On Sunday I decided that I needed a new marinière top. This happens every spring (and sometimes in autumn too). So I went and got two. And I was wondering, what’s the allure of the nautical stripe top? Why am I seduced by it time and time again, season in, season out? It’s easy to wear and easy to team up. It’s functional, classic, simple, thus standing the test of time. And my mother says it’s one of those items that seem made for me. These are enough reasons for me.
But there is something more: I do love its Brittany, sea inspired origins. The Breton top captures the spirit of summer and everything I love about it: its spontaneity and freedom, the coastal living, the hot summer sun, the sea, the early summer mornings brimming with intensity and enthusiasm. So next time I decide I need a new striped top, I think I will choose a traditional one, the classic marinière: knitted, with long or three-quarter length sleeves, navy blue and white horizontal stripes, and a boat neckline.
photos: 1-Norman Jean Roy for Teen Vogue, November 2006. Kirsten Dunst was styled by Havana Laffitte, via Pinterest/LatteLisa / 2-Kyklamasha via Haute Design / 3-Alexi Lubomirski for Vogue Germany, March 2009, via Fashioned by Love / 4-Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue US, April 1988 (model Christy Turlington) / 5-Ralph Lauren campaign Spring/Summer 1990 (model Linda Evangelista) / 6-Peter Lindbergh for Harper’s Bazaar US, December 2006 (model Gisele Bundchen)
Such a summery post and classiq … with a q ; – )
I like the idea of having a traditional one and wouldn’t mind having one myself. I tend to buy striped tops for my son and the blue one with the white stripes is always my favourite.
PS. If my notes are right that Gisele photo is by Peter Lindbergh for Harper’s Bazaar US, Dec. 2006.
Thank you for the photo source, Lisa. I updated the post.
Such a ‘classiq’ item of clothing! Always ‘in’ – come winter, summer, spring or autumn…navy and white and just perfect with everything – pants- cropped or wide, jeans- dark or light, skirts- pencil or full… at the beach over a swimsuit or at a restaurant under a blazer – is there no end to this most versatile of wardrobe items? I think not… Lovely post Ada:)x
I love stripes! But this season I am more about vertical stripes : )
I can’t get enough of marinière tops either. So classic and versatile.
Rowena @ rolala loves
Am addicted to strips, especially the nautical ones. It is chic, easy, classic and modern all in one.
oh it’s just so timeless and classic. i love them too. i haven’t found one yet that is really flattering on me, one of these days i need to really splurge on one.
Which ones did you get, darling? Hope that’s ok to ask.
This is such a timeless and beautiful piece of clothing – I understand and share your love for it.
x
So chic. Great selection of pictures, Ada! A stripped top is always on my list of favorites. I’d either buy a loose and comfortable one or go for a tight one and wear it with a pair of high waisted jeans or white pants.
Dear Ada, this post is perfect to introduce the style of the warmer months: to me a mariniere white & blue means summer, even if I can easily wear all year around! Surprisingly I don’t have a classic one, but this year I’ll certainly make it up for this fashion gap. To me, the one thing that I can buy non stop is the white top with short or 3/4 sleeves: it goes with anything and it is perfect to accessorise with a colourful scarf or necklace.
That make two of us! I can’t get enough!
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