The Ever Versatile Denim Shirt
Pseu is so nice to let me post here now and again! Today I thought I’d tell you a little story about a denim shirt.
Last week I realized just about the only “basic” piece I didn’t have in my wardrobe boutique was a denim shirt. I wanted one that was super soft, slim fitting and that could be tucked or left out of pants. The one that met all my requirements happened to be from J.Crew, so I snatched it up and have worn it a good four times now (time for a wash, think?). It’s so all-purpose it’s not even funny. I suppose my favorite way so far is when I wanted to slob out. On that day, wore some “tailored” grey sweatpants by Splendid, a cashmere tank from Eric Bompard, used the shirt as a jacket layer (hey -it’s January in Cali), and added some slim-soled white Converse tennies. I layered on some easy jewelry and I was done.
Today I met Lee, pictured above at left, at a women’s Bible study. I loved the way she was wearing her denim shirt over that white tee, with her chic black puffer and gorgeous blue Goyard purse. Still a blogger at heart, I asked her if I could take her picture for a post on the denim shirt. I swear people always think I am nuts when I stop to take a photo of their outfits. Lee indulged my craziness, bless her stylish little heart!
As you can see, I buttoned my denim shirt all the way up today and rolled up the sleeves to expose my arms so I could wear a chunky bracelet and watch. I tucked into a pair of soft black JBrand skinnies and belted with red wool plaid just for a tiny hit of color. It was cold out so I added this “third piece” of a Tory Burch down vest in Navy. Looking back, I might have added a pin at my neck and lost the hoop earrings. But I really wasn’t after making a smash with my clothes today, anyway.
Speaking of a “smash”, the next thing I plan to do is dress this baby way up and see what happens. Can you make a shirt like this actually sizzle? We’ll see…
I love how Adrienne at The Rich Life on a Budget found a denim shirt for two bucks and is working it like a champ!
I’d like to invite you to continue this style adventure. If you have a neat way you wear your denim shirt, tell us about it or send in a pic.
Karen
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
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Terrific styling of your new denim shirt, Karen. I think they are wardrobe staples too, and wear mine often as a “third piece”.
Fab photo, you both look wonderful, the denim shirt is such a classic investment piece, I need to renew mine I’m bursting out of it these days.
Great job, Karen! You’ve inspired me to pull my denim shirt (Ralph Lauren, picked up on sale at Macy’s) and put it to work!
Wonderful staple, I especially like snap-buttons. Mine is an ancient Armani Jeans, but still in great shape.
I am going to check out denim shirts pronto Karen!
I seem to be seeing them more often these days…
I love both these looks and Adrienne’s post was inspiring.
Yes! If you can go cheap! Love it. I just wanted to be sure I got the trim fit I was looking for so I went right to Crew and Paid up.
Oh, Karen! What a lovely, lovely surprise.
You look very chic in your denim shirt. I am looking around for one more fitted than my $2.00 find. But will keep it until that happens.
I look forward to seeing you dress up your denim shirt. Sounds like a fun experiment. I may try it myself one of these days.
Thank you so much for the mention!
xoxo, Adrienne
Elena, I have been on your blog, dear! And I am considering going to the conference in Hawaii too! There will be so much to learn and so many great stylists to learn from!
What a pleasure to see you here after so long — thanks to Sue for the treat!
I love the way you’ve styled your denim shirt–that bit of red plaid is a perfect touch!– and can see the versatility, but I’m finding I’m increasingly steering away from any button-front woven shirts as they seldom suit my short-waistedness.
Karen!!!
Very timely post. I have a new denim shirt that I’d quite not sure what to do with. Thanks for the tips.
I love denim shirts and it looks great in your photo. I got my favorite one at Wal-Mart for $11!! I also liked your post and look forward to more!!
I just ordered that J.Crew shirt online last night when I couldn’t sleep. It’s time for a great new one.
karen! i almost didn’t recognize you!! how strange that i see this the days before i am heading to the aici annual conference…where we met!! we need to catch up!! leopard sister! haha
Hi Karen, it’s nice to meet you here, and you ladies both look marvelous in your denim shirts.
These days I’m actually trying not to live in mine 24/7, to branch out a little bit, but it’s nice to know my denim shirt can also be stylish.
I see a denim shirt every day – on my hb ;).
Right now I have do desire for one myself, but a denim shirt is a harmless piece of clothing.
Land’s End has a pretty denim tunic shirt at the moment.
Oooh I love the idea of a denim shirt but just never seem to find the ‘right’ one. These look great and love how they are styled too. xx
@karen
warms the cockles of my heart that you are on my blog… =)
let me know when you are in no california…i would love to see you! otherwise…i guess it will have to be in hawaii!
miss you! xoxo
Karen? I can only assume you no longer have your blog as one day when I clicked on it it had disappeared. I was so sad b/c it was a fave of mine. And I always wondered what happened but didn’t know who to ask!
Anyway, love the denim shirt ideas and it is officially now on my must-have list!
Kay