It seems to me that in the current changeable weather conditions, rain then sun then humidity then chilling temperatures, there’s an item of clothing that works no matter what the weather throws at us. The Breton top.
Red Breton, dressed up with black // Breton with turquoise necklace // Olivia // Breton with khaki
For a while now, convinced of its versatility (just look at the examples above) I’ve been looking for a new addition to my portfolio of stripes. I already have a coral and cream wide striped loose tee, but now I’d really like a navy version. Finding a quality fabric however that isn’t paper thin and see through is another matter.
L-R:Petite Bateau marinière // Autumn Breton Boden // Baukjen Pippa striped top
After looking a little further than the high street and at more ‘grown up’ brands however, I think I might be onto a few winners. I’m particularly loving the unusual neckline and combination of colours in the Petite Bateau version and the heavier weight jersey from Boden.
Have you found the perfect Breton yet and have you (like me) been wearing yours none stop?
Love,
Rebecca
xo
This is literally ALL I wear. I’m a fan of the Boden version but prefer the one from a couple of seasons ago which is fitted. Gap have a lovely dress version but again, less fitted than in previous seasons. Gap also have a top but am yet to try it on.
I prefer the light blue, royal blue or navy to the red. Slash necked rather than rounded. Three quarter sleeved.
As for teaming, white linen trousers (summer) and jeans (winter). Shorts (yesterday). Bicycle optional. French stick essential.
Love your comment. That is all.
Like the petit bateau one – I have one from Whistles which I love and wear loads – I dress them up with a statement necklace too!
xx
Gap! And agree with Becca, slash neck is much better than round neck. It’s the only item I own from Gap but I’ve worn it non stop for three years.
It may be time for a new one.
I love these. I also have a white and peach one, long sleeve but quite snug fitting from Miss Selfridge I think. However being of the curvier type, I am often confused about the stripe thing…does it make you look fatter or slimmer??
I do love these tops, the petit bateau one especially. I got a gorgeous thick jumper from GAP in the sale with navy blue and cream stripes. Fits lovely but definately a more casual look, jeans and loafers.
xx
I dont pay any attention to the stripes – I think everyone is different – do what you like and works for you!
I’m curvy and stripes across the top are fine. I don’t like them across my tummy. But that’s because it’s the bit of me I despise. Like Rebecca said, each to their own.
I got a loose fitting Breton for the bargainaceous price of £15 in the Fat face sale earlier in the summer and have indeed been living in it. Like Alex above I wasn’t convinced by the stripes but it’s more flattering than I’d expected. Would defo buy another.
I have about 6 of these in various styles and colours, although like you I struggle to find a thick enough one so I always pop a nude or white best underneath. My absolute favourite one was from a couple of years ago from New Look, it was a thick jersey with a round neck and a big floppy navy blue bow on the front. I wore it until the bow fell off but I got asked about it all the time.
I’ve also got a Breton jersey dress from the Ben De Lisi range at Principles and I think I’ve worn it at least 300 times!
I love them but would prefer a scoop neck or v neck otherwise my comedy bosom resembles a french bolster pillow (not a good look). I have a cream and navy v neck light jumper version from Gap and a coral long, heavy t-shirt (boat necked alas) from Fat Face. I want more though.
You do have to be careful – I tried a navy and red version on in M&S and it looked appalling as I turned into the biggest pear shape ever. I think it was because there were no stripes at the top – they came in lower down. Any how-to-wear advice would be great!
I bought lovely light knit, slash necked jumper in the GAP sale with cream/blue stripes. I love it and think come Autumn I will live in it.
I love a Breton stripe. There is just something so effortlessly stylish about them, they can be worn so many ways and it’s a style that never seems to date. Definite winner!
Love the Breton stripe- have just updated my wardrobe with a couple from Jack Wills (a bargain in the sale at £19) & a Whistles special! BUT what I’d really like to know is where I can find that gorgous turquoise necklace in that 1st image! Any ideas ladies? X
I’m sure I’ve seen a very similar (if not identical!) one on “The Oxford Trunk” – it’s a jewellery website from the States. Michelle from “Pocketful of Dreams” featured it recently, if that helps? x
http://www.theoxfordtrunk.com/collections/necklace/products/isly-couture-bubble
There we go!
Florence finds 1, Thesis writing 0…
Thanks! Love it in every colour… This could get expensive!