fashion | A French Collection

Why Do The French Wear Striped Tops?

Annette of A French Collection in Striped Top

Why Do the French Wear Striped Tops?

I've often been asked "Why do the French wear striped tops?", and even more often, "Why do so many people in Brittany wear striped tops?" Well, it was something that struck me also on my very first trip to France, and especially when we went to the region of Brittany, or Bretagne. For those that know my story, you'll know that the first time I flew to France, was for the express purpose of buying a property, in particular, a house that we planned to have as a second home.

Sound strange, that we would fly all the way from Australia with our daughter specifically to buy a property in a country on the other side of the globe, and in a land that we had never been to before? Yes, well, strange but true. You can read about that crazy experience in our post My Story: It Has To Be France. But to go back to striped tops and why so many people in France wear them, we'll take a quick look back into history.

The French Beret

The French beret along with the Eiffel Tower, baguette, Citroën 2CV and the rooster are all true French icons - loved by the French and those of us that call ourselves Francophiles. The traditional French béret is a soft round peak-less cap that is flat on top and usually made of wool with a small tab on top.

This symbol of French culture can be worn in various positions: over either ear, pulled down over both ears, on the back of your head, flat on top or tipped forward over your eyes.

Origin of the French beret

History has recorded the beret through the ages in writings, sculptures, paintings and folklore. Here's a quick look at references to the beret in history:

Paris Packing Guide – Essential Tips For The Perfect Wardrobe

Paris Packing Guide - Our Essential Tips

This essential guide to packing for a trip to Paris, or anywhere in France, comes from my experience of over 19 trips to France and even more trips to numerous international countries either alone, with my husband or with our three children in tow.

In addition to our international travel, our family has explored my home country of Australia, from the hot northern tip of Darwin, the cold southern oceans when yacht racing in Tasmania, trekking in the red centre and much city and coast adventuring along the continent's vast east and west coasts.

History of the French Striped Top – La Marinière

History Of The French Striped Top – La Marinière

The French striped top, la marinière, also referred to as tricot rayé (striped sweater), seems to be as French as France itself with photos and illustrations depicting it as part of everyday French life. Is the French striped top, la marinière, really something the French wear though?

With a rich history beginning in Brittany, the French striped top has made its way through the leading fashion houses of Paris, and to wardrobes all around the world. Let's look at some details of its rise to classic French status.

12 Interesting Facts about Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel

12 Interesting Facts about Gabrielle Coco Chanel

Do You Know These 12 Interesting Facts about Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel?

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury” – Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel (1883 – 1971)

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was the daughter of an unwed mother named Eugènie Jeanne Devolle.
When Gabrielle was only 11 years old her mother died of bronchitis leaving 5 children.
After her mother’s death, Chanel’s father put her and her sisters in an orphanage.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

Bringing French Style Into Everyday Life

A wonderful guest post by creator, writer and certified Style Coach, Janelle Gould from the popular blog Distant Francophile. Janelle personifies elegance and style and shares her tips with us today…

Hello busy francophiles! My name is Janelle. I believe that women everywhere can bring French style and inspiration into their life, no matter where they happen to live in the world. And I’m very pleased to meet you all.

The francophile bit was a given. Readers of A French Collection are clearly discerning lovers of all things related to France.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

A Way of Life and A Love of Life

A Way Of Life and A Love of Life – A Travel Story

Part of the magic of travelling is the stories it creates and this recollection by my daughter Emily, shows that even the smaller things in life and travel can create joy and evoke strong memories. Here’s her story…

We had taken a wrong turn at the Plouagat turn-off and found ourselves passing through Châteauldren, a Petite Cité de Caractère and I will always remember the wrong turn and the village of Châteaualdren because of what I brought back with me from a small glass panelled shoe-store.

8 Tips On How To Look Parisian and Not A Tourist

How to look Parisian

8 Tips on How to Look Parisian and Not a Tourist

Ever wondered how to emulate the style French women seem to effortlessly portray and feel like a local when you are in Paris? Well, after visiting Paris a number of times and watching both locals and tourists go about their daily wanderings we have picked up a thing or two on how to appear more like a local and less like a tourist.

Annette Charlton