Chic clichés

I thought since we’re on the subject of French style, we should celebrate some quintessential items of French chic.

Stripes and berets are instantly associated with the French. In combination, a striped t-shirt and the classic floppy beret make a graphic statement, appealing and nostalgic.

Cute in pictures perhaps, but a little too cutesy to wear in the street? I am certain a Frenchwoman would never do so. The solution: split them apart, and they become quintessential items for every woman’s wardrobe. Which is fortuitous as stripes are back for spring…

It was Coco Chanel who first made Breton tops chic, pairing them with wide-leg pants…

A little history…

See, Coco’s not wearing a beret with her stripes…Any striped t-shirt will work, but to be truly authentic it should be a Breton stripe. These are traditionally associated with French fisherman—hence the classic nautical look—and date back to the 1800s. In March 1858, they officially became part of the navy seaman’s uniform: the block stripes of the shirt made him easier to spot if a sailor fell overboard.

It was Coco Chanel who first made Breton tops chic, pairing them with wide-leg pants, and wearing them on the Riviera. European and American socialites followed suit, and the striped top is still a classic today.

The beret is of course a timeless hat, and like the fedora, it often appears in the wardrobes of women who will wear few other hats. It was once considered the national cap of France in Anglo-Saxon countries, and forms part of many military uniforms.

The beret also goes hand in hand with the popular stereotype of arty types: intellectuals and artists; bohemians and beatniks… a cool notion to keep your head warm in winter.

Audrey sports a white beret. Click on the image for more, much more on berets at Dolly Rocker Girl!