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Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
Functional, durable and fashionable, the Breton stripe top was originally made for sailors in the French navy and army. Over time it became popular with style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot thus rendering it a wardrobe staple for generations to come. This relaxed basic is perfect for casual weekend days or even as a beach cover up, and it's certainly something you will want to collect in several colorways. Whether you enjoy time on a boat or not, the sailor striped top will be something you will reach for often. We found many options from rainbow stripes to puff sleeves and even a bow back version. Sail away in this timeless look.
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1
The Original
Minquiers Moderne Striped Sailor Shirt
Saint James
nordstrom.com
$79.00
In 1858 the striped tee became the official uniform of sailors in the French Navy. Saint James makes the classic original and now it can be yours too.
2
The French Classic
Fricotou Tee
Petit Bateau
shopbop.com
$97.00
The 20th century introduced this nautical look into the mainstream. Petit Bateau's chic basic top is an evergreen wardrobe staple.
3
The Boat Neck Cut
Georgia Jersey Top
Boden
nordstrom.com
$31.50
The boat neck style is a signature of the sailor striped top. Sailors and fishermen have worn it and it's also a fashion must-have made stylish by creatives such as Coco Chanel and Pablo Picasso.
4
The Laid-Back Look
Holly Striped Henley Top
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Anthropologie
anthropologie.com
$128.00
A different spin on the Breton striped top, this Henley style is a fun update.
5
The Graphic Pick
L'océan Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt
J.Crew
nordstrom.com
$22.28
A graphic text accent to the Breton stripe top emphasizes the nautical lover's style and favorite place to be.
6
The Lady-Like Tee
Stripe Puff Sleeve Tee
Court & Rowe
nordstrom.com
$24.62
A puff sleeve option adds a feminine look to our favorite classic top.
7
The Twist
Tie-back top in striped Mariner cloth
With a sweet bow in the back, this one is for when you need a new spin on your striped tops.
8
The Unexpected Option
Stripe T-Shirt with Ruffles
One striped top is never enough. This version is a relaxed basic with a creative accent.
9
The Colorful Choice
Lean Lines Tee
La Ligne
nordstrom.com
$46.00
Rainbow stripes bring a cheerful update to our favorite stripes.
10
The Elevated Classic
Rebecca Minkoff Talia Pullover
Rebecca Minkoff
shopbop.com
$68.60
Elevate the look of your striped pullover with ruched shoulders.
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Aya Kanai
Editor in Chief at Marie Claire
I’m Aya Kanai, Editor in Chief at Marie Claire.
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