What kind of pants can I pair with a chambray shirt?

Chambray shirts are those made from a type of twill cotton similar to denim. They have become immensely popular in the past few years and for good reason too.

Like its cousin, the denim jacket, a blue chambray shirt adds a casual touch to an outfit and goes with almost anything.

This workhorse of an item can be paired with almost any sort of pants, but here are three combinations you can have fun with.

Try this chambray shirt from Gap ($45, from B1-22 Wisma Atria) with skinny dark-coloured or black jeans, such as this pair from Levi's ($159.90, from B2-24 Ion Orchard).

The Canadian tuxedo, as the denim-on-denim look is sometimes called, might seem intimidating at first. However, as long as the top is of a light colour and is contrasted with a bottom of a darker shade, you will look fine.

You can also pair the same chambray shirt with a pair of cropped and printed pants. This Antipodium one ($223, from www.gnossem.com) features florals on a dark background.

This combination gives a preppy look as the dressier bottom helps elevate the casual chambray shirt from an everyday look to a creative one.

For all-out elegance, try a full-length pair of white, wide-legged pants, such as this one from By Malene Birger (US$227 or S$284, from www.net-a-porter.com). Tuck in your shirt and channel a wonderfully retro and effortless Katharine Hepburn vibe.

The skinny dark-coloured or black jeans combination, as well as the white, wide-legged pants pairing, has a simple look, so wear red lipstick for a punch of colour.

To accessorise, you could carry a statement clutch, such as this floral one by Asos ($86), from www.asos.com. The embellished florals provide a perfect finishing touch.

This article was first published on June 13, 2014.
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