Dresses & skirts

The Breton stripe dress: a feminine garment with a hint of summer

The Breton stripe dress is a modern variation of the famous striped top, now more than a century and a half old and revisited countless times by the greatest names in haute couture.

Once worn under the fisherman’s smocks and pea coats of the French Navy sailors, the Breton shirt style now dresses women of all generations, whether as a short top or a summer dress.

The Breton stripe dress carries that lovely holiday scent that makes you want to stroll along a fishing port on a balmy summer evening, enjoying an ice cream to the sound of lapping water, crying gulls, and the clinking of rigging against boat masts.

Several models of SAINT JAMES women's Breton stripe dresses are available, all playing with the codes of this iconic nautical garment.

Whether sleeveless, short-sleeved, or with three-quarter length sleeves, the Breton dress is most often crafted from cotton jersey. It features the famous horizontal stripes which, when meeting a designer's vision, play with geometry: the model designed in collaboration with stylist Romain Brifault features a V-neckline where the stripes follow the cut before returning to a horizontal pattern from the waist down.

Breton dresses suit all body shapes, thanks in particular to the variety of their necklines: some models feature a round neck, others a square neck, a polo collar, a V-neck, or even a small stand-up collar reminiscent of fisherman’s smocks.

The Propriano Breton dress is particularly well-suited for summer: it is made from UVYL polyamide, a material that protects the skin from ultraviolet rays twice as effectively as cotton. Breathable and easy to care for, it skims the silhouette and stands out with its subtle sheen.

SAINT JAMES Breton dresses are ideal for the summer season, but can also be worn in spring or autumn under a lightweight trench coat with sheer tights and a pair of ankle boots. They also pair beautifully with an open denim shirt and trainers or canvas shoes.

How to choose and wear your dress

SAINT JAMES women's dresses come in various cuts, to be chosen according to your taste, body shape, and style.

Shirt dresses are among those timeless, unfailing pieces. Whether short or long, they adapt to all silhouettes and are just as suited to a chic outfit as they are to a relaxed look.

With or without a belt, fitted or loose, they can be worn with sandals, a pretty pair of court shoes, or fashion trainers. If the sleeves are long, they can be rolled up to give the outfit more lightness and character, while also revealing a beautiful watch or a few bracelets to accessorise the shirt dress.

Pinafore dresses, highly fashionable in the 1990s, are also making a major comeback. Worn with a white shirt and a pair of ankle boots, the pinafore dress is perfect for the office and occasions requiring a smarter outfit. You can also slip a slightly oversized, chunky-knit jumper under this dress for a more alternative, "rock" look.

For an evening out, this model works perfectly with a sheer top, where the neckline is cleverly masked by the cut of the dress. For a more casual feel, it can also be accompanied by a simple white T-shirt or a lovely Breton shirt.

How to wear a denim skirt

SAINT JAMES women's skirts also follow the latest fashion trends. Whether they feature Breton stripes, are made of lightweight cotton with summer patterns, or come in coloured or raw denim, they fit into any wardrobe, and the quality of their craftsmanship ensures a perfect drape.

The denim skirt, one of those essential pieces that has stood the test of time, can be worn in all seasons. In summer, it pairs perfectly with a simple vest top, a light blouse, or a Breton shirt, and matches any footwear, from sandals and slides to canvas trainers.

In autumn or spring, the women's denim skirt is a strong statement piece when worn with ankle boots and a small biker jacket, or with brogues and a fine-knit jumper. In winter, it is perfect with a chunky, oversized jumper and a pair of opaque black tights.