Styling a Denim Overshirt
Don't be afraid of trendy outfits, the romance author I'm obsessed with, and what is currently in my cart
Hello lovelies! We’re kicking off today with a reader question from Ginna.
Question: I am on a hunt for a lot of things, but namely a well-made denim shirt…
…that is not too oversized but long enough to be worn over my bum (I’m 5’3”) and feels like it’s been worn and washed a hundred times so it’s buttery soft, not stiff. Maybe in the $30-50 range? If you know of a good one, let me know!! Even if it’s pricier maybe I will add it to my own saving for one-day list.
Answer: Oooh I dearly love a good denim shirt! And I think you’ll be surprised how easy it is to wear once we find you the right one. It has all the elegance of a classic Oxford, with a healthy sprinkling of ease and approachability. The denim shirt I wear often is sadly no longer made, but I have a few options I’ve found for you:
Max Shirt. The first is a budget stretch, but worth adding to ‘The List’ . I was able to try it on a few weeks ago in Boston and it is a perfect denim shirt - soft, and oversized but with a beautiful drape. And it is made with light denim so you can layer and wear it year-round. All of the shirts I’m sharing today run oversized so order your regular size for a generous fit or size down for something a bit more tailored.
Big Shirt. You may already be familiar with this shirt in white if you’ve been reading for a while - it’s a favorite of mine and I’m thrilled to see it offered in chambray for the fall. This is the most oversized of all our options, and fits a bit more like an 90s Ralph Lauren shirt Princess Diana would have worn. For my more petite readers, I’d opt for option 1 or 3 as this one may overwhelm your frame. But for everyone 5’4” and above, this is a fantastic option.
Jean Boyfriend shirt. This fit of this reminds me of the denim shirt I wear frequently and dearly love. The length hits below your hip with a little less volume than the Gap option above. And I’m so glad they made this with a dolphin hem - where it is curved at the sides.
Here are a few ways I’ve been wearing my own denim shirt:
She’s ladylike, but not too prissy. Denim easily acts as a neutral so for this I played with shades of blue, olive, and gold to keep the contrast balanced.
Roll those sleeves extra high and be your best vintage chic self in a Canadian tuxedo. It isn’t just for the cowboys. To keep this from leaning too Western, I like to pair it with more delicate accessories - in this case, silver flats, a vintage silk scarf, and a Burberry tote.
This is for the days when you’d rather be in sweatpants. It is what I’m currently wearing because, well, I’d rather be in sweatpants. Pair with simple jewelry and a pretty shoe to keep it from being too athletic.
And then there are the days where you want to be *her* - cool, low key, knows her way around TikTok (I don’t), and definitely is invested in Taylor Swift’s love life. It’s casual. The layers are cool. You probably won’t be matching anyone in your neighborhood bakery. Grab a canvas tote with a book and a claw clip for later and you are the 2023 moment.
(Note; don’t be afraid of trendy outfits. Sure, this probably isn’t what I’ll be wearing in seven years, but I’m loving it right now.)
If you have a styling or personal question, send me a message at hello@adelynboling.com and let’s chat! It helps to be specific (i.e. include details about your style, budget, etc.)! Thanks for your question this week, Ginna!
The Rundown:
Watching: Very enthusiastically welcoming back this show (I both love and hate the return to weekly episode releases). Great British Baking Show returns September 29. The 45th season of Survivor starts tomorrow night, as does The Amazing Race. And it’s been a while since I’ve watched a bachelor/bachelorette show but I’m cautiously intrigued by The Golden Bachelor which starts Thursday.
Baking: if you’re not making boxed dark chocolate Ghirardelli brownies, which are the most elite of boxed brownies, then this is the only brownie recipe that matters. No brownies compare. They’re dense, fudgy, and deeply chocolaty. The browned butter and Dutch chocolate make all the difference. I highly recommend enjoying with a cup of decaf coffee.
Drinking: Beach Plum La Croix.
Reading: anything and everything by Katherine Center. This was my introduction to her this spring. I devoured this one earlier this summer (it starts a little slow but quickly picks up). I’m currently listening to (and loving) this audiobook. And just finished this one the other night and it was excellent. She is peak cozy romance that doesn’t get too spicy.
Listening: this album is on repeat, and also Jonas Brothers in preparation for their concert Thursday night. Highschool me would be so embarrassed in the direction my musical taste has swung, but singing in the car has never been so fun (or so loud).
Wearing: these very popular sneakers, and they are as comfortable as they are pretty.
Purchased: allow me to get a little niche for a second - I’ve started grooming our very dramatic Great Pyrenees, Hudson at home. This month, I added a dog blow dryer to my grooming setup and it has made all the difference. His coat has never looked better and he’s never been so calm during the process. 10/10 recommend.
The Best Links for the Week:
These tiny gold hoops have barely left my ears in the last month. And they look 10x more expensive than they are.
I always thought I didn’t like fall scents because I don’t enjoy sweet or Gourmand smells. So I went a slightly different direction with my latest Pura order (use this link for a little discount) and I am obsessed. Go Fig-ure & Eden No. 1 cannot be beat in my opinion and I will be diffusing these until it’s time for Frasier Fir.
After feeling funky in the brain, I worked through some of these “Life Edit” journal prompts last week and felt much more calm and clear afterwards.
Thrilled to bits to see this Durham Art Gallery pop up on Harper’s Bazaar.
I dearly love Quince’s sweaters. This grey crew neck sweater and this charcoal fisherman sweater are currently in my cart.
Was reminded of how excellent this Ted Talk is this week.
NYFW drew to a close yesterday and the floaty gauze dresses at the Prada show were a personal favorite.
Allure’s best of beauty 2023 awards are out. So many favorites are on the list (like this hair oil, this foundation stick, and this tinted SPF).
And that will do it for this week! Thank you for reading and being here. You have made this my very favorite corner of the internet and I dearly love spending time with you here. If you have a styling (or otherwise) question for next week’s newsletter, send me an email at hello@adelynboling.com. Have a wonderful week, my dears!
-Adelyn