WEAR THE BRETON TOP LIKE A BOSS
MAKE THIS STAPLE BECOMING A PILLAR FOUNDATION OF YOUR WARDROBE
A Breton striped top, or marinière, is the ultimate ingredient for a capsule wardrobe that will spice up every outfit.
Pablo Picasso, Kurt Cobain or Audrey Hepburn have been showcasing this staple a while ago and it still looks as cool & modern as ever. There are so many variations of it but it still remains a classic for all ages and genders.
Originally belonging to the French navy uniform, we can thank Coco Chanel for introducing the Breton top to a wider audience. Jean Paul Gaultier has then be using the Breton top as his signature outfits on himself as well on the podiums. Recently, his collab’ with Olivier Rousteing has been once again boosting the hype around this must have garment:
How to wear it:
First of all, there is really NO WRONG WAYS to wear it. Seriously, you just can’t do any fashion Faux pas with this!
The Oversized look is great for layering over a long white shirt, paired with a straight leg jeans and you are everything but not BORING.
Denim - Ribcage by Levis, Jumper - COS, Shirt - Rue de la Femme via Wanda Harland, Shoes - Birkenstock.
Blazer - Helen Cherry, Top - Saint James, Trousers - Filippa K, Handbag - Alpha 60, Shoes - Merchant.
If you have been thinking that the Breton top was to stay at home to clean up your kids' mess, let me tell you that you’re wrong! Throw on your work Blazer and tuck it in your black wide leg trousers and admire the Boss' look.
It’s probably the easiest print to wear if you tend to be a little bit shy with patterns. But if you are already a senior print adopter, let’s take the next level of mix & match prints. You can pair different stripes together, it also works with dots, flowers, logos… pretty much everything. The tip is to make sure to vary the sizes, as an example: Wide and spaced horizontal lines on a top paired with narrow and small pinstripe trousers.
It will become your best friend as an accessory: swap it from a jumper into a wrap or scarf by throwing it around your neck or on your shoulders.
L/s top - Juliette Hogan, Jumper - Toteme, Trousers - Shona Joy, Sneakers -Collective Canvas.
Find inspo from the street:
For the Dudes:
For a Smart casual look, wear the Breton knit with your classic raw denim and desert boots, lift up the sleeves to the elbows so you look like a badass Boss. In summer, make it work with your favorite chinos and a nice pair of sneakers or sandals.
Shirt - Levis, Trousers - Edit., Beanie - AS Colour, Top - Comme des Garcons.
The key to finding the one that works for you is to find the one that fits right across your shoulders. Never too tight or too baggy, keep the shoulder seam slightly off your shoulder. You will never want to have it too tight across your belly so if it’s the case, you will rather want to try the size up.
Where to shop THE ONE?
Ideally, for a simple long sleeves top, you want it to be made of a sturdy cotton and avoid any polyester or artificial fabric mix.
The V or boat neck are naturally more worn in spring summer while the round and turtle neck will be more appropriate for the colder months.
Here is my selection available to shop in New Zealand. Thanks me or hate me later :)
Your next French Travel Souvenir
Now that the borders are reopening in New Zealand, why not bringing back a proper Made in France Saint James Sailor Sweater or a Petit Bateau Marinière? Those are ZE French souvenirs to shop and even bring back for all the family (both brands dress all genders + children and even babies.)
Now you are all set to incorporate this ultimate classic into your everyday looks.
Enjoy and have fun getting dressed as always :)
xxx
Eugenie
