CHARLENE BARTON

Womenswear editor

THE BEST OF
BRITISH BRETON

Style’s most fashionable ABCs – Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Coco Chanel – were all fans of the Breton top and it’s still as popular today. Here’s how to wear it like the French

I moved to Paris for a year when I was 20, which was a coming of age, not just for me, but my wardrobe too. I quickly learned how to dress à la française, centring every outfit on a navy or black palette with one perennial piece in the mix: the Breton top. A true style hero, many women today, myself included, have several variations in their wardrobe. This Best of British knitted wool version is a standout choice with its wide boat neck and button detail on the shoulder. Wear it with tailored trousers and escarpins (heeled courts) for a polished take, or try mixing it up with a pleated skirt and fresh white trainers for a modern spin.