Kate Middleton may be the picture of an English rose—frequently draped in delicate blooms, pretty pastels and ladylike frocks fit for high tea. But even the Princess of Wales, arguably Britain's most beloved modern royal, can't resist the allure of French fashion. The proof is in her off-duty closet. For days when she's partaking in more casual outings—or sharing intimate peeks at her life behind the scenes—Middleton often trades her prim florals for a distinctly more Parisian print: Breton stripes. (Basically, the sartorial version of swapping crumpets for croissants.)
Her royal highness has rocked the pattern—marked by slender, two-tone stripes with a nautical feel—for years now. She's paired Breton tops with skinny jeans and blazers, rugged jackets and boots and, as part of a particularly thematic ensemble, even high-waisted sailor pants.
The Breton stripe top has a long history tied to England's neighbor across the channel. Also dubbed the marinière, it was a go-to for fishermen before being formalized as the official uniform of the French navy in 1858. Later, it was adopted by fashion icons like Coco Chanel, eventually becoming an essential in every cool French woman's capsule wardrobe—along with Middleton's.
