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Health & Fitness

Coco Chanel—A Pioneer of Women's Liberation

Who was the first female fashion designer to sport trousers? Get this ultra-classy signature look with this stylish top from J. Crew.

When I think of summer fashion I think of the navy-and-white stripe sailor tee.  The great Coco Chanel takes credit for this timeless nautical-inspired look.

Here's how this famous fashion staple came about.

Coco Chanel met the Duke of Westminster in Monte Carlo in 1925. In the period from 1926 to 1931 during her romantic involvement with the Duke the two spent time sailing aboard his yacht. It was there that Chanel took her inspiration from the crew's uniforms that we still see today in this casual, yet incredibly chic top.

Chanel was also the first designer to liberate women from dresses to trousers because she felt climbing on and off a boat wearing as skirt was impractical. 

For the top to have the "authentic" Chanel look, it must have three elements.

  • Boatneck
  • 3/4 sleeves
  • The stripes must be horizontal

The classic nautical-stripe top can be found affordable at retailers such as Lands End and J. Crew and will never end up in your donation pile.  
 
Some things to think about with your sailor tee.

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  • Add a neck scarf. Yellow can be especially smart with navy and white.
  • Wear a beret or a '20s-inspired hat, but avoid season-incompatible wool or felt hats.
  • Layer lots of chunky gold necklaces or bracelets for a polished look.
  • Pair with wide-legged trousers. I like the 1969 Pin-tuck jean from The Gap.
  • Don’t forget your espadrilles to complete the look! I found these on sale at  J. Crew.

Go forth and live glamorously!

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