The cool girl’s guide on how to style Breton stripes this summer

This J-Crew outfit could make a good day celebration look

If there’s one piece that most of us probably have in our closets, it’s the classic Breton striped shirt. Typically characterized as a cotton top with blue navy-like stripes, the style was introduced in 1858 as the uniform for the French navy and the original design featured 21 stripes, supposedly representing the 21 victories of Napoleon Bonaparte’s French fleet against the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.
Coco Chanel was so inspired by the sailors’s uniform after a trip to the french coast that she incorporated the stripes into her 1917 nautical collection.

Since then this naval uniform has turned into a fashion staple you can wear from day to night: Breton stripes are befitting wherever they’re placed.

Diane Kruger in a crop top and suit pants

Leandra Medine outside of her studio

Lily Aldridge sighting in New York

French blogger AbsolutelyGlamourous

Alessandra Ambrosio and her favourite MikPink Breton striped top

Keri Russell has the perfect party outfit for us!

And so does Jamie Chung!