Originally designed for the French navy, the Breton striped shirt (aka the marinière) shifted from workwear to fashion thanks to designer Coco Chanel, who introduced the design in her ready-to-wear collection in 1917. Since then, designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier (who has taken the breton as his de-facto trademark, using it on the bottle for his popular Le Male cologne and even outfitting his staff in marinières during his runway shows), Givenchy and Balmain have remixed the pattern. French film stars such as Brigitte Bardot and icons such as James Dean and Audrey Hepburn have all worn sailor stripes, too. Across the Atlantic, Breton stripes have become a prep staple — head to a regatta and just try not to find one or two dozen Saint James Meridiens — and a surefire way to transition your wardrobe into the long days of summer.
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Clockwise from top left: Saint James Unisex Meridien II Nautical Tee ($85), Tory Burch Kerrington Shopper Tote ($295), Velvet by Graham and Spencer Electra Ponti Stripe Jacket ($185), Sperry Top-Sider Breton Stripe Pareo ($32), Sperry Top-Sider Katama Espadrille ($60), Topshop Breton Stripe Boxy Tee ($64), Kate Spade New York Stripe Flat ($238), J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Colorblock Stripe ($144), J. Crew Sailor Stripe Bikini Top ($62) and bottom ($52), CB Made in Italy Stripe Flat Slip-on ($525)Images courtesy Nordstrom, Matches Fashion, Bloomingdale’s, J. Crew, Sperry Top-Sider and Topshop
