Royal style secrets: How to wear a Breton stripe top like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle


The classic French stripe is the royal style choice for summer


breton stripe
Karen Silas
Karen SilasSenior Lifestyle Editor
Updated: May 27, 2021

Summertime is synonymous with nautical looks, including the classic Breton top – especially when it comes to royal style. We know that Kate Middleton has long been a fan of the timeless print, but it’s actually a favourite look for more of the world's royals, including her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.

RELATED: 14 Breton tops to channel Parisian chic this summer

MORE: Kate Middleton changes into Breton top and Veja trainers for return to university

Kate Middleton's Breton stripe style

Prince William and a woman, both holding umbrellas, walking in the rain.

Suited up: Kate recently teamed one of her favourite, past-season Breton-striped tops, with a black blazer by Holland Cooper and matching black trousers

Nautical stripe fan Duchess Kate owns no fewer than THREE Breton striped tops by ME+EM, and loves to wear the pieces for her more casual royal engagements when she needs a smart-yet-laid back look. 

To copy Kate's style, the key is to pair your Breton striped top with a pair of dark trousers or jeans, making sure they have a very clean line.

We've seen Kate rock her striped tops with skinnies in either black or navy, finishing off the easygoing look with a tailored blazer and comfortable wedges. 

Kate Middleton, wearing a blue blazer and striped top, walks with an umbrella among a crowd.

In the navy: Duchess Kate styled this Breton striped shirt with head-to-toe dark blue, from her blazer to her jeans and wedges

For a more dressed-up vibe, we love Kate's full-on nautical look with a blue and white Breton top, cropped wide-leg sailor trousers with button details in navy and a very cool bright red clutch for a pop of colour.

Kate Middleton, wearing a black and white striped top and navy blue wide-leg pants, walks down a street holding a red clutch.

Smooth sailing: Sailor culottes and a red bag for a pop of colour completed this smart Breton stripe look 

Meghan Markle's Breton stripe style

Meanwhile, Meghan has Breton striped tops in her closet, too! The Duchess was seen wearing the Equipment Femme 'Lucian' jumper while pregnant with baby Archie, and has been spotted wearing Breton stripe tops even during her pre-royal days. 

Duchess Meghan’s favourite way to wear the look is keeping it simple, in line with her pared-down style, usually teaming a Breton stripe top with dark jeans or leggings.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking hand-in-hand outside stables.

While pregnant with baby Archie, Duchess Meghan wore a Breton striped top with black skinny jeans and suede Stuart Weitzman boots 

Breton striped tops are one of the easiest royal trends to get inspired by, so we've made it even more simple with an edit of nautical tops you can shop now...

Shop Breton stripe tops:

Woman with blonde hair in a black and white striped top and blue skirt.

Breton stripe t-shirt in black and white, £25, Boden

SHOP NOW

A short-sleeved Breton tee in 100 percent cotton that will go with EVERYTHING

Black and white striped long-sleeve top displayed on a white background.

Cotton Striped Fitted 3/4 Sleeve Top, Price, £8.50, Marks & Spencer

SHOP NOW

A classic look with ¾ length sleeves from M&S Collection for under £10

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a white and navy striped top smiles brightly.

Long Sleeve Cotton Breton Top, available in 11 colours, £28, Boden

SHOP NOW

Kate loves a long-sleeved Breton top – and so do we!

A woman in a white and navy striped knit dress stands against a beige background.

Stripe Knit Tee, £36, Me + Em

SHOP NOW

Duchess Kate's favourite brand Me + Em has a cute Breton knit tee for 70 percent off – and you can pair it with the matching stretch skirt that's also on sale. 

Watch: The best royal fashion hacks

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

More Royal Style
See more