Striped Knits Are Everywhere, But These Are the Most Stylish Ways to Wear Them
I love autumn. It's quite honestly the best season. I could say it's the shift in the air or the way the leaves change. I could even say that some of the best events of the year are just around the corner (Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and maybe even Black Friday for the seasoned shopper). But really, it's because we get to wear great knitwear again. This season, it's all about the Breton jumper, and if you've seen that viral TikTok video, you'll know what I mean.
@sal_croker that’s the last time i’ll be wearing that x
♬ Super Freaky Girl - Nicki Minaj
Breton jumpers are a reliable staple that we reach for year after year. But no matter how good the Breton knit, it can sometimes seem a little repetitive. I'm guilty of consistently wearing mine with jeans, and that's about it. But in a bid to shake up my wardrobe, I've done the research and found plenty of influencer looks that make great Breton-jumper outfit inspiration. From stirrup leggings with loafers to leather with cowboy boots, the eight outfits below are ideal for autumn (and even winter). So keep scrolling for the best ways to wear a Breton knit now. Your wardrobe will thank you.
1. Breton + Stirrup Leggings + Loafers
Style Notes: There's something so chic about stirrup legging. Somehow, they just manage to feel smarter than the classic pair. Take cues from Grece Ghanem and pair yours with chunky loafers (still an influencer favourite) and a fluffy Breton on top.
M&S knows good knitwear, and we've got the results to prove it. Upgrade your regular crew-neck with a collared V-neck like this popular jumper from their latest autumn drop.
Give your jeans a break, and try stirrup leggings. I can promise you they're at least 80% more comfortable than a pair of rigid skinnies.
The loafers you've seen all over your timeline are back for another year, and this in time with a brushed-leather finish.
2. Breton + Smart Joggers + Sandals
Style Notes: If you're still working from home, then this is the ultimate outfit for you. It also works if you need to dash out for a quick coffee with a friend. And if you're thinking that the sandals aren't going to work when it gets super cold, just add socks. This is the perfect hybrid outfit that works for weather that's not quite freezing but isn't summer anymore.
It's been a very good year for Totême, and if we're not wearing its best-selling scarf jacket, you'll find us in this.
These aren't just any track pants—they're luxuriously soft cashmere pants. Just imagine the comfort and warmth of doubling up on soft knits.
It's still mild enough to get away with slides (especially pottering around the house), so the leather sandals you invest in now you can still wear next summer.
3. BRETON + A WHITE TEE + DENIM + RETRO TRAINERS
Style Notes: A simple formula that still manages to feel fresh. Take a boxy T-shirt, straight-leg jeans and retro-looking trainers, and presto—your next weekend look is sorted.
Good Breton knits come in cashmere, too, and this cloud-soft knit is light enough to layer up.
Trench coat devotees, can I interest you in a casual alternative to the midi length coat? Introducing the short trench jacket. Just as good looking, but half the fabric.
Pangaia's range of unisex tees always get the quality and fit right. Thick, soft, organic cotton and the perfect loose, oversized fit.
The jean shape we're all wearing now? the high-waisted straight-leg with just the right amount of crop at the ankles to showcase your shoes.
Finally, a shoe trend that doesn't result in blisters. And these vintage-looking basketball-inspired trainers might just replace your Converse.
4. Breton + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: So you need a Breton outfit that's smart enough for the office but still prioritises comfort first. May I suggest looking no further than a tailored wide-leg trouser. No matter what you pair them with, they add a dose of sophistication, so consider them a wise investment.
If you're in need of a fine knit for the balmier days, this is one step up from a jersey top, so no need to contend with overheating on the commute,
These wide-leg trousers come editor-approved, and with four colours to choose from, we're considering buying one of each.
A fine gold chain + a Breton knit = a match made in minimalist heaven.
If you haven't already bought a black ankle boot this autumn, make it this one.
5. Breton + Knit Dress + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Who says you have to fully wear your Breton to look chic? Throw yours on your shoulders over a knit dress and add knee-high boots for an evening-ready outfit you won't mind wearing the next day, too.
Add a camel-coloured Breton to your roster to switch up from traditional monochrome.
I''m fully convinced there is nothing chicer or more practical than a knit dress this autumn.
Just when I think I've seen every knee-high boot worth discussing, something this good comes along.
6. Breton + Smart Trousers + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: And yes, you can wear your Breton jumper for a night out! Case in point: this dressy dinner look. Pair a fine knit jumper with strappy sandals, slim-fit trousers and a chic handbag, and you're good to go.
Cardigans are having a moment (and we've got Katie Holmes to thank), so why not extend the stripe to your favourite cardi, too?
I might be a wide-leg fan, but evening calls for slim-fit tailoring, and these wool-blend chinos are surprisingly easy to dress up.
Sorry, platforms. The stiletto is still shorthand for easy evening glamour.
If you haven't yet seen Benedetta Bruzziches's party bags appearing in your feed, give it time. These unforgettable bags are destined to be the next cult hit. Talk about some serious arm candy…
7. Breton + A Suit
Style Notes: Suit up and soften sharp tailoring with a casual Breton knit. It's still power dressing, but with a twist, and we're backing any outfit that looks this confident but feels so cosy.
Warehouse specialises in cool tailoring at high-street prices. Expect oversized blazers and wide-leg trousers in an array of great colours and fabrications.
Not technically a knit, but a Breton worthy of inclusion. This thick jersey top is just the hint of print that a suit needs to make it feel less formal.
A wide-leg cargo trouser doesn't sound like it should make sense, but somehow, it definitely does.
8. Breton + Leather Trousers + Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: If you've been watching the trend from afar but weren't sure exactly what to wear with cowboy boots, Lauren Nicole has the answer. There's no need for shorts, miniskirts or predictable denim here. You can add a rock-and-roll edge to your knitwear with some glossy leather trousers and kick-ass cowboy boots.
For the minimalist who's wary of too many stripes, this is a subtle nod to the trend.
I have it on good authority that Good American denim is the best-fitting on the market for curves, so it's safe to assume the same goes for its latest leather launch.
After buying these in burgundy, I'm eyeing up the black pair, too. After all, cowboy boots are on our list of the coolest boot trends to invest in this autumn.
Next up: The 9 New-In Pieces I'm Adding to My Wish List This Week
Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.
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