Jessica Ennis-Hill understood the styling assignment and her Breton-striped top and midi skirt at the Olympics are the epitome of French elegance
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has been giving us so much style inspiration this Olympics and her latest look is French styling at it's most chic
Jessica Ennis-Hill understood the styling assignment at the Olympics and her Breton-striped top and midi skirt are the epitome of French elegance.
Paris is often known as the fashion capital of the world and the outfits we’ve seen so far at the Olympics from attendees and pundits alike have certainly not been letting the city down. Jessica Ennis-Hill in particular has been going all-out with her beautiful outfits each day as she delivers her verdict on the athletics. Her latest look has to be one of our favourites and it couldn’t be more appropriate given she’s currently soaking up all the Olympic atmosphere in France. On 6th August Jessica, styled by the brilliant Tess Wright, opted for a Maje cardigan top with Breton stripes and a deep blue-black pleated midi skirt, styled with red heels.
Maje is one of the best French clothing brands for a reason and this timeless cardigan top had short sleeves and gorgeous navy piping running along the cuffs, crew neckline and front. Tiny gold buttons adorned the front and the Breton stripes couldn’t have been more French chic.
A post shared by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill (@jessicaennishill)
A photo posted by on
Recreate Jessica Ennis-Hill's French Chic Outfit
Whether you want to wear a striped cardigan as a top like Jessica Ennis-Hill, or layer it over a vest top or T-shirt to get a similar look, this is a lovely option. It's currently reduced in the sale and is made from 100% cotton, with a deep navy and white colourway that's so classic.
You can style this beautiful midi skirt with everything from a white shirt to a black cami - and, of course, a striped top like Jessica's. The midnight navy colour is so pretty and the flowing shape with the pleats is incredibly feminine. Wear with a pair of boots and a jumper to take this into the cooler months.
The origins of the Breton striped shirt are nautical but now Breton striped pieces are widespread and often associated with France more generally. Jessica Ennis-Hill’s Breton-striped top has the classic horizontal stripes, but in black and white, and many of us will have at least one striped item in our summer capsule wardrobe.
A top like Jessica’s is a little more polished than your traditional striped shirt thanks to the fitted silhouette and buttons. This makes it a great option for special occasions as well as more day-to-day when worn with jeans. For the Olympics coverage, the gold-medal winning heptathlete upped the style stakes even more with a full skirt that featured pockets and pleats.
It appeared to be a dark navy-black tone and this looked stunning with her Breton-striped top and gave the entire outfit a very put-together, sophisticated feel which French style is known for exuding.
A post shared by Dame Denise Lewis (@realdeniselewis)
A photo posted by on
The combination of the two pieces together has also won the heart of Woman&Home’s Digital Fashion Editor, Caroline Parr, who has described it as the "epitome of Parisian styling".
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"Of all the amazing outfits we've seen on the Olympic commentators, this has to be my favourite. It's the epitome of Parisian styling, and if you want to get French style spot on, it doesn't get much better than a Breton striped top by Maje with a Dior-inspired full navy-black skirt," she says. "Add in red heels and Jessica is really flying the flag. Bravo to her clever stylist Tess Wright, who also works with Alex Jones."
As Caroline mentions, Jessica Ennis-Hill not only honoured France with her design choices but with her outfit’s colours too. She complemented the white and very dark blue of her outfit with a pair of cherry red, peep-toe heeled sandals.
A post shared by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill (@jessicaennishill)
A photo posted by on
These had a practical ankle strap to help keep them secure on her feet throughout her time commentating, though for a more low-key day out she could’ve swapped them for a pair of her best white trainers to be extra comfy. The pop of red lifted the colour palette of the retired heptathlete's outfit and whilst the three colours reflected the French flag, they could also double as a sweet nod to the British team too. Now there are only a few days left of the Olympics and we can’t wait to see what else she might wear before it's over.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
The evolution of the Met Gala in pictures, from its origins to fun facts and the most iconic moments
The Met Gala has become the 'superbowl of fashion' - but how did it start and when did Anna Wintour make it fashion's big night out?
By Jack Slater Published
-
From Madonna to Beyoncé, we uncover the most iconic songs that are actually remakes
Sometimes a cover song becomes so iconic people don't even realise it is a cover to begin with - and these examples are proof
By Jack Slater Published
-
Katherine Ryan's graphic cherry jumper is the perfect bold antidote for dull knitwear boredom
Bored of drab winter knitwear? Take some inspiration from Katherine Ryan's bright and bold cherry jumper
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Helen Skelton's luxurious pearl trim black dress is one you'll wear on repeat this party season
We're shopping this best-seller before it sells out...
By Molly Smith Published
-
Zara Tindall enjoys day at the races in the most stunning military green coat and caramel-brown knee high boots
The popular royal looked relaxed and happy at Cheltenham Racecourse
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
It's hard to make a puffer jacket look chic, but Jennifer Aniston proved its possible with her clever styling
The actress wrapped up for winter in a high-shine jacket, flared jeans and chocolate brown suede boots
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
No-one does effortless sophistication like Amal Clooney – her emerald green dress and cream trench are this season's must-haves
This outfit is a masterclass in combining simple pieces to create something really special
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
These Samba lookalike trainers from M&S are selling fast - they're half the price of adidas and available in 3 colours
Marks & Spencer's version is real leather and cost just £45
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Victoria Beckham puts her own spin on Parisian style - who needs a scarf when you've got a supersized collar?
Just when you thought Victoria couldn't get any chicer, she shows us the cosiest way to wear a trench coat
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Eva Mendes walks on the wild side with chic tiger print dress styled with pointed heeled boots
Eva Mendes recently enjoyed a winter shopping trip and her outfit for the day has got us adding tiger print and heeled boots to our wish list
By Emma Shacklock Published