Any trend that has endured for almost a century must
surely be named a style classic.
Nautical inspired fashion is one such trend. It works
for all ages and the formula is simple – navy, white and horizontal stripes.
A classic Breton has been the mainstay of Spring
Summer wardrobes for almost a century. Characterized as a cotton top with blue
sailor-like stripes, the style was introduced in 1858 as the uniform for the French
Navy.
The design captured Coco Chanel’s attention almost
one hundred years ago. She was so inspired by the sailors’ uniform that she
incorporated the stripes into her 1917 nautical collection. The casual design helped
break away from the heavily corseted fashion of the time, forever changing the
face of womenswear.
A
Breton can be an incredibly versatile piece of clothng. Usually
long-sleeved, it is ideal for Spring. It works with dark skinny jeans to white
straight-legged jeans, pale wash boyfriend jeans to tailored trousers,
distressed denim shorts to smart chino shorts. And everything in between.
The styling choices have evolved over
time. They now come in a plethora of colours allowing one to move away from the
traditional navy and white palette. But,
whether worn by old style movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, or modern-day it-girls,
(Alexa Chung and Kate Moss are huge fans), the effect remains the same.
I have a few Breton tops and I find them to to be some of the hardest working pieces of clothing I own. Along with other nautical inspired pieces, they are staples in my spring wardrobe as my latest outfit posts will attest.
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I like to add a pop of colour. Bold primaries add impact, but soft aqua or duck egg work beautifully too.
Stripes work with so many other patterns including spots, leopard print and florals.
Here the leopard print comes courtesy of my sandals.
But I think my favourite combination is navy stripes with yellow.
A striped blazer or trench coat could be
worn over any outfit and requires little else in addition to give the required “nauticality”.
My striped trench coat has been a great addition to my wardrobe..
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On the other hand, a plain navy blazer, a
wardrobe staple seen in many style stories can soon add a hint of the nautical
when accessorized with a striped scarf, a subtle anchor pendant or a belt with
rope detailing. Worn with jeans, trousers, a dress or a skirt, it’s a simple
and versatile way of embracing the trend.
I wore my anchor necklace a lot last spring.
Metallics in the gold spectrum accentuate the contrast
between navy and white beautifully- think brass buttons and gold hoop earrings.
A large tote bag with rope handles is as practical as
it is stylish, especially on the beach later in the season. Or for shopping
right now. Ballerina shoes and plimsolls compliment nautical fashion and are useful
for when the weather can’t decide on the season. But when summer does arrive, a
wedge sandal with a rope heel or an espadrille are ideal choices.
Love Liz x
Some of my Blog Posts with nautical inspired outfits or stripes:
Outfit: Navy Breton with Skinny Jeans and Union Jack Shoes
Outfit: Anchor Jumper and Spotted Scarf
Outfit: Nautical Striped Jumper and Daisy Scarf
Outfit: Trollbeads Bracelet and Shades of Blue
Outfit: Sixties Style Stripes
