It’s no secret that I have an obsession with French dressing. After all, some of my favorite style icons of all time are Parisian women…. Emmanuelle Alt the new Editor of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld the former Editor of French Vogue, Ines de la Fressange (see Friday’s post on her new fashion book Parisian Chic ) Anouk Aimee’ , Garance Dore’ and at least a dozen other fabulously fashionable women.
Ever since I first laid eyes on Jean Seberg (an American mid-western girl) in the French film “Breathless” I was hooked. I remember asking my Mom for a striped boatneck tee and a darling striped dress like hers in the movie… sadly by the end of that season the poor shirt and dress were faded and stretched to oblivion from wear.
And though I am not so sure the look ever went out of style, this season the Striped Boatneck is back with a bang. Typically thought of as a nautical look this tee is more versatile than one would think. And it’s a great antidote to a plain crewneck.
For day pair your tee with jeans and a blazer, it looks polished and pulled together or for a more casual bend skip the jacket, roll up the sleeve and pair it with flared jeans, a patent or leather belt and flats.
For a classic French look wear your stripes with a pair of skinny black trousers that skim the ankle like Leslie Caron or Jean Seberg.
And since florals are a big hit the season mix your tee with a floral skirt or shorts. Even though this look can be tricky, a good rule of thumb is to stick with the same hues. If your shirt is bright blue go for bright shades in your floral print. If your boatneck shirt is muted or pastel go with a small print or a similar pastel in your prints.
A pair of crisp white jeans works well with this look, but to keep from getting mistaken as a castaway on the SS Minnow add bold accessories in gold or silver, like a few chunky cuffs, gold rimmed sunglasses or a metallic clutch.
I also love a fitted boatneck tee with a long black or navy skirt for evening, it’s unexpected and looks modern. Add a white lapel flower or pull your hair back into a pony or bun and add a fresh flowerlike a white rose or a gardenia to really turn up the volume!
