Basics
Aug 8, 2022

Fashion Experts Are Suddenly Back Into Breton Tops—These 21 Outfits Prove It

by Hannah Almassi

Breton stripes never go out of fashion. They are far too classic an item to be relegated to a whim, but it's true that they do go through moments where popularity surges, and they become noticeably more on-trend than a season or moment before. Now is one such time. Everywhere I look, there are Breton stripes, and people are wearing them in such a variety of new ways that it's the perfect time to gather inspiration.

A nautical trend to autumn fashion is like butter to bread—the two are so much more delicious together and are inextricably linked. You will find that a well-chosen striped knit or tee is the kind of clever item, albeit simple, you'll pull out at this time every year without fail, making it an investment not to ignore.

Any previous Breton purchases will stand the test of time and look good in 2022. There are a few quirky iterations on offer this year, though, should you still be searching for yours. We've noticed sportier silhouettes coming through via sweatshirts and zip-front styles as well as smart, collared options for those who aren't as keen on a crew-neck. Arket's collared marinière styles are possibly the most in demand on the high street, selling out multiple times last year and dropping back in stock recently for this autumn. But this is one styling idea where you don't have to buy an It item at all—just a plain ol' basic will do.

Keep scrolling to get all of the Breton-top outfit ideas you'll ever need.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with leggings

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@symphonyofsilk

Style Notes: Yes, marinière jumpers are a wonderful companion to comfy black leggings.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with a shirt and jeans

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@anoukyve

Style Notes: When you don't want to go outside without some sensible layers, a chunky Breton knit over your shoulders will do nicely.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with a mac and tailored trousers

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@bubblyaquarius

Style Notes: Tailoring and chunky flat shoes lend a nerdy charm to any Breton sweater.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with skinny jeans and boots

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@laurennicolefk

Style Notes: Skinny jeans and cowboy boots add a more rock 'n' roll edge to a classic striped jumper.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with a denim skirt and knee boots

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@hannamw

Style Notes: Your look doesn't have to be laid-back—striped knits work with skirts and heels, too.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with chinos and loafers

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@francescasaffari

Style Notes: A happy partner to chinos and loafers for a preppy spin.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with a claw clip

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@biancaffoley

Style Notes: Bretons are inherently casual, so I like the idea of glamming them up with gold hoops, sunnies and a claw clip.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with straight jeans and Birkenstocks

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@smythsisters

Style Notes: With straight-leg jeans and Birkenstocks, the nautical knit gets a very 2022 update.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with slip skirt

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@frannfyne

Style Notes: Your sailor-style knit will absolutely work with any of the slip skirts you invested in a few years back.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with jeans and a blazer

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@nicoleocran

Style Notes: Throw a bold blazer on top of a jeans-and-Breton combination for a fast track to looking smart.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with flared jeans

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@juliesfi

Style Notes: Many French women are rediscovering flares this year, and they are a perfect match for a striped jumper.

breton top outfit ideas: striped tee with a linen skirt

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@fashionenth

Style Notes: Breton tees work with all sorts of basics, but have you tried one with a linen skirt yet? Do it!

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with white jeans

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@charlottekuhrt

Style Notes: Just by swapping out blue jeans for white ones, you instantly have a summer-ready look.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with jeans

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@lindseyholland_

Style Notes: This year's striped jumpers feature some subtle, extra details—like the contrast sleeves pictured here.

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@emmanuellek_

Style Notes: A fine-gauge knit tucked into high-waisted jeans is such a sophisticated idea.

breton top outfit ideas: striped cardigan with white trousers

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@helenacuesta

Style Notes: You can veer away from the traditional—this bolder cardigan option makes quite the statement with plain trousers.

breton top outfit ideas: striped fleece with jeans

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@anoukyve

Style Notes: A striped fleece or zip-front sweatshirt looks so good with dark-wash jeans and flats.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper knotted over a trench coat

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@_jessicaskye

Style Notes: A Breton knotted over the shoulders of a trench coat? Chic.

breton top outfit ideas: striped jumper with black trousers and a rain coat

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@basicstouch

Style Notes: Collared Bretons are having a bit of a moment—this Arket style sold out fast but is finally back in stock (and in my edit below). It's the details in each of these pieces that make a simple ensemble stand out.