The Breton Stripe: A Classic Style Refreshed and Revived for Spring/Summer 2017
It’s your mom’s old t-shirt you wear to the pool, the awning on your favorite ice cream parlor, the go-to dress you bring out every spring, the sea of beach chairs that crowd the shorelines on a sunny July day: The Breton stripe epitomizes spring and summer.
Originally a symbol of the French Navy uniform, the Breton-stripe style was introduced in 1858. The twenty-one stripes were meant to represent Napoleon’s victories. Much later, none other than Coco Chanel took note of the easy-breezy, nautical aura these horizontal stripes conveyed. She transformed the Breton marinière style into must-have women’s wear.
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Fast forward to the 21st century: the seaside stripes have invaded Fashion Week. Alice+Olivia, Marc Jacobs, Delpozo, Altuzarra, and Mara Hoffman have nailed down the Breton matelot style, bridging the gap between classic and high fashion. The Breton stripe beams in all hues and textures, welcoming the warm weather with timeless style.
Whether its couture or street style on the Côte d’Azur, the versatility of the Breton stripe is another reason why, year after year, the trend always comes back better than ever. It is something easy that leaves you feeling sophisticated and charming, effortlessly. Pair it with a denim jacket and mules for spring, and for the mid-summer soirée, dress it up with some heels and palazzo pants or dress it down with high wasted cutoffs and a pair of statement shades.
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The Breton stripe is no stranger to my closet. Coming out from hibernation each March, my Saint James tee sends pangs of memories through me. Years of spending days on the beach until it gets dark, walking to get gelato at my favorite spot, and barbecues — this shirt has been through it all. It's more than just another piece of clothing to me. It is a lifetime of memories for my favorite months of the year.
