We are in for a very striped spring (as seen on the runway) and I am finding nautical inspiration to be fresh and simple. The oldie-but-goodie striped sailor-style shirt has suddenly become an au currant must-have for spring. I love it. I love it so much that I own five of them all with different sleeve lengths and necklines. Sailor gluttony? Maybe...but they are just so darn comfortable, versatile and can be found affordably! The “Breton” shirt originated in Brittany – a French province that occupies the peninsula between the English Channel and Bay of Biscay – which explain its nautical affiliation. Coco Chanel and her love for menswear brought this fashion trend to women in the 1960’s and we can’t thank her enough! And I don’t know about you, but I have an obsession with European women and their sense of style. How do they ALWAYS looks chic? When I was on the French Riviera in fall 2008, I witnessed effortlessly chic European women wearing Breton shirts as they strolled along the beaches in Antibes as well as searching for treasures at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (flea market north of Paris). They were everywhere—nautical-striped shirts tossed over slouchy pants or skirts. 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.
The Breton shirt is the perfect tres chic afternoon look, no matter whether you're sailing or merely captaining a lawn chair!
Here is one way to incorporate the look into your own wardrobe...
