When it comes to spring capsule wardrobe buys, few are as timeless as the Breton top, and after a shopping trip with presenter and style influencer, Jo Good, we know just where to pick them up. Taking us down Marylebone High Street, we stepped into British clothing brand favourite, The White Company, home not just to some of the best candles and sumptuous bedding, but also to timeless style staples.
Having a roster of basics that work together and layer with one another is essentially the key to smart spring outfit ideas, and while adding splashes of the latest colour trends will help to add a contemporary feel, a neutral palette ensures maximum wearability and timelessness. Picking out some of her favourite buys from this season's collection, Jo was emphatic about the brand's Breton and striped top and knit selection.
'Every wardrobe should have a Breton top,' Jo exclaimed as she picked up two of her favourites. Jo's first pick was a boxy striped jumper, crafted from breathable recycled cotton. The top featured a shorter, slightly flared sleeve and a relaxed fit, making it ideal for pairing with your favourite jeans. A simple outfit formula that never fails. Jo's second pick was the simple Breton stripe jumper with cashmere. The chic sweater featured a flattering high, boat neckline and was beautifully soft. But it was Jo's third stripey top that was her favourite of all. 'This is the Breton I would love, it's very 1960s, 1970s stretch, this is a real classic,' scooping up a ribbed, round crewneck design. With plenty of white in this particular design, Jo explains that wearing white on your top half 'throws light up onto your face, which, as you get older, is very, very flattering.'
Best Breton tops by The White Company
Describing why she liked it so much, 'It doesn't billow, it keeps the shape whilst it's on the body, and you can wear (it) under layers.' For Jo, this was her top stripe pick. And how would Jo style it, I hear you ask? Sweeping her hands across the rail, the style influencer held up a 'gorgeous oatmeal jacket' from the range and some white balloon leg jeans. Which despite her petite stature, Jo loves oversized items. 'Make yourself look even tinier, rather than (wearing) fitted.'
Described by Jo as 'a transition from winter into summer', this cotton top is beautifully breathable, thanks to the 'thick cotton knit Breton with a scoop neck'. The fluted sleeve adds a smart-casual feel to this striped design, ideal for pairing with jeans, denim skirts, or tailoring. The wider neck and sleeves ensure this is quite a breezy design, and the knitted texture keeps it on the spring side of the season. The use of recycled cotton adds a sustainable edge.
'I love a Breton', Jo explained, 'they never date', and she's right, and although this design is in white and chocolate, it's just as timeless as navy iterations. 'I find these far more flattering,' shares Jo, referring to the slash neck that is the most traditional silhouette when talking about Breton designs. The relaxed fit through the body makes it a candidate for wearing half tucked, or over your waistband.
Best of the rest
Not sure if you're ready for this stripey classic? Ease yourself in with an Amazon Essential. At just over £10, this is an absolute style steal, and the flattering boat neck and blue and white colour palette make it so easy to style. The 3/4 length sleeve is ideal for spring and summer wear.
When it comes to Breton tops, Boden is a master, and the brand regularly has a selection of this stripey staple regardless of trends or time of year. This classic design features the standard long sleeve and boat neck design ensuring it won't go out of fashion.
Brora is another brand Jo loves and we're certain she'd adore this classic cotton knit from the British brand. The cotton fabric keeps it light and breathable, while the ribbed neck and knitted construction make it wearable year round. You can even layer this one over a shirt in cooler climes.
FatFace's Breton is pretty true to the original in a navy and ivory colour palette. Crafted from 100% cotton, despite the long sleeve, this top is guaranteed to keep you cool in the summer months. The slash neck offers style and elegance, pairing well with hemlines of all lengths.
Marinière is the alternative name for a striped top and this Sezane iteration is ideal for teaming with lighter coloured bottoms thanks to its predominantly white hue. From white jeans to white denim skirts, as well as grey tailored trousers, this organic cotton design will keep you looking polished through spring.
A twist on the Breton, this striped design adds a contemporary feel to the much-loved classic. Featuring a slash neck, but a drop shoulder and vented sides, this laid back look is crafted in a weighty cotton fabric and loose fit for a smart but relaxed summer top.
Introduced in 1858, the Breton top has a long fashion history. Originally, the French navy uniform in Brittany, a true classic Breton, is a series of navy and white stripes and has a wide boat neck, although modern interpretations often riff on the classic, changing the colours and the neck shape. Formally, a Breton top should have just 21 stripes, which is why you sometimes see tops appearing to be Breton, referred to simply as striped, as they may have varying necklines or stripe numbers from the original.
A true wardrobe staple, when it comes to tops that never go out of fashion, a striped design, or classic Breton teams effortlessly with most items, although it is most loved as part of blue or white jeans outfits, and comes into its own in the spring and summer months.
While every capsule wardrobe will reflect your personal style, a Breton top, as Jo firmly believes, has the potential to be in every wardrobe and is a wise investment as this beauty never dates, or goes out of style, making it one of the easiest items to wear for a little French chic, without any fuss.
