Top This: The Breton

With Spring just around the corner, it’s an opportune time to talk about a timeless, chic and easy little top that can polish up any Look.

This top is a fantastic option to add to your wardrobe. Even though it’s been around long enough to be considered a “classic,” it can be worked into all sorts of style aesthetics because, let’s face it, it’s been worn (by both genders) for well over 150 years!!

Let’s chat about… The Breton!

The Breton, also called the marinière, was originally developed for French Navymen and each stripe represented one of Napoleon’s victories. It later became a popular fashion choice thanks to the influence of Coco Chanel. Her influence on the Breton has continued to this day. From John Wayne to Bridgitte Bardot, it’s been worn by a multitude of people and with a multitude of styles.

If you already have one, I have some fresh styling tips below.

And… if you don’t own one (yet), here are a few of my ways to consider wearing it!

Jazz up a black pencil skirt with the Breton, slip on some white tenny’s, and boom! You’ve officially resurrected that black pencil skirt you could never give away but wasn’t getting the lovin’ it deserves.
Pair it with a white jean, loafer and a navy cardigan tossed over your shoulders to really lean into the nautical vibes.
Toss it over a neutral sheath dress to give it a little more versatility. (Did you know… you can wrap a skinny belt 3” above the hem and then simply fold the top over the belt to hide it? Yes, you can.)
Wear the Breton with a pair of black pants to ‘lighten up’ the black choice (and it’s so very Coco Chanel)
And of course, we have our classic blue jean - you can even go for a high-waisted, wide-legged jean, with the Breton tucked in to highlight an hourglass frame.

Et voila! Now it’s time to shop!