Gap has been making a killing selling chambray shirts, wrote one New York fashion blogger. The new shirts that have been spotted in New York, Milan and Paris on men, women, children and even celebrity Mary-Kate Olsen. It's true; Gap's various chambray shirts are the hottest transition item for summer, especially as we start moving into fall. Chambray is a tightly woven soft cotton cloth and often, though deceptive, looks like denim. It can have a slightly glossy finish to it, but to the average eye, it just looks like something really comfortable to wear. And it is. Chambray's sudden appeal is inexplicable. How it was revived from the horror denim-on-denim looks of the 80s is beyond me, but I will eagerly admit, this season's shirts are extremely sexy on both sexes. Perhaps, it's because this season's shirts are more in line with recent demin trends: slim fitted and flattering as opposed to baggy and loose. Fashion blogs are chronicling regular folks sporting it with khakis, slacks and skirts. The idea of taking the comfort of your favorite jeans, which can be paired with everything, is here inversed. Now the attention is the top, and it's up to you to play around with the rest of the outfit. Bear in mind that this new trend is all about clean cut looks and a sense of wholesomeness. The colors and washes of the chambray shirts are unitone, and mostly medium-light in color but there are shirts in dark indigo wash colors. The lighter shirts look best on dark jeans, and somehow, there's a beautiful uniformity to the entire look. With minimal accessories, and flat sandals for women, or basic moccasin loafers for men, it's a great look for the weekend or a night time event on holiday. Mark-Kate Olsen's look was a far cry from her usual disheveled Bohemian style - and all the better for it. It's classic and elegant and would do Audrey Hepburn proud. The chambray shirt is akin to the tailored white shirt, so simple it states refinement. But it isn't too prim for rock stars and rock star wannabes. Its beauty is in its versatility. Shirts in dark washes can be worn by men with white linen trousers, colored pants such as red and chocolate browns, or dark khaki slacks. Patterned pants such as plaids have been sported by a few daring trendsetters and original as it is, it would be the perfect look for fall with a corduroy jacket. And how about with a suit? A chambray shirt in a dark wash with a nice linen suit is perhaps the best solution to looking smart and beating the heat. Simply replacing a starched collared shirt can do wonders for men in the summer. Women have been able to play with it a bit more. Boyfriend cut shirts have been great as beachwear cover ups and can go with slim pants and a belt for a great end of summer look. Whether people will quickly tire from the trend is debatable, but it looks like it might just stick around based on the 2010 resort collection shows. Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Gucci and Rag and Bone are but some of the designers who've incorporated it into their collections. And they're playing with chambray in all colors and styles. I haven't spotted chambray in local Egyptian stores and at CityStars for women, but a male friend did buy a shirt from Hugo Boss and looked dashing on the beach. I'll be getting a shirt tailored for me at my tailor downtown, and the chambray I'll try to scout from Salem in Mohandiseen. But I'm also waiting to see Chambray hit local stores which will surely be soon.
