Chambray Deserves a Raise

Back in high school I belonged to a club called “Future Business Leaders of America” or FBLA. It was pretty much a way to get kids pumped about Microsoft Suite and public speaking, neither of which high school students would normally admit they enjoy. I disliked Microsoft Suite then, and still do, so I focused on public speaking.

When we’d compete we had to wear “business attire” and would be given a long list of do’s and don’ts. Among the rather stringent dress code was a requirement that girls wear pantyhose with dresses and skirts (gross) and absolutely no chambray or denim. You’d get docked points if you wore either. I remember thinking “wow, I’m going to have to buy a completely different wardrobe when I enter the workforce.”

As it turns out, FBLA was full of shit. Now, I applaud their effort to get high school kids out of jeans and sweatshirts, but the strict dress code, and high school students’ lack of resources meant we typically paraded around in our parents over-sized suits (well, not me, I was the same size as my mom, and she lent me a fitted Anne Taylor suit). But as an adult, and an attorney, I realize those rules no longer apply. I don’t have to wear pantyhose with skirts (thank G-d), and poor chambray is no longer on the no-fly list.

I found this chambray shirt at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago, but you can find something similar just about anywhere. While I wear it for mostly casual events, I do enjoy pairing it with a pencil skirt, heels, and a necklace for a work appropriate outfit.

I bought this skirt on sale recently at J. Crew Factory, and initially pictured it with a black and white gingam shirt and kitten heels, but opted for my trusty chambray shirt and grey suede booties. It had a pleasing, slightly western feel to it that feels right at home in Northern Idaho. I won’t wear this outfit for trial, but for informal hearings and client meetings, it’s perfect.

Honestly, I don’t know what those FBLA rulemakers were fussing about. Chambray can work double time in casual and professional settings. It deserves to be welcomed back into the work place. And it deserves a raise.