Close your eyes and picture every layout you’ve ever seen in a fashion magazine under the heading “10 Pieces Every Wardrobe Needs” or variations thereon. It’s always the perfect jeans, black ballet flats, a white shirt, a trench … and a marinière. Also known as a “Breton,” it’s a version of the original French Navy tee from way back: boatnecked, three-quarter sleeved, blue-and-white striped. While the official marinière hewed to exacting specifications with regard to the number and spacing of the stripes, modern interpretations vary. But perfectly authentic or otherwise, it’s true that no closet ever suffered from the inclusion of a striped tee!
TOP: For sewing your own, Liesl Gibson’s Maritime Top should do nicely — all you need is the right fabric
BOTTOM: If you prefer your marinière knitted, Jared Flood’s Breton pattern is just the thing
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PREVIOUSLY in Make Your Own Basics: The tank top (knitted and sewn)