CREDIT: LISA KELLY
It's the perfect look for Casual Fridays - a chambray shirt and pencil skirt. Comfortable and chic.

When you’re on a budget, it’s important to have versatile staples in your wardrobe. Purchasing items that can be worn in many different ways is a great way to save money without compromising style. Chambray shirts are a great investment because they can be worn so many different ways – your creativity is your only limitation. Light-wash chambray is often the most common, but you can also buy chambray in dark wash and polka dots. If you can only buy one, a light wash chambray shirt is the most versatile. The best part? Chambray is really comfortable.

Here are six different ways to style a chambray shirt:

Denim on denim

Denim on denim can be a tricky look to pull off, but chambray shirts are perfect for wearing denim on denim without looking like you’re wearing a Canadian tuxedo. Pair your chambray shirt with a pair of dark wash jeans or black jeans for a classic look. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a twist to this classic look by pairing your chambray shirt with a pair of colourful jeans – no one will know you’re wearing double denim.

Tucked into a skirt

Casual Fridays have met their match. Nix the jeans and opt for denim on top instead. A chambray shirt paired with a black pencil skirt and heels is the perfect business casual look. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, trade in the pencil skirt for a skater skirt and sandals – perfect for spring. Don’t forget to cinch the look with a skinny belt – tan is the perfect colour.

Replace a cardigan with chambray

If your outfit calls for a cardigan, consider replacing it with a chambray shirt. Leave it unbuttoned over a dress or a pair of floral jeans for a perfectly casual look. If you want to dress up the look, try adding a pair of heels and a statement necklace. For a more casual look, pair with a flowy scarf and sandals.

Paired with a blazer

Instead of wearing a blouse under your blazer, try wearing a chambray shirt instead.

Tie the bottom

This look is similar to the chambray cardigan – try tying the bottom of a chambray shirt and wearing it over a cute dress or a maxi skirt. It puts a new spin on an already cute look. If you’re brave, tie the bottom of a chambray shirt to emulate a crop top and pair with a cute skirt or a pair of skinny jeans.

Layered under a sweater

Put a twist on a classic preppy look, try pairing a chambray skirt under a pullover sweater. If you have polka dots on hand, they’re a great pairing for chambray. Top off the look with a bold statement necklace and a pair of dark wash jeans and flats.

‘90s throwback

Throw on a T-shirt dress and tie a chambray shirt around your waist to effortlessly pull of the ‘90s throwback trend. This look does double duty – if you get cold you can easily remove the shirt from your waist to don as a cardigan.

One shirt can create so many different looks. If you need more inspiration, check out Pinterest – the possibilities are endless.