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Sail Away

By Johanna Laracuente, Wardrobe Stylist & Fashion Expert

Summer is finally here! So its time to whip out your red, white and blue and sport some nautical inspired looks.  Always a hot summer trend, this season we see it everywhere from Marc Jacobs to Derek Lam adding their own spin on this timeless classic. For many of us white pants and stripped shirts would seem like a BIG no no, but don’t believe everything you hear.  The key is to play with patterns and solids to create that streamlined sailor look. Here are some basic tips on how to rock this trend without looking like your going to a theme party at the Intrepid during Fleet Week!

Get yourself a key piece and start from there. An obvious start could be a navy and white or red and white striped top. I find if you choose a slightly longer top and keep the stripes thin, it will actually give the illusion of a longer torso. If you go for a bolder stripe, layer it under a navy boyfriend blazer. You can even custom change buttons on an existing jacket for some gold or silver metal ones. (I’m all about reinventing.) Add a white denim skirt or pant for a fresher approach. I prefer a pencil skirt or a pant with a more tapered leg since my thighs are thicker but my calves are skinny.  By pairing a longer top with either, your legs look slimmer throughout even if you’re wearing white.

Another staple piece could be a sailor/ captain inspired jacket layered over a solid or stripped tank top and jeans. Even a great navy or white shirtdress can be perfect on deck! Add some great gold accessories or some fun maritime inspired chunky pieces with ropes, knots, or anchors, but be careful you pick modern pieces that don’t scream bad 80’s movie! Shoes are just as important. You can incorporate some rope detailed sandals, gold wedges, espadrilles or even a cute boat shoe.  Of course a big tote in red, stripes or even gold will give the finishing touch.

The main thing is don’t overdo it! I know we can get carried away with the theme.  Just pick one or two main staples and combine it with more contemporary pieces for and fun fresh interpretation of a century old classic.