In my work as a stylist, I am always trying to come up with new ways to wear classic pieces. So, we are launching a new column to explore just that. We have deemed it Double Take, and each month, we will ask two people with totally different approaches to dressing to share how they would style a signature, or even challenging to wear piece. In honor of the month of love, I enlisted two fun couples to show us how they wear one of our timeless favorites—the chambray shirt. The gals created their looks around GAP’s 1969 floral denim shirt while the guys rocked the Carter Chambray by Imogene + Willie from STAG.
*photos by wynn myers
The Steiners—Chris, a venture capitalist, first locked eyes with Katy, the food blogger behind the soon-to-launch Clean Belly, at a boat party on Lake Austin. We caught up with the newlyweds at Fresa’s, a delicious chicken al carbon drive thru on Austin’s bustling Lamar Boulevard. “It’s the best for a quick weeknight dinner. We usually get the achiote citrus chicken with a side of grilled veggies to make tacos.”
What made Chris realize Katy was the one for him? “Katy’s fun, she’s funny, she’s creative, she’s incredibly generous and loving…I could go on and on, but I’ll just say that Katy’s my best friend, I could spend every hour of the day with her, and she generally puts up with me too.”
Katy, who spent some of her teenage years modeling in NYC, is drawn to clothes that are unique statement pieces or well-tailored classics that can translate daily from day to night. She tends to wear chambray most in the spring when she pairs it with striped shorts, buttoned-up at the office with a pencil skirt or with a popped collar, fancy skirt, big earrings and heels for a night on the town.
Katy found this cute clutch from Target and pairs it with her neutral ensemble for the perfect pop.
What does Katy love about her Harvard grad hubby? Well…everything. “I basically married superman, and he has super powers over me,” she says. “He’s brilliant, giving, romantic and he is so fun to be around. The man gives me butterflies.”
“I always like chambray because it can be structured and laid back at the same time…after all, I am from Oklahoma,” he says.
Because of Chris’ busy schedule, he usually enlists Katy or his sister to handle his wardrobe. He pairs unexpected casual white jeans with Hudson wingtips from By George for a fresh look.
The Rainwaters—this cool duo is one of my favorite couples; they are always laughing in an infectious way that makes those around them do the same, and you can feel their genuine love for each other after spending just a few moments in their presence. They are parents to a busy toddler named Penelope and often bring her along for their adventures to House Park Skatepark, where we caught up with them for our chambray shoot. They made the sometimes hard to pull off denim-on-denim style look effortlessly stylish.
Award-winning photographer, Matt, takes a skate break during the shoot, but not before gushing about his love, Alysha. “I feel like she is my perfect other half…I just knew when I saw her that she was the one, and I’m so thankful that our lives lined up and that we found ourselves together. I love her so much and can’t imagine my life without her pretty face to wake up to in the mornings.”
Alysha’s wardrobe choices are often dictated by her mood. It could be a 90s gold maxi skirt one day, and then torn up jeans the next. ‘Leash,’ as Matt affectionately calls her, is a real estate agent and photographer and threw on a vintage coat by Ralph Lauren as the temperatures began to drop. She says. “I love chambray because it’s so darn versatile and comfortable! I also love that chambray is a little masculine, yet super sexy.”
It’s in the details—Matt’s Traveller Denim jeans offer just the right pockets to store his Bear and Sons Cutlery and RRL Chain Wallet.
A close up of Matt’s RRL Wallet…in chambray of course! “When I buy clothes I’m inclined to spend more on nice things that feel more timeless. I like classic fabrics and patterns and steer away from logos and graphics,” he says. “A good chambray shirt can be worn with old boots and jeans or dressed up anyway you see fit. Plus, when is chambray going out of style and when was it ever not in style? Never. So, it will always have a place in my closet.”
