Look We Love: Breton Stripes
Like running into an old friend on the street or rediscovering your favorite grade-school book (we recently stumbled upon our dog-eared copy of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and got swept up in its charms!), there is something particularly lovely about approaching the beloved-but-forgotten with fresh eyes. The same is true with style; though the fashion industry is notoriously cyclical and known to revisit its past for inspiration, we are always pleasantly surprised when an oldie-but-goodie suddenly becomes an au currant must-have. This season we had one such epiphany when we noticed some of our favorite dressers (and designers) were responding to the siren song of that sea-worthy staple, the Breton stripe shirt. Although some people tend to shy away from horizontal stripes, we actually think this piece looks great on any body. And there are multiple reasons why everyone should own one: it's casual, easy to wear, well priced, and very versatile! Bottom line: in the deft hands of fashion frontrunners such as Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo, the classic sailor-stripe is most definitely a Look We Love!
Before we get into the outfits, let us first provide you, dear readers, with a little context. The Breton stripe shirt originated in Brittany—a French province that occupies the peninsula between the English Channel and Bay of Biscay—which may explain its nautical affiliation. The long-sleeved cotton garment usually has a boat neck and, traditionally, the stripes begin around the breastbone. Directional designers like Christopher Decarnin, however, amped up the chic factor by creating a glittering mariner shirt with bold shoulders for Balmain's F/W 09 collection. Very on trend, n'est pas! And while the runway rendition is inspirational to be sure, we will always have an affinity for the more pared-down take on this casual classic. After all, nothing can beat the laid-back allure of an oversized striped top with pushed up sleeves for a chic afternoon look, no matter whether you're yachting or merely captaining a lawn chair!
Elle Macpherson, today's first style star, took a simple approach to the seafaring stripe while making a carpool run in London. Her navy blue top with thin white stripes looked très chic with a pair of rough-hewn jeans, a leather belt, and a smart shrunken blazer. She polished off the look with a pair of t-strap thong sandals and aviators, proving that this supermodel is ready for any sea or sky adventure! We love the dark-blue base of her selection and think Lilly Pulitzer's Christina Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
($72) would be a great alternative! Claudia Schiffer also elevated her outfit of skinny Alexander McQueen jeans and Isabel Marant boots (both unfortunately, from past seasons) by rocking Chanel's striped tunic featuring a hand-monogrammed version of the French fashion house's signature interlocking logo. Though other tastemakers such as Sienna Miller have also been spotted in the Chanel shirt, we like how Schiffer mixed hers with stovepipe black bottoms, as it really allows her top to shine. If you like the length of her pick, try Topshop's Stripe Tunic ($40), which is great as is, or feel free to get crafty and take a D-I-Y approach by adding your favorite iron-ons and fabric paint à la Mr. Lagerfeld!
Although this shirt is the perfect low-key option, remember it can also be dressed up with a skirt and a seasonally appropriate heel for a sassy summer ensemble. Olivia Palermo did just that when she wore a Club Monaco striped shirt and an a-line mini with Roberta Freyman's Wine Drop Necklace ($220, 212.585.3767). To get a look-a-like assemblage, try Juicy Couture's Waffle Knit Tee ($52) with Wren's Polly Drop Waist Skirt
($215) for an outfit that is as polished as it is flirty and fun. Finally, we have everyone's favorite British import, Alexa Chung, who opted for a traditional marine-inspired top to film her second episode of It's On With Alexa Chung talk show. Though we love her navy blue A.P.C. jumper and espadrilles, we are especially smitten with Chung's vintage striped selection. If you are like us and enjoy the real McCoy, there is no better online resource than BrittanyBoutique.com. This well-stocked site has a wonderful variety of quality French boating attire—we like the Minquiers Breton Sailor Shirt ($42) the best—but feel free to spend some time fishing around the site to peruse all of their nautical-inspired gear!—KM
Photo of Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo, from PCN; Photo of Elle Macpherson, from INF; Photo of Claudia Schiffer, from Wenn.
Before we get into the outfits, let us first provide you, dear readers, with a little context. The Breton stripe shirt originated in Brittany—a French province that occupies the peninsula between the English Channel and Bay of Biscay—which may explain its nautical affiliation. The long-sleeved cotton garment usually has a boat neck and, traditionally, the stripes begin around the breastbone. Directional designers like Christopher Decarnin, however, amped up the chic factor by creating a glittering mariner shirt with bold shoulders for Balmain's F/W 09 collection. Very on trend, n'est pas! And while the runway rendition is inspirational to be sure, we will always have an affinity for the more pared-down take on this casual classic. After all, nothing can beat the laid-back allure of an oversized striped top with pushed up sleeves for a chic afternoon look, no matter whether you're yachting or merely captaining a lawn chair!
Elle Macpherson, today's first style star, took a simple approach to the seafaring stripe while making a carpool run in London. Her navy blue top with thin white stripes looked très chic with a pair of rough-hewn jeans, a leather belt, and a smart shrunken blazer. She polished off the look with a pair of t-strap thong sandals and aviators, proving that this supermodel is ready for any sea or sky adventure! We love the dark-blue base of her selection and think Lilly Pulitzer's Christina Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
Although this shirt is the perfect low-key option, remember it can also be dressed up with a skirt and a seasonally appropriate heel for a sassy summer ensemble. Olivia Palermo did just that when she wore a Club Monaco striped shirt and an a-line mini with Roberta Freyman's Wine Drop Necklace ($220, 212.585.3767). To get a look-a-like assemblage, try Juicy Couture's Waffle Knit Tee ($52) with Wren's Polly Drop Waist Skirt
Photo of Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo, from PCN; Photo of Elle Macpherson, from INF; Photo of Claudia Schiffer, from Wenn.
TAGS: Elle Macpherson, Chanel
COMMENTS (25)
|
Who makes the shoes that Olivia Palermo is wearing? Where can I get them? I like Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer here... It's simple and cute. Stripes are matching for thin body only.
http://cutieberry.co.cc Ofcourse you just ca't wear stripes anyhowly...but here you can witness excellent use of stripes, the style, body size, color and pairing is well exhibited here. Love it.
******************
Alena Maggy
TheRealDesignerBags.com
FREE Shipping on 100% Authentic Designer Handbags like Gucci, Prada & More!
I think that stripes are great for the day. It is rare that I find a piece that I like to wear for the night, but I have plenty of shirts and tees that i wear during the day. Check out this one by Saint Grace at Goldyn, its on sale too! --> http://www.shopgoldyn.com/product.details-pid-316-productname-Saint%20Grace I love anything nautical inspired therefore I love this trend! Can anyone ID Olivia's jacket? Such a cute, feminine alternative to a trench! My wardrobe's full of striped items, I've been addicted to stripes for years! Olivia and Alexa both look lovely in their outfits...
i love stripes..wish i could wear them more often but being preggo makes me look BIGGER! I love this look! Check out these cool nautical striped bags: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/07/new-baggu-stripes.html
They're reusable shopping bags, but they're cute enough to tote around anywhere. I'm obsessed with mine. www.baggubag.com Stop Staring has a really cute stripe long sleeve one. Super cute!! got mine almost a year ago... Check it out www.stopstaringclothing.com Alexa totally pioneered this look two years ago. Then it moved to Topshop- THEN it moved to Olivia Palermo. Olivia has good style, but the most original person up there is Alexa. She just wears it the best. It's just a plain, contrived, shirt on everyone else. love the stripes!
I like Elle's and olivias look.
but LOVE BALMAINS!
http://victoriadiazs.wordpress.com/
http://victoriadiaz.tumbler.com/ As long as the garment fits well and has thinner stripes - as all of the above looks do - then there's no need to worry about the horizontal-stripes-make-you-look-fat myth.
Also, it's 'n'est-ce pas,' not 'n'est pas'. It means 'is it not,' so without the 'ce' you've just got 'is not.' Just a helpful tip! :) yeah, stripes are amazing especially pair with some stylish blazers.check here Zara has a knock-off of Olivia P's shoes. I love the runway outfit LOVE Olivia Palermo's shoes here, anyone know what they are/where to get them!?!? weirdddd
just this morning i was debating wearing a striped shirt to work, and wondering if stripes were even still in style. i ended up not wearing it. i like these though, much nicer than the one i was going to wear, i'll have to pick one of these up for fall layering and such. great post, i love casual basics that are so versatile. That look would not work for me. Where can I get that purse? LOVE elle mcpherson look! N°1 for sure!
http://stylenvogue.wordpress.com/ Love these! LL Bean has a great nautical shirt - it launders like a tee but is heavier weight and comfy. The French Sailor shirt at llbean.com. I liked the one from the Balmain catwalk (although I'm never going to wear exaggerated shoulders, that's for sure) because it added something different to the trend... the same for Claudia Schiffer's logo. Actually, I might do that myself with a marker pen...
http://dreamingspiresandoldcartyres.blogspot.com elle looks amazing! olivias second |
| Subscribe | Who What Wear Style Series | Shop the Closet | About Us | Ask a Stylist | Monthly Archive | What Was She Wearing | Advertise | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Support | Sitemap | |||
© Who What Wear LLC. 2010 All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except as expressly permitted in writing by Who What Wear LLC |
