Functional Fit: From a Dress to a Shirt

By: LL
As evidenced by this post, I am loving chambray this season. It goes well with so many different outfits and works well worn alone or layered under a sweater or blazer. It can be dressed up or dressed down. Chambray is very versitile, thus a staple in any fall wardrobe.

Even though I have not yet decided upon a well tailored chambray shirt, in the meantime, I decided to get more use out of my button-down chambray shirt dress that I got from Old Navy a few seasons back. To make it work as a shirt, I paired it will a longer wool skirt under which I could hide the actual length (you would guess it to be a shirt, right?). You might be surprised how many of your tunics or shorter dresses might work well as blouses this fall! And it is a clever way to get a second wind out of some things you otherwise might not get to wear again!

Shirt Dress Worn as a Shirt: Old Navy (Fall 2010) (similar)

Wool Skirt: Thrifted (similar)

Belt: Target (similar)

Shoes: Nine West

Watch: Movado

Amber Drop Earrings: (purchased while living in France) (similar)

Fit the Bill: Search for Chambray

By: LL

For about a year now, I have been searching for a chambray, long-sleeved button down that is well-fitted, the right shade, and affordable. I have come across a few different versions - most recently at J.Crew as seen here, Brooks Brothers seen here, and Ralph Lauren seen here. However, the style, color and price were not the right fits for me. Fortunately, I came across this option sold at Old Navy for only $24.50. 

Granted, the material is rather light-weight, which is perfect for the summer/fall transition, but not so great once I am back in the Midwest for the holidays. Either way, this chambray button down is a great temporary filler and works well with all the outfits that I am imaging in my head - including trying the denim on denim (or chambray on denim) as seen here. (Thanks, Jessica!) This shirt definitely fits the bill.