Today's Tip
The marinière — the classic Breton stripe shirt — is not a fashion statement. It is a French uniform that transcends age, season, and gender. The French wear it because it looks correct with almost anything and requires no decision-making. A good stripe shirt worn confidently is always appropriate.
Try This
If you do not own a striped marinière, consider it the one purchase from this entire program worth making immediately. Navy on white, horizontal, fine stripes. Wear it tucked into dark trousers, or half-tucked with straight jeans. No accessories required. The shirt does the work.
The marinière was originally designed in 1858 as the official uniform of the French navy. 21 white stripes for each of Napoleon's victories. The stripe width is specified by maritime regulation: 20mm white, 10mm navy. Coco Chanel adopted it for women's wear in 1917, removing it from workwear and placing it in fashion permanently. Today it functions in French culture as a garment that says "I have taste but I am not trying." That combination is the entire goal of French style.
One French lifestyle tip, every morning at 7am. Free — always.