Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

The One Item Every Wardrobe Needs Styled 10 Ways + WIW - Effortless Style

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Items marked with an * have either been gifted or purchased with a gifted gift voucher.

boden white/black long sleeve cotton breton top

White/Black Long Sleeve Cotton Breton Top - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Morning ladies so today I'm looking at one item a lot of us must have hanging in our wardrobe & if you're anything like me maybe more than one & that's the breton top.  

Something I'm sure we can all agree on is that it's a timeless, stylish wardrobe staple that's perfect for being centre stage in any capsule wardrobe & epitomises effortless style.  So when Boden asked me if I'd like to style one of their Bretons from their collection I thought it the perfect opportunity to showcase its versatility & put together a few outfit suggestions.

my midlife fashion, boden short sleeve breton, boden chambray shirt, boden Effie ballet flats, boden ⅞ Richmond trousers

Chambray Shirt - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Trousers - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Starting with layering under a chambray shirt, which just so happens to be another great wardrobe staple.  Team with some statement leopard print flats & cropped red trousers for a great look for summer & autumn.

my midlife fashion, boden ruched sleeve breton top, boden cropped cardigan, boden Cassie espadrille wedges, boden Richmond ⅞ trousers

Cardigan - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Trousers - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Of course you can't beat a navy & white breton teamed with some off white slim fit cigarette pants.  Layer with this smart cardigan & complete the whole look with a timeless pair of navy espadrille wedge sandals.

my midlife fashion, boden long sleeve breton cotton top, boden Stowe merino cardigan, boden Cassie wedge espadrilles, boden pleated midi skirt

Cardigan - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Skirt - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Needless to say a breton is not only ideal for throwing on with a pair of jeans/trousers but also looks great when teamed with a midi/maxi skirt, as shown in the above outfit.  Keeping the look nice & simple with tones of navy & then a pink cardigan worn over the shoulders to add of a pop of colour & make the outfit really stand out.

my midlife fashion, boden Holywell tote bag, boden stripe trainers, boden cotton shorts, boden long sleeve cotton breton top

Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shorts - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Trainers - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Bag - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

And for warmer days/holidays, a simple pair of white shorts & trainers are another great way to get maximum wear out of your stripes.

my midlife fashion, boden Florrie ruched sleeve top, boden single breasted blazer, boden skinny jeans, boden slingback court shoes

Blazer - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Jeans - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

If like me you have a lot of neutrals in your wardrobe then a splash of pink if perfect for teaming with all the navy/white/grey/black.  I just love the shade of the above blazer in particular & the ruched sleeve detailing on this breton is perfect for adding a little interest, not to mention a flattering length sleeve if you hate going bare armed.

my midlife fashion, boden long sleeve cotton breton top, boden cropped jeans, boden leopard print loafers, boden tote, boden cropped boucle jacket

Jacket - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Jeans - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Bag - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Of course you can never go wrong with a denim & breton combo worn with a classic textured crew neck jacket.  Finish the outfit off by teaming with a pair of leopard print flats to add a little personality & interest.

my midlife fashion, boden white leather trainers, boden suede biker jacket, boden denim skirt, boden long sleeve cotton breton top

Biker Jacket - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Skirt - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Trainers - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

For a simple everyday look style a breton with a short denim skirt & biker jacket for a fail safe combination.  Plus the addition of trainers makes it ideal for running errands & doing the school run.

boden hetti flex ballerinas, my midlife fashion, boden leather biker jacket, boden stripe cotton breton top, boden pleated midi skirt

Biker Jacket - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Skirt - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Ballet Pumps - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Of course a breton worn with leopard print accessories is the ideal way of incorporating a pattern class.  Team with another wardrobe staple - the biker jacket & add a pleated skirt to elevate an easy everyday look.

My midlife fashion, boden suede biker jacket, boden striped long sleeve breton, boden cropped wide leg trousers, boden ballet pumps

Biker Jacket - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Breton - Breton - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Trousers - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Of course if we're talking effortless style then the colour combination of navy & tan is right up there & these wide legged cropped culottes make a great alternative to pairing with a pair of cigarette pants.

my midlife fashion, boden long sleeve cotton breton top, zara Panama hat, rae feather grace monogramme basket, boden leather belt, boden girlfriend jeans, boden Cassie espadrille wedge heels

Hat - Zara
Breton - Boden * - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Belt - Boden* - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Basket - Rae Feather
Jeans - Boden * - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden * - get 10% off with code 6T2C

Finally here's my own personal take on how to wear a Breton in summer.  I mentioned at the start of this post that Boden had approached me about how I'd style one of their Breton tops & for me I just couldn't resist going down the timeless monochrome path & pairing a black & white stripe with some off white girlfriend jeans & black & straw effortless accessories.  Personally I sized up a size with the Breton as I prefer a slightly more looser fit & then sized down in the girlfriend jeans for a slightly more straight legged kind of look, which I find more flattering when teaming with blazers/biker jackets.  Both the belt & shoes are true to size, with the shoes needing no breaking in, even with the warmer weather over here.

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Hat - Hush
Breton - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Belt - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Jeans - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C
Shoes - Boden - get 10% off with code 6T2C

So ladies how do you like to style your stripes?  I'd love to hear your favourite ways.  Plus if you think that every wardrobe deserves at least one Breton to be hanging inside.  Also you might want to check out the latest Boden offer that's literally gone live this morning - 20% off selected womenswear + 10% off all other items + free delivery & returns over £30.  Click here to check out the offer & use code 6T2C at checkout.

Enjoy your day & as always I'll see you in the morning.

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