The Breton Stripe

The Breton stripe has become a classic look; stylish, timeless and genderless. The stripes make me think of Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. It makes me think of capri pants, sea air and sunglasses. Originally worn by French fisherman, it quickly became a symbol of casual and chic fashion.

Brigitte Bardot

Wallis Simpson

Marilyn Monroe

Audrey Tatou as Coco Chanel

Audrey Hepburn

There are many incarnations of the original Breton style stripe and it is a look cheaply and easily put together in an outfit. Take my top below. It cost £6.99 in The Gap Sale. I have teamed it with trusty Freddies of Pinewood jeans and a hot chocolate...(I can pretend its a Summer's day in Brittany all I want, but it's January in rainy london).

You can of course buy a proper ones, from boating shops and directly from France such as from here. They will be lined and more heavy duty than buying a cotton one from the high street, however if you are looking for something to create a look rather than go fishing in, then i don't think it matters. I am really please with the Gap ones. Like original Breton shirts, the shoulders are quite large and hang down passed your actual shoulders, and the sleeves leave enough length to have a small turn up. I love the red, but as they are so cheap, I've decided I'm going to go back and buy the navy too.

I don't have all that many non-vintage items in my wardrobe that I don't have to worry about when throwing in the washing machine, so finding something that I like and is classic like this is a real god send.