While I follow a few thousand people on Instagram, there are few that get me as excited by a new post than Alexa Chung. Is she wearing a new nightie style dress? Has she stepped out in a high street coat like that Marks and Spencer viral style from 2016? Will I discover a new ballet flat I have to have immediately? And while none of these came true with her most recent post, I did get inspired to update my wardrobe basics. As a sucker for a crisp white T-shirt(Uniqloand COS are my favourites) I'm always on the lookout for a new style, and Alexa has lead the way to a new Breton top that's about to be huge news for autumn/winter 2025. While we usually associate the style with nautical navy and white stripes beloved by French girls everywhere and elegant dressers such as Kate Middleton, this time, T-shirts and long sleeved tops have been given a colorful update in unlikely colour pairing – and like I've already told you, autumn is all about newfun colour combos. The striped tops in question are less bold thick stripes and more double, fine lines. Together, they create a whole new look and feel to the timeless Breton tops we've all known and loved for years.
Alexa's choice? She can be seen wearing a £720 Miu Miu style in navy and red, but fear not, if this isn't within your budget then so many other brands including Zara, Market and Reformation also has iterations.
Shop: Alexa's Miu Miu Striped Top
Miu Miu www.miumiu.com
This is the exact Miu Miu style Alexa Chung has been showing off on Instagram, and I would too if I had a spare £720 for a top.
Of course, stripes have been making a splash across runways for a while. Take Miu Miu, for example, where cropped striped polos and crewnecks have been walking the catwalk for a few seasons now, in shades ranging from classic navy and white to bold orange. And Bottega Veneta and Chanel were both backing stripes throughout summer. But for autumn, I'm all these double whammy striped styles in rich, glossy hues that are synonymous with the cooler months ahead. Whether it's chocolate brown with white (as seen on Janka Polliani below) or dusty pink and berry – just like the viral COS style I'll show you later. And I'm all for this new Breton vibe.
As part of the minimalism-meets-maximalism trend we're seeing a lot of, this striped top is amidst the more out there 'wait, can I actually pull that off?' looks that can often can feel less wearable. And instead, manages to seamlessly blend into your existing wardrobe.
When it comes to styling, a striped top presents endless potential; for a smart casual look, style a long-sleeved top with wide-leg trousers and loafers (a combination popular with countless influencers). Alternatively, opt for a cropped polo à la Miu Miu, paired with agrey pleated skirt to lean into the preppy look of these tops. Or, team a rugby shirt style with baggy jeans and silver trainers – as seen on Peggy, below.
Ready to give the new Breton top a go for yourself? I've found all the best double striped styles to get the Alexa Chung look that you'll no doubt want to copy all season.
Shop: The Best Striped Tops 2025
Coswww.cos.com
I've already seen this one doing the rounds on my TikTok feed, so it's only a matter of time before the inevitable happens: it sell out. Don't let it be the one that got away, this is the T-shirt to swap for your humble white styles this season.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Trust me, you'll wear this as often as a classic Breton striped T-shirt or jumper. Easy to style with everything from a slip skirt to jeans, Marks and Spencer have nailed it with this slouchy striped top.
zarawww.zara.com
For a long time, chocolate brown and red have been one of my favourite combinations. They're an unlikely pairing, yes, but see how well they work? I'll be adding this tee to ecru jeans.
reformationwww.thereformation.com
That's right, butter yellow is continuing through to autumn, too. Layering is key right now so I would add this over a white shirt with an oversized blazer for a preppy feel.
damsonmadder.com
We've originally been seeing these double stripes on rugby tops, so it would be rude not to include one. This Damson Madder style is practically made to be worn this baggy jeans and loafers.
www.arket.com
Okay, I'll let another rugby top style slide into the mix because this Arket style is just too good. Imagine it topped off with a suede bomber, wide-leg trousers and a pair of maroon kicks.
www.thereformation.com
Not just the destination for incredible dresses, boots and bags, you can rely on Reformation for its elevated basics, too. I would style this one with a kilt skirt and knee-high boots for an autumn look that'll never fail.
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.