This Best-Selling High Street Jumper Is The Smartest Investment I’ve Made This Spring

Chic French women have made one print in particular the anchor of their wardrobes - of course, we're talking about the Breton stripe. No matter the season and no matter the weather, there are few things you can rely on as much as a striped jumper. There for you in the winter when you need to layer it with a wool coat and there for you in the summer when you're looking for something easy to pair with linen shorts, a good striped sweatshirt will rarely let you down.

Before I stumbled upon the striped top that I'm calling the best on the high street, I spent hours searching for the perfect style. Then, I found it. The Classic Striped Oversized Crewneck from Free People. Perfectly oversized (make sure to size down if you prefer your tops more fitted), slouchy but simultaneously put-together, featuring an easy crew neck and contrasting colours - it's everything and more. Add to that the fact it comes in almost an entire rainbow of colours (particular standouts include the black combo with blue cuffs and bright dandelion colourway) and we're nearing striped top perfection.

Styling a striped top is really simple as it makes an outfit inherently interesting without requiring much effort. For the nautical red/navy combination top tuck it into a pair of high waisted straight-leg jeans and add ballet flats for an outfit that would look just as at home on the streets of Paris as it would the streets of London. Any crewneck with black stripes feels slightly cooler, so contrast it with a leather mini skirt and biker boots. Alternatively, if you're into clashing patterns, then pair the striped top with printed wide-leg trousers and loafers for a bolder take.

If a striped top isn't already part of your everyday uniform when it comes to getting dressed this spring, then it probably should be. Whether you're tucking it into vintage denim, layering it underneath a blazer or pairing with an of-the-moment skirt (maybe try a kilt or suede skirt), Free People's oversized and somewhat colourful iteration of the classic striped tee feels fresh, relaxed and unfailingly wearable. If it's good enough for Parisian women, then it's good enough for us.

Shop: Free People's Striped Crewneck Other Colours

Main image credit: Instagram/@katarinakrebs

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).