Breton Stripe Top
THE LOOK
Style Notes
KEY PIECE
If you don’t have a breton striped top in your wardrobe yet, I can guarantee you will run shopping after this Style Note!
If you have one already, you will see styling solutions that you might not have considered before!
I spoke about achromatic (black + white) prints before and how versatile they are. Breton stripe is one of them, even if it is navy you have instead of black.
In short, you can put it with anything you would put black/navy or white with.
A classic breton stripe top is usually made out of cotton, but don’t limit yourself to that. Jersey, viscose or knit finishes can work just well.
Try to aim for a dressier finish as it will give you more flexibility than a plain t-shirt.
STYLING IDEAS
Styling solutions for a breton stripe top are quite literally endless!
Breton stripe can work with denim, take on any colour (darks, neutrals or brights) and will effortlessly layer with a variety of pieces.
It is also one of the easiest prints to co-ordinate with another print. Mixing prints is one of the key trends this season (I just love trends that are not focused on specific pieces, but are rather based on styling solutions!) and there is no other piece that will do it as effortlessly as the breton stripe.
It will take any other stripe, polka dots and checks easily and effortlessly with a very low risk of getting it wrong.
The key to making sure it works is matching the whites in both prints. If one print has white and the other one is cream, they might clash. But if both prints have white + black (or navy), you have yourself a winner!
I also adore breton stripes with bright, vibrant colours! It is such a striking stylish look! So definitely try this styling trick with your striped top!
The only limitation you will face with the stripes is that they don’t work in a formal dress code. There is a slight nautical vibe to them that reads as casual, so for obvious reasons it is not something that will look right inside of a polished corporate suit.
Apart from, breton stripes are a super versatile option in a smart casual or weekend wardrobe!
DECIDING IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
The number 1 concern I usually hear from clients about stripes is that they might make them look bigger.
The only stripes that have a severely enlarging effect are the wide stripes. Anything wider than the stripes in the featured top might have that effect, but anything smaller or around the same scale won’t.
If you have a big bust and are afraid of stripes, keep this in mind:
– in most cases a deep V-neck will neutralize the enlarging effect.
– avoid short sleeves that end on the line across the bust. That length will make your bust appear bigger. Go either shorter or longer on the sleeve for a more flattering effect.
For anyone else, breton stripes are a safe option to play around with so put it on your radar!
with denim
LOOK DETAILS
LOOK 1
STRIPED TOP
GREY JEANS
TAN JACKET
WOVEN LEATHER BAG
https://www.stories.com/en_eur/bags/shoulderbags/product.weaved-crossbody-bag-black.0845605001.html
TWO-TONE SANDALS
LOOK 2
WHITE DENIM JACKET
https://eu.topshop.com/en/tseu/product/white-denim-raw-hem-oversized-jacket-9706511
DENIM SKIRT
https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-denim-button-front-pencil-skirt-mediumindigo
BLACK BELT
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0673396002.html
PINK SHOES
with neutrals
LOOK DETAILS
BLACK BLAZER
CAMEL TROUSERS
WOVEN BAG
https://www.stories.com/en_eur/bags/shoulderbags/product.weaved-crossbody-bag-black.0845605001.html
TWO-TONE SLINGBACK SHOES
with brights
LOOK DETAILS
YELLOW BLAZER
https://www.zara.com/ie/en/buttoned-blazer-p02579703.html?v1=41923148&v2=1445747
BLACK JEANS
GREEN BAG
CROC LOAFERS
https://www.flattered.com/eu/all-shoes/flats/alexandra-croco-black
with another print
LOOK DETAILS
LOOK 1
CHECK BLAZER
PINK TROUSERS
https://www.riverisland.ie/p/pink-diamante-button-cigarette-trousers-795862
WOVEN BAG
https://www.stories.com/en_eur/bags/shoulderbags/product.weaved-crossbody-bag-black.0845605001.html
BLACK SANDALS
https://www.flattered.com/eu/all-shoes/heels/fay-black
LOOK 2
BLACK BIKER
CHECK TROUSERS
RED BAG
LOOK 3
STRIPED SKIRT
https://shop.mango.com/ie/women/skirts-pleated/pleated-midi-skirt_67046719.html
BLACK BELT
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0673396002.html
GREEN BAG
BLACK SANDALS
