Sailor Chic: 35 Navy Stripes Outfit Ideas for a French Breton Look

French Navy Stripes Outfit Ideas Sailor Style Fashion Looks
Timeless stripes to wear in a variety of ways.

French Stripe Breton Shirt Sailor Aesthetic Coco Chanel
We are all familiar with the classic Breton T-shirt worn by French fisherman and French sailors. The shirt was transformed into a chic bohemian Navy Sailor look by Iconic Fashion Designer Coco Chanel and has conquered the fashion world from there. Blue and white Navy stripes have become a timeless classic and summer look with a French style sailor aesthetic. But this relaxed French sailor look is not only for T-shirts, but also for button shirts, blouses, dresses, sweaters and more. So here are some great navy stripes outfit ideas to add to your wardrobe -from sailor Tees and tops, to French style dresses, to sailor inspired sweaters, as well as bathing suits.


Breton Stripe French Style Fashion Women over 60

There are some pieces that transcend time and trends to become iconic symbols of culture and style. Among these is a quintessentially French garment: la marinière, aka the Breton shirt. 
The Classic Breton stripe and French stripe designs are deeply rooted in history, dating back over a century. Breton striped jerseys were introduced as the official French Navy uniform in 1858. French stripes have since influenced fashion trends all over the world and drive the inspiration behind the Saint James French shirt and sweater designs. 


Peek into the closets of the French, and you’ll likely find at least one striped sailor tee or Breton wool sweater. Chances are higher, too, that the left sleeve will bear the label of Saint James, the 127-year-old independent French ready-to-wear brand whose durable goods—and timeless nautical looks—have made it a national icon spanning generations



Navy Striped Long Sleeve Shirt with Shoulder Buttons Detial Sezanne



How to Style the Classic Navy Stripe Shirt



How to Wear Breton Stripes


Classic Blue and White Striped T-Shirts

Classic striped crewneck T-shirt from J.Crew. This classic simple & chic Tee definitely channels the Coco Chanel Aesthetic.


women's stripes tops navy stripes fashion
Shop Striped Tops at Land's End

 
How to Wear the Classic Navy Shirt

Stacie swears by the Saint James Striped Sailor Shirt which she has in different colors (see first picture). The casual shirt looks chic and elegant worn over a blouse.  



Navy Stripe Outfit Ideas Women Summer Look

Classic striped sailor shirt from J.Crew worn with jeans and styled with a casual tuck. A Straw Bag complements the beachy summer look. 

T-Shirts | Button ups | Dresses | Sweaters | Swimwear


Styling Ideas for Navy Stripes Sailor Shirts

 To level up your style with a casual striped sailor shirt, wear a blazer over.


Oversized Faded Light Blue Jeans Jacket OUtfit by the sea Seaside Beach Fashion Fall

When days get cooler, wearing a loose faded denim jacket over your Navy striped shirt, will keep you warm while maintaining a relaxed beach vibe.  The soft nude skirt adds a feminine touch to this beachy outfit.



What to Wear on Nantucket


French Breton Striped Shirts Women
Shop Striped Top at Saint James

Here you see a fresh take on the classic French Breton sailor shirt. It plays with Saint James' iconic stripes, offering an original twist with its contrasting cuffs, a mix of stripe widths and a vibrant color palette. The sailor shirt come with UV sun protection, using the U.V Skin-Protection microfiber.

Summer Outfit Ideas with Navy Stripes for Women

It doesn't get more coastal than this. A classic button down blue and white striped shirt from Ralph Lauren is paired with white jeans.



Crinkle gauze boy stripe shirt from J.Crew worn casually over white shorts. 


Navy Stripe T-Shirt Dresses

A lightweight striped summer dress styled with a belt.
 

Striped Shirt Beach Cover Up Idea
Bittersweat Colours

A striped shirt dress is worn as a beach cover up.



Blue White Striped Summer Dress with Bow
Striped Dress with Bow Detail from TWH


Striped Maxi T-Shirt Dress Styling Ideas

The loose worn navy striped maxi T-shirt dress is elevated with high heels (pun intended), jewelry and a handbag. A good example of an effortless chic summer look. Check out her Beach Vacation Outfit too, it involves stripes as well.


Blue White Stripe T-Shirt Dress
Beautifully Seaside

This striped T-shirt style summer dress from J.Crew Factory is simple & stylish, and perfect for the beach. 

 
Striped Mini Dress worn with Sneakers

And here a classic navy striped mini T-shirt dress is worn with sneakers. The jacket that is tied around the waste adds a nice dimension to this outfit. 


Stripe on Stripe Summer Outfit for the Beach Idea
BitterSweet Colours

A playful stripe on stripe outfit example to wear on the beach. 


Blue White Summer Navy Stripes Swimsuit Womens Bathing Suits
Julia Berolzheimer rocks the blue and white summer stripes in a one piece swimsuit while enjoying the Coccaro Beach Club in Puglia, Italy (Julia's Instagram).



Navy Stripe Short Outfit Idea


Blue White Striped One Piece Swimsuits
Jennifer Sumko on Instagram


 Wearing a navy striped sweater as a layering piece over shoulders.


Navy Stripe Sweater Outfit Ideas Women over 50
Saltwater New England


Navy Look with Striped Sweater and Navy Jacket


Navy Stripe French Style Turtleneck
Black Stripe Wool Turtleneck from Neiman Marcus

Shop this sweater for less:
Almost identical striped sweater, made with synthetic materials on Amazon HERE. And a 50% cotton version with mock neck from Lucky Brand HERE.


"Stripes really are a classic and classics are allowed to shine the most when the styling around them is kept very simple," Jess at Fashion & Style Edit says. If you agree, watch her video below!


And for a deep dive into the history of the French sailor aesthetic, head over to French fashion blogger Leonce Chenal who reside in Bordeaux, France.