindy! Someone is going to have you modeling their clothes….you know how to put together everything!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You look GREAT in chambray. I am wearing mine all the time. No ironing 🙂 I just love the shot of you in the leopard cardigan. Stunning!!
Deborah Milne says
Cindy, you’ve brought out the best looks using a chambray shirt. I’m a big fan & own almost as many as I do black blazers. They are a little bit rock & roll with my more conservative pieces. And before I forget, I see to ask to see your birth certificate! You are always so youthful!!
Lauren says
You look beautiful always! I can’t believe you think you aren’t photogenic. Great outfits too.
Heidi says
Hi Cindy,
You look so good in all these looks. You always look so stylish and pretty! I love that shawl and am considering a long skirt, but where will I wear it right now?
I like chambray and have a few shirts, and shirt dresses, too. Which I haven’t worn this summer because I haven’t gone anywhere. My favorite chambray shirt gets worn less because it’s kind of crunchy if I don’t put it in the dryer, but I’m so afraid it will shrink if do, and then it will gape at the chest . Any tips how to best care for 100% cotton and not get that stiffness if you hang dry?
Hope the air clears soon and we can all take a collective deep breathe of relief!
Xo Heidi
Nan says
Hope this helps you- I wash my woven cottons in cold water delicate setting, thoroughly shake out the wrinkles, put them in the dryer set on extra low with a big towel and wool dryer balls for 5-10 minutes, then remove immediately and hang up to air dry. Steaming, rather than ironing, helps to soften also.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nan
That is exactly what I do. I hate to iron!
Carrie says
How did I not come across your blog before? I came today from Jennifer’s excellent blog and am delighted to add you to my list of must reads! I look forward to digging into your past posts as well! 🤗
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Carrie
Thank you so much for stopping in. I love Jennifer’s blog and I hope you will enjoy mine as well!
Linda Johnston says
I actually pulled out long sleeved shirt this morning. It won’t last, this cool weather but I do need some inspiration for fall clothes. Thanks for providing some!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Linda
It is still Indian Summer here as well! We can dream, right?
Dora Renata Pala says
Ciao Cindy
Con immenso piacere ho visto le tue foto. Rallegrano la giornata, ho appena finito il mio turno volontario l centro tumori, e quindi un po’ di leggerezza fa piacere, il mio looks favorito è la prima foto, molto preppy. Divina anche quella con la bellissima sciarpa. A presto.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Dora
You are so good to volunteer there it must be tough. Thank you so much for the kind words and support. I so enjoy hearing from you!
judith says
Cindy, you look beautiful in every photo. I want to look at the others, but the above link to A Well-Styled Life lands back at your blog, not hers.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Judith
That is so weird another friend had trouble as well, but it worked for me. My blog was definitely having issues today.
Jennifer says
You look amazing in all your looks. I’m always inspired by your looks! Those Birdies look like I need to own them. This was a fun one.
Cindy Hattersley says
Jennifer you would love the birdies they are just like slippers!
Nan says
One of my favorite buys last year was Eileen Fisher’s long chambray denim tunic with mandarin collar in organic cotton! The trend of using Tencel in lieu of cotton drives me nuts… there is nothing like the drape and feel of chambray and denim, linen too- worn over time. You look fantastic today, Cindy!
Cindy Hattersley says
I am with you Nan. I do not care for tencel. I prefer natural fabrics as well. Thank you so much for the kind comment. Have a great day!
Linda Henderson says
Thanks for the chambray style ideas. You look terrific! I always enjoy reading your blog.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Linda
Thank you for always making my day with your sweet comments! You are greatly appreciated!
LA CONTESSA says
OKAY……………YOU HAVE CONQUERED THE CAMERA AND THE FASHION!
WE ARE GOING TO BE SAYING I KNEW HER BACK IN THE DAY of BLOGGING!I have a feeling a major BRAND is going to SNATCH YOU UP…………………..
YOU look FANTASTIC IN ALL LOOKS!.I even like the WHITE JEANS ON YOU!I’m still MAD about those sandals NEVER ARRIVING FOR YOU!
ANYHOW………..YOU DONE GOOD off to see how JENNIFER STYLED HER LOOK as I started at SANDRA’s POST!Which we can still say SHE IS OUR ROCK STAR!THE STORIES SHE SHARES!!!!!!!
XX
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Elizabeth
You are waaay too nice and waaay too cofident of my abilities! It takes a village to get a decent shot especially when the air is orange. Good think I was wearing earth tones! Off to read your garden post!!
sandra Sallin says
What fun it is to post with you. Of course I jumped at this one. As you can see I love Chambray and denim. Look at you!!! I remember when you thought you were not a model. Now? You’re rocking it Cindy. I love the way you style and model clothes. I’ve always loved your style. I didn’t know you had hair ( frizzy, wiry uncontrollable) that was impossible also. You alway look jut right. Love your style wether it’s on you, inside your house or outside!
Cindy Hattersley says
I love you Sandra! Trust me about the hair. I am always the one that starts out looking halfway tidy and within about half an hour I am a mess! Thank you so much for doing this with us! You are the chambray queen. Loved seeing a bit of your lovely garden as well!
Carolina says
Chambray shirts are my go to. They have been for years! However, it never occurred to me to pin it at the neck. Once again, thank you so much for the inspiration.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Carolina
I love pins! Thank you so much for reading. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Rosemary Smith says
I love chambray! I wear it often and have for years. I am always inspired by your style!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Rosemary
Thank you so much. I certainly never considered myself a fashionista but I am so glad you ladies think otherwise!!
Cyndi says
I love, love your style! You look fantastic in everything. I do love chambray and jean shirts. I need to try one of those long skirts but at 5’3’ I’m afraid it may overpower me.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Cyndi
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am very fond of the Lily skirt and how it is cut. I am only 5’4 by the way, but am very long waisted. Mary Ann ordered one and is very happy with it. I have found all of mine on either Ebay or Poshmark. I hate to pay full price for anything if I don’t have to! FYI they make a skirt called the Fanny and it is mid length. It might hit you at the ankles.
Annie Diamond says
Cindy! I love all of your looks and chambray is so perfect for you! I love that gold maxi skirt with your denim jacket with the flower patch or is it embroidery? Love your Kantha wrap too and how you accessorize each look too!
Cindy Hattersley says
Annie I thought of your friend when I dragged that jacket out of my storage closet. I loved those jeans you had her do. If I could get into a store and try on jeans (i have your madewell ones on my list) I would love to send them to her and have her work her magic. I am kind of crazy for kantha. I am glad you love it too!! Maybe you should order one for our fall fashion!
Francesca B. says
Hi Cindy,
Thank you so much for your lovely post and all the wonderful ideas. I have many Christmas presents now in mind for dear friends and family.Those Katha scarves, bliss! I wear Chambray with my silver and turquoise necklace I bought years ago in Hawaii and when I feel in the mood I have a sleeveless v neck I knitted from a Kasse Fassett design in gorgeous blues and greens and purples which is very textual and fun. That and a leather and silver necklace.
Take care,happy day:)
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Francesca
I can just visualize your Kaffe Fasset! Love his designs. I also know from your comments that you are a very stylish lady and one I would be delighted to meet!
Francesca B. says
Right back at ya Cindy! Enjoy the week friend 🙂
Jeanne Henriques says
Always so inspired by what you pull together Cindy, you look wonderful in everything! Chambray shirt and jeans is pretty much my uniform around Tahilla Farm…add hiking boots and that’s my day. If I want to jazz it up, like you, it’s Artemis…for me, the smoking shoes, a cashmere wrap from Travelwrap and an armful of bangles from my travels. Dress up or down, a spritz of Jo Loves ‘pomelo’ and lipstick from Armani. Done! All my favorites. Hope you are well Cindy…xx
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Jeanne
Well I am honored that you enjoyed the post. You know how much I liked cashmere jeans. Any chance of resurrecting it? You are a girl after my own heart. Artemis, Chambray, Joe Malone & bangles! I have reverted to wearing stila lipcolor again as it does not rub off under the mask. I hear so many good things about Armani, would love to give it a try once we can be out and about more!