Oh, I do love a proper Breton stripe. It’s surprisingly hard to find the perfect Breton – they’re often ill-fitting, with stripes that are either too wide or too thin, or a colour scheme that strays too far from the original navy-on-white. It’s a real Goldilocks situation, let me tell you.
But, I’m committed to the Breton lifestyle and I’ve been searching for ‘the one’ for quite a while. During my long and intensive search, I’ve discovered many things about the Breton stripe – did you know it originated in 19th Century France as a uniform for the French Navy in Brittany, as the distinctive stripe made it easy to spot men who had fallen overboard? Well, there you go.
I’m no French seaman, but I imagine this top will soon become my official uniform. It’s the ‘Sailor Shirt’ from Seasalt Cornwall, a brand that’s totally new to me but appeals to my cottage-by-the-sea side. A side I’m fully ready to embrace, I should add.
There are a few things I look for in a Breton top – a soft cotton, loose fit, long sleeves and a white and black/navy colourway. What can I say, I’m a traditionalist. The Seasalt Sailor Shirt is 100% organic cotton with a relaxed fit, boat neck and no 3/4 length sleeves in sight – I think we’re on to a winner!
Breton top, c/o Seasalt Cornwall | Skirt, Miss Selfridge | Backpack, Michael Kors | Espadrilles, c/o Seasalt Cornwall | Necklace, Topshop | Sunglasses, Miu Miu
I wore my Breton with a cute A-line denim skirt and equally adorable espadrilles, also from Seasalt. Tomorrow I might wear it with wide-legged culottes, and it’s the perfect partner to some loose Boyfriend jeans for a weekend brunch date. Forget crochet bikinis and fringed suede waistcoats – this is all I’ll be wearing for summer.
Controversial I know but I had a similar longline top which was black with a dark lilac-y stripe, I absolutely loveddd it & have no idea where it went. It was so great! Someone obviously saw how awesome it was & pilfered it.
The struggle is real. 10 years on and I am still yet to find the perfect one. I’ve given roughly a million (I don’t exaggerate) and still nothing that I absolutely love. I hate when the fabric is too flimsy. Looks like you found a goodie though!! Don’t you just find stripes so fancy?
Megan || http://www.ohheyblog.com
Such a great summer staple! Perfect for a breezy evening near the beach!
I did not know that the striped shirt was called a Breton! You learn new things every day. That’s pretty awesome and I love how you paired it with the button down denim skirt.
coffeeslag
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I have been on the look out for one of these perfect breton stripes tops also. I’m going to spend a couple of weeks in Normandy very soon so I’ll make sure to have a look in every boutique I come across ! Wish me luck 😉 !
xx, Charlie
http://charlieleschroniques.blogspot.com/
Oh I am a Breton gal too! I love this Seasalt one (they have some great stuff!) and how you have styled it is ace!
Maria xxx
Just discovered your blog and am now hooked. Love this post about Bretons – and how you’ve styled the look. Heading straight over to Seasalt website right now! 🙂
I love a good Breton top they really go with everything! Such a classic staple!
Lovely top! I am also a fan of a Breton stripe, but hadn’t found my perfect one… until yesterday. I had a quick glance online in the UO sale and found the perfect Breton tee in green / blue stripe x
http://www.curiouser-and-curiouser.co.uk
What a nice style! I love the whole outfit. All the fashion stuffs are stylish and fashionable. You girl would be more beautiful if you wore another shoes instead of the flat ones.
Kisses from Khanh,
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