7 Style & Life Hacks for Your Chambray Shirt

Now that April 1st has arrived, we’re in the full swing of 🌸spring things🌸. One of the springiest things of all is making sure to always carry a light layer to prepare for unexpected showers and surprise breezes. But if you’re tired of taking up all that room in your bag just for one item, you’re in luck—that layer is a lot more capable than you may think. We asked our style experts—and part-time MacGyvers—to share their secrets for getting the most out of our favorite layering option, the chambray shirt. These unique uses will have your friends saying, “Wow, that’s so stylish!” And perhaps even, “…What?“

Tie It!

Wearing your chambray as the layer it was put on this good, green Earth to be is always a great choice, but sometimes it can feel a little…blah. Instead of going the usual path, tie the ends of the shirt around your waist for a little more intrigue. Button it up in the front to give your dress the look and feel of a skirt, or leave it open to let the dress take center stage. Knotty never looked so good!

Belt It!

When you’re ready to take off the extra layer but want it on-hand just in case, this nineties holdover is the perfect solution. Imagine your chambray is an old flannel from the grunge era and tie it at your natural waist. It’s a great way to play with the silhouette of the dress—and an easy place to store your chambray when you’re not quite sure what to do with it next. Plus, when you’re done taking a selfie of your totally on-trend nineties look, you can use the shirt’s pockets to carry your phone around. Look, Ma, no hands!

Twist It!

Hair getting in your face and no bobby pin in sight? That’s right—your chambray is here to save the day. Hold out the arms of your shirt and start rolling it from top to bottom like an ancient scroll. Wrap it around your head and tie it in a bow or knot at the top of your neck—whatever you like best! Sure, your head might feel a little heavy from all the excess fabric, but at least your hair’s out of your eyes.

Bag It!

Stumbling upon a convenience store can jog your memory about all the odds and ends you forgot to pick up the last time you went shopping. Why use an actual bag when you can just use your chambray? Throw everything in the center of your chambray, grab it at both ends to keep it all together, and tie the arms around your shoulder. You could very well drop everything you tried so hard to contain, but you can still tell everyone you were being environmentally conscious.

Cape It!

With so many superhero movies making big bucks at the box office, realizing you don’t technically have any superpowers can be a bit disheartening. But that doesn’t mean you can’t trick people into thinking you do! Fold the arms of your chambray into the center of the shirt, then tuck the edges into the arms or neck of the top or dress you’re wearing. And if anyone asks if you can fly? Just tell them it’s your day off.

Bib It!

Suddenly an offer to an impromptu lunch with friends comes on your radar. They suggest a restaurant you already know and love—in fact, you already have a delicious dish in mind. Unfortunately, it’s also the day you decided to take a brand-new dress out for a spin. Thankfully, your chambray can work double-duty as a bib to protect your dress from ruin. Wrap the arms around your neck like a big hug—the rest of the shirt will take care of everything. And if you spill? Just throw it through the wash with your other soiled things!

Dog It!

Does your puppy always feel a bit winded after a long walk? Forget about your warmth—it’s time to put Fido’s interests ahead of your own. Take off your chambray layer and wrap your puppy up in the center of it. Tuck the arms around your neck and the ends under puppy’s bottom. Now you’ve got your very own makeshift Baby Bjorn! Trust us—you’ll be all the rage at the doggy park.

Happy April Fools’ Day! 🙂

Though these ideas are a bit tongue-in-cheek, stay tuned to the “Wear” category for the latest plus-size styling tips.