Stepping into Tuesday with a Breton tee- the classic striped tee every woman should own- and denim. It’s an outfit directly from the preppy playbook. Or is that the French playbook? Did you know that the striped tee started life in The French Navy in 1858?
The original sailor tee sported 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories. The distinctive pattern of stripes made it easier to spot a sailor in the sea if, by chance he fell overboard. At the turn of the twentieth century, on a visit to the French Riviera, Coco Chanel spied the tee on a Navy seaman and introduced the Breton tee in her 1917 nautical collection.
This look was a breakaway from the heavily corseted fashion popular at the time. Coco initially paired the tee with flared trousers, and a trend began. Women in trousers? Striped Tees? Separates? This outfit seems so matter-of-fact these days, but waaaay back when it took one brave woman to change fashion forever.
TL;DR
Today, I’m featuring the classic striped tee every woman should own—the Breton tee
The tee is modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternates
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Plus, I’ve got a great Real vs. Steal featuring the Gucci Princeton Loafers. So don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of the post!
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The Classic Striped Tee Every Woman Should Own
1. Breton Shirt
(Saint James)
Many of today’s striped tees no longer have the obligatory 21 stripes, but there are several companies like St. James headquartered in Normandy, France that offer authentic Breton tees. But as far as classics go a striped tee is a must-have in your closet.
It’s a wardrobe staple like a black blazer or white shirt. A striped tee offers versatility galore as it can be tucked underneath a cardigan, blazer, denim jacket, or simply fly solo.
Loraine Loafers (Sam Edelman) | Tommy Oversized Cable Knit Cardigan (Sandro) | Breton Shirt (Saint James) | Sculpting Pocket Mid-Rise Tapered Jeans (Ann Taylor) | Knott Medium Leather Satchel (similar, Kate Spade) | Caviar Small Two-Tone Hoop Earrings (LAGOS) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watch (LAGOS) | Givenchy 55mm Square Sunglasses (Givenchy)
Shop the outfit
2. Details & Accessories
Loraine Loafers (Sam Edelman) | Tommy Oversized Cable Knit Cardigan (Sandro) | Breton Shirt (Saint James) | Sculpting Pocket Mid-Rise Tapered Jeans (Ann Taylor) | Knott Medium Leather Satchel (similar, Kate Spade) | Caviar Small Two-Tone Hoop Earrings (LAGOS) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watch (LAGOS) | Givenchy 55mm Square Sunglasses (Givenchy)
Shop the outfit
3. Tommy Oversized Cable Knit Cardigan
(Sandro)
Today’s OOTD starts with a Breton tee from St. James I purchased on one of my trips to France. It’s been put to good use through the years and still looks fantastic! Since I’m going for an old-school preppy look a pair of denim is a must, and loafers too! And I couldn’t resist adding a varsity cardigan (old, similar here and here) to this casual chic outfit to add some personality.
Loraine Loafers (Sam Edelman) | Tommy Oversized Cable Knit Cardigan (Sandro) | Breton Shirt (Saint James) | Sculpting Pocket Mid-Rise Tapered Jeans (Ann Taylor) | Knott Medium Leather Satchel (similar, Kate Spade) | Caviar Small Two-Tone Hoop Earrings (LAGOS) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watch (LAGOS) | Givenchy 55mm Square Sunglasses (Givenchy)
Shop the outfit
Alternative Stylings
Left Board: Breton Shirt (Saint James) | Paulina Leather Block Heel Sandals (Talbots) | Double Breasted Wool Blend Peacoat (Sam Edelman) | Knit Wide Leg Pants (Talbots) Right Board: Breton Shirt (Saint James) | Liz Chain Nappa Loafers (Talbots) | Long Cardigan (Splendid) | High-Waist Straight Ankle Jeans (Talbots)
Real vs. Steal
Real: Princetown Leather Slipper (Gucci) Steal: Loraine Loafers (Sam Edelman)
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, featured a pair of faux leather paints and lug-sole Chelsea boots I can’t stop wearing. Click the title or image below to read the article.
I Can’t Stop Wearing These Shoes
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This shirt is $125 ….. there are other places to purchase a stripped tee for less money. It would have nice to include some less expensive site to purchase a tee like this. Not everyone is willing to spend $125 on a tee …..
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you tune in regularly to the blog as we show many outfits with many different price points. This particular tee is from an iconic brand St. James and is worth every penny. But there are sooooo many striped tees available from so many brands.
Hello Beth, this is my kind of outfit! I’ve followed you for several years and I look forward to your daily posts. I was wondering if you could link more affordable, but quality alternatives for those of us who can’t afford some of your pricier fashions. This would be a great help! Thank you!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you tune in regularly to the blog as we show many outfits with different price points. This particular tee is from an iconic brand St. James and is worth every penny. But there are sooooo many striped tees available from so many brands.
You look so good in this outfit! Thank you for inspiring me to look ahead in my wardrobe to SPRING! 🙂
Can’t wait for spring, Judi! Thanks for stopping by!
Love my striped tees! I have both navy and white, and red and white striped tees.
I love to say I never met a stripe I didn’t like!
I’m unfortunately overweight – happened after menopause. Wouldn’t horizontal stripes be a bad idea?
Style experts have advised “don’t worry about wearing vertical or horizontal stripes, they don’t make much difference” and I always advise “wear what makes you happy!”
OMG! $125.00 for a T-shirt! I thank you should have shown some less expensive options!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you tune in regularly to the blog as we show many outfits with different price points. This particular tee is from an iconic brand St. James and is worth every penny. But there are sooooo many striped tees available from so many brands.
Hi Beth,
Thanks for introducing me to a brand I do not own: St. James. I like to learn about some investment pieces/brands so appreciate you highlighting them. I think most of your audience, including me, knows a myriad of sources for a less expensive striped tee. But I like that you told us about St. James and also endorse it. I appreciate that I learn new things on your site! Have a great rest of your day!
I’m so glad I’m the one to introduce St. James to you! It’s a great brand I know you will love!