The French Anti-Trend Basic Is a Key Staple - Here's Six Breton Top Outfits To Prove It

There is nothing better than a boxy T-shirt. While we live in our block colourways year in and year out, a nautical version is a welcome alternative to inject some colour - and fun - into the simplest of outfits.

Wide leg trousers are a versatile garment to wear for almost any occasion, and season for that matter. The pleated detail adds volume, and allows the wide leg to flow elegantly down your leg, while the high rise waist elongates your limbs and cinches in your waist for a flattering fit. Perfect for formal events, the office, as well as off-duty dressing.

When you invest in a pair of classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals you will never look back. Every spring/summer this footwear style is everywhere, which is unsurprising because the sandals complement any look, and are uber comfortable.

Handbags are not only practical to house all your valuables - and a spare cardigan for those fresh spring mornings, but it is the finishing touch to any outfit. While this bag may look small, it is spacious; simply unfasten the side poppers to make more room inside. Hold the top handle, or attach the adjustable cross body strap to go handsfree.

An easy way to make your smart tailored trousers more wearable for everyday wear is to style with a loose top. Case in point, Everlane's Mariner Top, which boasts a slight boat neck, dropped shoulder, and boxy fit. It's just the right balance between looking put together yet casual.

A pair of wide leg white trousers never miss. Pair with trainers, sandals, pumps, or heels, depending on the occasion. I love the strong pleat running down the leg to give the illusion of long and lean legs.

Ballet flats are all the craze and have been for some time. Why not level up the popular footwear with a pair of court shoes, which are essentially a pump with a block heel.

The moment spring hits, out comes the timeless trench coats. Seeing as the outerwear staple has been a hit for decades, it's worth investing in a top quality design like Burberry's Castleford Double-Breasted Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat to wear year after year. After all, Thomas Burberry was the pioneer of the chic design, so is there really any other?

Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Striped Boatneck Mariner T-Shirt is the ideal design for those looking for an ultra relaxed finish. From the boat neck, wide sleeves, dropped shoulder to the boxy fit, this creation is primed for off-duty dressing. The loose fit is also ideal if, like Cecilie, you're planning to slip it on after a day at the beach, and can't stand the feeling of tight clothes on top of sand glued on the skin with sun cream.

Swap your jeans for a comfortable pair of breathable linen trousers for the summer months, and holiday season. The lightweight linen fabric works beautifully with the wide leg and relaxed nature of these trousers. The drawstring waist is a practical touch to prevent a fashion faux pas.

Embrace the casual look when styling your Breton top with linen trousers and a pair of thong sandals. Perfect for weekend brunches, picnics in the park, and idle days at the beach this summer. Plus, these Reformation sandals are more elevated than your poolside flip flops for everyday wear in the UK.

When styling your Breton top for the spring/summer months, a pair of sunglasses are a necessity. Prada's Symbole Sunglasses are a retro style, perfect for jetting off to the French Riviera this summer.

The H&M Cotton Jersey Top nails the balance between a smart and casual Breton top, thanks to the crew neckline and dropped shoulders. This boxy fit is not too oversize it swamps the wearer, but provides enough movement to feel comfortable for hours of wear. Plus, the £12.99 is something your bank balance will thank you for.

From satin slip skirts, to mini skirts, bubble designs to fitted pencil skirts, denim midaxi skirts and A-line midi creations, my closet has seen them all. But the latter may just be my favourite of all, especially paired with a striped top. Last summer I lived in my white A-line midi skirt because the flowy silhouette was flattering, comfortable, and made me feel uber feminine - even if I was only wearing a tank top and sandals.

I know I said a trench coat is a timeless outerwear staple, but so is an oversized leather jacket, or biker jacket. If you are looking for a jacket to see you through the transitional seasons, offer a bit more protection from the elements, and give your outfit an edgy twist, it delivers in abundance.

Those who struggle to keep their feet in a pair of flip flops when pounding the pavements, but don't want to be restricted by closed trainers on a balmy summer day, then sandals with an ankle strap are the happy medium. The moulded leather footbed provide the desired support, while the separate toe strap, cross-over strap and ankle fastening ensure your feet stay comfortably in place for long days on your feet.

Injecting colour and bold prints into your wardrobe has been made easy thanks to Free People, as this Classic Striped Oversized Crewneck comes in 13 colours. The dropped shoulder, crew neckline and balloon sleeves achieve a relaxed finish and offer ultimate comfort.

Wide leg jeans burst onto the fashion scene in recent years, and were the 90s revival I never saw coming, but am so glad it did as I wear mine daily. Frame's wide leg jeans are low rise, but you can cinch them up higher and wear with a belt for a paperbag waist effect.

The return of loafers are another retro throwback we couldn't be more grateful for, especially on days I want an alternative flat shoe to my weathered white trainers or ballet pumps. Saint Laurent's Le Loafer has garnered cult status in recent months, as it can be perfectly paired with jeans, dresses, or skirts. These loafers are suitable for the office or a casual weekend out. Wear with socks, or go barefoot - the choice is yours.

Lucy Williams unlocked a major style secret for days you want to feel comfortable, but still want to look put together in your relaxed fit ensemble. If you feel the jeans and Breton top combo is looking a little too slouchy, dress it up with a blazer. It's simple, but oh-so effective.

To make your Breton top evening appropriate, or merely more formal, I recommend opting for a thicker fabric, or more structured design, to hold its shape and conceal any creases after wearing it to the office and post-work drinks. Made from 100% cotton, this & Other Stories design features a subtle wide neck, slight dropped shoulder, but the fabric feels weightier than other lighter weight cotton tops, hence why it gets my vote to recreate this look.

The formula for barrel-leg jeans include a high rise waist, loose fit in the legs (almost balloon-like), and fall just above the ankle. Essentially a hybrid between mom and wide leg jeans. Jigsaw's Kensington jeans tick all those boxes, and look effortlessly chic on all body shapes. There's just one thing - the popular style is selling out fast.

Slingback heels have made a comeback in our closets, alongside pointed toe heels. Thankfully, Saint Laurent's Vendome Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps combine both on-trend styles to create the ultimate footwear style. These heels nail the old money aesthetic, and are timeless, so we can justify this purchase as an investment.

A lightweight trench coat is the ideal solution for the spring and summer months when you don't want to wear a weighty jacket, but can't go out sans coat either. Joseph's creation is less structured than the classic trench coat, and offers a relaxed fit thanks to the wide sleeves and lightweight cotton blend fabric, which is also water-resistant. Wear undone like a waterfall-style trench, or tie up at the front, to achieve a louche finish. It's a popular staple and sizes are selling fast.