Let's Talk About Stripes
Is there any pattern more quintessentially French than the navy and white stripe? I can look at hundreds of Pinterest pins on ‘French Girl Style’ and every single one will include a Breton Stripe top. Be it a sweater or tee shirt, if you’re after a look reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s timeless and effortless style - then a classic striped top is a must have addition to your closet.
The Breton (from Brittany, France) stripes history originates with the French Navy. Naval seamen donned the classic twenty one stripes (one for each of Napoleon’s victories over the British - sorry British friends) as part of their uniform, which were said to help them be more visible in the unfortunate circumstance of a man overboard. A grim thought for such an iconic pattern indeed. The stripe made it’s debut in fashion when in 1913 Coco Chanel was inspired by the French Navy and worked the pattern into her own style pairing a classic cotton ‘marinière’ (sailor) stripe with a pair of flared trousers - think the ultra popular Effortless Pant from Aritzia. Coco likely accessorized her look with a chic pair of Chanel Ballet flats, but today we would likely choose our whitest Stan Smith’s to complete the outfit. It’s amazing to think that some one hundred (plus) years later we’re still on the lookout for the classic striped top.
If you’re looking to infuse some stripes into your wardrobe for Spring, here are some of my favourites to help you achieve that ‘French Girl’ style.
STRIPED KINT SWEATER - Mango (as seen on me above)
