6 Chambray Shirt Outfits for Men

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As summer melts into fall, and then bounces back again, and again, and again…it can be an absolute nightmare figuring out what to wear. It’s why I advise styling clients to adopt the most basic of uniformed dressing to make rolling out of bed and out the door easier during transitional weather.

Where to start? Zhushing up your classic button-down shirt outfit. Now, sure, you could opt for a classic blue or white poplin as your base, but I suggest something a little more fun, a little more interesting. For my clients, I tell them chambray shirt outfits for men are a surefire style winner.

What is a chambray shirt, anyway?

So, aren’t we just talking about denim shirts here? Well, no, actually. While both chambray and denim fabrics are made the same way — namely, by weaving blue yarn with white yarn — the way they’re woven (twill for denim, plain for chambray) is what makes them look and feel different from one another.

This illustration shows that as a chambray shirt gets darker, it generally looks more formal. As you shop for a chambray shirt, consider what style will give you the most bang for your buck in your wardrobe.

Okay, so what does all this actually mean?

Honestly, not much to the average clothes-wearer.

Just know that a chambray shirt is generally lighter than a denim shirt. While a denim shirt gives off major shacket vibes and is a decidedly casual look, chambray is more of a chameleon.

You can find chambray shirts in a wide variety of color from light to dark blue. Some shirts will be appropriate for the office, while others are meant strictly for off-duty style.

Okay, that’s great, but how about some actual, #SGapproved outfit ideas? I’ve got you.

Get inspired with chambray shirt outfits for men:

man wearing a chambray shirt open over a white t-shirt with wide legged jeans and sneakers — images: @alino_who

man from behind wearing a chambray shirt with wide legged jeans and sneakers — images: @alino_who

WEAR YOUR CHAMBRAY OPEN OVER A T-SHIRT

For a casual look, pair your chambray with a white tee or even a simple striped tee for an outfit that’s the definition of “easy, breezy.”

I love the wide-leg bottoms here, but you could opt for a slimmer fit if this feels too trendy.

man standing in front of a wall of greenery wearing a chambray shirt and off-white jeans with gardening clogs — @fitting_in_now

KICK OFF THE ‘COASTAL GRANDFATHER’ TREND

Have you heard of the coastal grandmother aesthetic? It’s basically a trend where you dress like Diane Keaton in every Nancy Meyers movie. Namely, a rich retired woman with an unexpectedly zany sex life, who has a fabulous kitchen in her quaint beach house.

This look is the much-needed male equivalent. By pairing a chambray shirt with cream chinos and some clogs the effect will be rich, retired Jack Nicholson engaging in relations with women his own age (high praise, to be clear).

man wearing a dark blue chambray shirt with blue pants and a brown belt — images: @dress_wisconsibly

close-up of a man wearing a chambray button-down shirt with a brown belt and dark blue pants — images: @dress_wisconsibly

GO FOR GROVER VIBES WITH BLUE ALL OVER

I’m a longtime advocate of monochromatic dressing, and chambray makes it so easy to pull off the “one color head to toe” look.

If the idea of pairing your chambray with denim feels a little too Yellowstone cosplay for you, take note. Opt for a chic navy chino for a sleek, refined outfit like the one here.

man standing in a kitchen wearing a chambray popover shirt, khaki pants and brown shoes — @wears_oli

TRY A CHAMBRAY POPOVER

If you’re looking for a more dressed-down way to rock chambray, look no further than a popover. It functions halfway between a button-up and a light quarter-zip. Perfect for breezy summer nights and warmer fall afternoons.

older man sitting outside a retail store wearing a chambray shirt, jeans, and brown loafers — @kennth_sylvester

DRESS UP YOUR CHAMBRAY SHIRT WITH LOAFERS

Chambray has such a laid-back, relaxed feel to it that by pairing it with a well loved pair of loafers, the effect is effortless elegance.

The jeans work because the two fabrics are slightly different colors, meaning you avoid the “Canadian tuxedo” effect. When it comes to chambray shirt outfits for men, this is a total classic.