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Whether your style is ‘sophisticated Parisian,’ ‘sailor chic’ or somewhere in between, the striped top is everyone’s faithful wardrobe friend. But when it comes to finding the perfect Breton stripe top, this can be quite a task. Have a read of this guide on how to put striped shirts into looks and check out our top recommendations. It’ll be sure to leave you feeling French.
Top 9 Breton stripe tops
Wearing stripes does not make you a one trick pony. Every store has their own version of this wardrobe staple meaning that no two stripe tops are the same. With variants in colour and thickness in stripe – as well as the occasional added extra, like a contrasting neckline or sleeve trim – there is something out there for everyone. Here are 10 of our favourites:
How to Style Breton Style Shirts
Winter
When it gets to the colder months of the year, it can be hard to think about styling outfits when all you want to do is wear a thousand jumpers and scarves and avoid leaving the house. But, having stripes in your wardrobe makes this feeling totally go away. Especially with how well they can complement faux fur coats (a thing we all secretly have a soft spot for). Being an item that is continually on the market towards the end of the year, this look is something that can be easily replicated. Whether you choose a colour fur or clash is with the ever-popular leopard print coat, finishing it off with a simple pair of black jeans and boots (and even a bobble hat if you’re still feeling the chill) will ensure you’re both looking great and feeling warm.
Summer
As soon as the summer months hit, we all revel in the fact that not many clothes need to be worn. And, when it comes to stripes, this works perfectly as they can do all the talking in an outfit. By keeping things simple – a pair of denim shorts and sandals – the outfit can be accessorised with straw trilby or fedora and, if you dare, you can opt for a bit of double denim with a jacket for the cooler evenings.
Weekend casual
Stripes and jeans for the weekend are a no-brainer. But, a twist on this classic combination is a pair of dungarees. Although maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, once you try it, you will see how effortless yet cool this look is. Depending on the whether or what your plans are, you can pair them with a pair of white trainers, or even a pair of Birkenstocks, to complete this look and enjoy your weekend!
Work
For those of you with some flexibility on what you wear to work, a stripe can be the perfect combination of smart and casual. Team with a pair of smart navy trousers and a pair of burgundy brogues and you’ll be suitably dressed for whatever a day at work might bring.
Celebs wearing Breton Stripe tops
When it comes to looking for the perfect way to style an item, celebrities undoubtedly offer unlimited amounts of outfit inspiration. And, understandably, many have been seen to rock the striped top. Check out these three looks from the likes of Fergie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung to get you started.
Fergie
Photo Credit: Pinterest
When it comes to any style of top, the automatic way to style it is to pair it with some jeans. With this classic French black and white striped shirt tucked into a distressed boot cut jeans and finished off with a black western belt, this look is comfortable and stylish in equal measures.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest.
If the sun’s out where you are, then don’t be afraid to get your legs out and style your French boat necked striped shirt with a skirt and booties. For some sense of uniformity, you can use the shade of stripe as a base colour for your other pieces. A suede skirt and tan ankle boots appeal to both those who love a little bit of Western in their lives or those who aren’t quite sure how to get on board the 70s trend.
Alexa Chung
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest.
If you’re thinking “I want something a little more formal,” then a striped shirt can be a nice twist. But, the trick is not to go overboard. A safe bet is a pair of washed black jeans and, with the optional velvet blazer, you have everything you need for the perfectly effortless day-to-night look.
How to style Breton stripe shirts
- Stripes pretty much go with anything. The world is your lobster.
- There are two ways to approach styling striped shirts;
- Either keep it simple;
- Or make the basis of out outfit full of pattern clashes and colour contrasts.
- Don’t just stick to black and white stripes;
- Try different colours and thicknesses.
- Stripes aren’t just a fashion staple. They are a way of life.
Keen to get more inspiration and tips? Read more great articles about women’s fashion on Alexie.co.
