No matter what style category matches you best, the chambray shirt is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples that just about anybody can work into their looks. A must-have for spring and summer, chambray shirts are lightweight, breathable, and easy to dress up or down. But have you ever considered how to style it in a way that makes you look taller? Whether for work or for play, chambray shirts can be styled and used in so many different ways. It’s also super comfy and lightweight, making it a perfect piece for warmer seasons and an easy alternative to a heavier denim jacket. Spring is here and summer will roll in before you know it, so if you don’t already have this wardrobe staple sitting in your closet, it’s time to think about giving this chameleon of fashion a chance!
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Denim on Denim
Let’s start off with the #1 way you can add some height to your petite stature with a chambray shirt—denim on denim, also known as the “Canadian Tuxedo.” It’s simple! Just pair your chambray shirt with a pair of jeans in a similar wash. While you can definitely combine different washes and still look so chic, keeping the denim washes as close as possible will give you a monochromatic effect that is sure to give you a boost in height.
photo: Sydne Summer, 5'3"
Lightweight Layer
One of the things I love most about chambray shirts is that you can style them as lightweight layers when you want to skip the extra weight of a denim jacket, making them perfect for the warmer seasons. Since a chambray shirt unbuttoned has clean vertical lines, it leads the eye down(or up!), which is exactly how you want to help create the illusion of a taller frame. The open look will give your top half some added length, so this is a fantastic styling tip for petite gals with shorter torsos as it can create balance with longer legs.
photo: Extra Petite
Midi Skirts
Going the opposite direction with proportions, you can also add length to your lower half by styling your Chambray shirt tucked into a midi skirt! If you’re not a fan of tucking shirts in, you can also leave a few bottom buttons undone and style it tied so that it meets the top of your skirt. The key here is to highlight your waist so that your stems look longer! If you’re longer in the torso, this is also a perfect way to give your proportions some balance.
photo: Brooke, 4'10"
Long Cardigans
This next tip is less about the chambray shirt itself and more about how you can style it with it to instantly elongate your frame. If you’re looking to give yourself a height boost with layering options, try out a long and open duster-style cardigan with your Chambray shirt. The ease of this kind of cardigan pairs really well with the laidback vibe of a chambray shirt and the combo is super comfy! Look for a style that hits you at the knees or longer for the most length and if wearing pants or jeans with this look, a skinny silhouette will help to maintain the long vertical line down your body.
photo: Sharing My Sole
White Denim
Last but definitely not least, you’ve got to try out your chambray shirt with one of its most popular BFFs—white denim! For us shorties, style it French-tucked into a high-waisted pair to instantly elongate your lower half. You can also get a similar lengthening monochromatic effect by pairing a really light-wash chambray shirt with your white denim and skipping a belt so that your proportions aren’t clearly cut or separated. This gives it a smoother transition from top to bottom, which is exactly what we shorties need.
photo: Rebecca, 5'4"
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*cover photo credit: Pinterest