Striped T-shirt is definitely a wardrobe staple. From Olivia Palermo’s outfits above we can know how versatile and stylish it is. It goes with almost everything: from lace to leather, from shorts to maxi dress, from heels to booties.
Different colors and the width of the stripes can bring out different vibes. Although there are countless stripe tees in the market (like this estate blue multi color stripe peplum top from Marc by Marc Jacobs that I’m currently obsessed with), I always look for the classic blue and white Breton stripe version when shopping.
Breton stripe was first introduced by French Law in 1858 to locate overboard sailors–this distinctive block pattern of stripes made them easier to spot in the waves. The original design featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories.
Because of the shirt’s ease of wear and practicality, It quickly became popular among breton workers. When Coco Chanel visited French coast, she fell in love with this pattern and used it in her nautical collection in 1917.
The collection was a huge breakthrough for women at that time when they have to wear corsets all the time. It was also a breakthrough for the stripe tee itself– thanks to Coco, this charming print got accepted to haute bourgeoisie and now it already becomes a synonymous of chic Parisian.
The versatility of striped tee is truly brought out by Olivia Palermo, a master of mixing high and low. In today’s featured looks, we can learn a lot from her about how to use it to create different types of polish looks, from sweet to edgy, and even luxury.
Below are details of her three outfits:
Jacket: Whistles Ashley (similar here and here))
Pumps: Manolo Blahnik (peep-toe version here)
Clutch: vintage (great style here and here)
Necklace: Fabergé Ida (similar here and here)
Bangle: Fabergé (similar here)
Skirt: Frank Taldo (great style here and here)
Bag: Dior
Bracelet: Lulu Frost
Top: Club Monaco (adore this version)
Shoes: Zara (great style by Marni or Diesel Treck)
Bag: Anya Hindmarch (love this one by Chloe!)
Accessories: Roberta Freyyman necklace, CC Skye ring, Ray Ban Sunglasses
(Please correct me if any of the outfit information above is wrong)
Affordable versions for us to recreate her stylish looks:
Jacket: Dorothy Perkins ( beige versions here and here)
Top: L.L.Bean (sleeveless version here)
Shorts: J.crew (high waist version from Ann Taylor)
Pumps: Glint
Clutch: Clare Vivier
Accessories: JCPenney necklace (or this one by Ralph Lauren),Emitations bangle, Asos ring, Maybelline lipstick
Top: J.crew (Cashmere sweater version here)
Skirt: Jofama (great style here, affordable version here)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (affordable choice from BCBG)
Bag: Mango (Or this designer version from Marc Jacobs)
Accessories: Lulu Frost Bracelet ( or this one from F21), Ashley Pittman bangle, Forever 21 earrings,Maybelline lipstick
Outwear: Pringle of Scotland (great style here and here)
Top: Forever 21 (designer choice here)
Skirt: Zara (also love this tulip one here)
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Accessories: Stella & dot necklace (great style here and here), Ray Ban Sunglasses
Besides the polish looks from celebrities, we can always find amazing, unexpected pairings on fashion bloggers. Below are several looks from Atlantic-pacific’s blog. She paired her striped tee with denim, lace and even tweed pieces, and played the print with polka dots,leopard, and more.
You must already have striped tops in your closet. What’s your personal ways to style them?
