T-Shirts and Blouses
May 25, 2023

Trust Me—Every French Woman Owns This Chic Summer Staple

by Bébhinn Campbell

In my eyes, May officially marks the beginning of T-shirt season. Sure, you might need to keep an emergency cardigan stuffed into your tote for the time being, but before too long bare arms won't just be a fantasy.

T-shirts come in many forms, but undoubtedly one of the most classic is the humble striped tee, aka the Breton. As the name suggests, this is a French style staple; one which fashion types all across the globe have happily adopted. It's simple, fuss-free, and endlessly versatile—especially if you opt for a monochrome iteration. Tuck it into jeans, knot it at the waist or layer it under your knitwear in the cooler months. It doesn't get easier than this.

If you're all about embracing colour as we head into summer, there are plenty of brighter versions to suit a more cheerful palette. In fact, you might be surprised by the spectrum of striped T-shirts on offer. Scroll on to see our current favourites, plus how some of Instagram's best dressers are wearing theirs this season.

Best striped T-shirts: @juliesfi

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@juliesfi

Julie styles her stripes for the beach, tucking her tee into high-waisted denim shorts.

Best striped T-shirts: @taffymsipa

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@taffymsipa

When in doubt, make like Taffy and pair this basic with trusty blue denim.

Best striped T-shirts: @annelauremais

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@annelauremais

Anne wears her summer-ready cropped style with a lace skirt and mini shoulder bag.

Best striped T-shirts: @salome.mory

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I can't wait to copy this easy jeans, sandals and tee look this weekend.

Best striped T-shirts: @frannfyne

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@frannfyne

Franny styles her red and white tee with simple blue jeans and white ballet pumps.

Best striped T-shirts: @anoukyve

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@anoukyve

I love the idea of pairing a striped tee with tailored trousers for a polished look.

Best striped T-shirts: @slipintostyle

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@slipintostyle

Ellie shows off her fashion credentials with a luxury Dior iteration.

COS The Clean Cut T-Shirt

The Clean Cut T-Shirt

Made from sturdy organic cotton, this thicker-than-average style will stand the test of time.

Jigsaw Heavy Cotton Stripe T-Shirt

Heavy Cotton Stripe T-Shirt

This boxy shape goes great with jeans.

M&S Collection Pure Cotton Oversized Striped T-Shirt

Pure Cotton Oversized Striped T-Shirt

A fun colour combo for the warmer months. I'd tuck this one into ecru denim.

Matteau Striped Cotton-Jersey Top

Striped Cotton-Jersey Top

Reach for this long-sleeved option on overcast days.

Sézane Paris Mon Amour T-Shirt

Paris Mon Amour T-Shirt

Lean into the Parisian look with this slogan tee by French brand Sèzane.

Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

This caramel stripe is a softer alternative to black-and-white (but still just as wearable).

COS Regular Fit T-Shirt

Regular Fit T-Shirt

This one belongs in your weekly outfit roster.

Whistles Emily Ultimate Stripe Tee

Emily Ultimate Stripe Tee

Whistles' T-shirts are incredibly comfortable.

Frame Striped Organic-Linen Cropped T-Shirt

Striped Organic-Linen Cropped T-Shirt

This linen-blend design will slot seamlessly into your warm-weather wardrobe.

H&M Modal-Blend T-Shirt

Modal-Blend T-Shirt

Just add jeans and sneakers. Voilà: a chic and easy everyday look.

Mango Message Striped T-Shirt

Message Striped T-Shirt

Khaki is a neutral, as far as I'm concerned.

H&M Cotton T-Shirt

How cute is this tee? And it's just £10.

Arket Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

This comes in a wide variety of colours.

Whistles Slim Stripe T-Shirt

Slim Stripe T-Shirt

Opt for a slimmer fit if you plan on tucking your tee into wide-leg trousers or a flowy skirt.

Aligne Frances Cropped Tee

Frances Cropped Tee

I love the chunky stripes on this one.

The Frankie Shop Karina Striped Cotton-Jersey Cropped Top

The Frankie Shop

Karina Striped Cotton-Jersey Cropped Top

Ideal for summer holidays—style it with white linen shorts and sandals.