The Nautical Trend Look Book

Way back in 1966, little old Yves Saint Lauren displayed a fashion changing catwalk collection pulling in inspiration from the Navy/sailing uniforms dating as far back as the 1860′s. Now here we are, 50 years on and the look is still going strong, but now known to you and I as Nautical. The term ‘Nautical’ (according to our trusty Oxford Dictionary) is a word relating to ships, sailing and navigation. Now I am definitely no sailor, nor do I intend on joining the Navy any time soon, but that isn’t going to stop me donning the Nautical trend this spring/summer!

For me, the mass influx of stripes making their way back onto the scene is the breath of fresh air I have been waiting for to help tame the mass amounts of plaids and checks overtaking my wardrobe. Following on from Yvadney Davis’s – Be The Man article, the Nautical trend is the perfect one for adding a slightly more ‘grown-up’ edge to your wardrobe. Even more so if you are looking to replace some of those dated novelty print tees and teenage feeling checks. Nautical classically consists of a mixture of stripes, polka dots, stars, chevrons and anchor prints in tones of whites/creams, navy blue and red. Though looking at some of the pieces hitting the stores at the moment I have noticed some slightly different shades and prints being introduced to try and freshen up the look slightly – and guess what – it still works!

The great thing about the Nautical trend is that it can be incorporated into outfits for any occasion, from beach wear right up to formal wear. It is also one of very few looks that originates from Menswear, way back to the old days of boys in Midday Suit’s, so back off girls… this one’s ours! That being said, be cautions when putting your Nautical inspired outfits together. Not every man can get away with horizontal stripes or large prints, so its just as well the look can be just as easily achieved using a nice mix of block colours with a well fitted statement piece thrown in. Its all about knowing your body and what looks good on YOU! One key striped or printed piece is usually more than enough to carry off the look, if you over do the stripes or appear too ‘matchy’ it could very well look as though you have over-tried or that a sailor has been sick on you… remember, this is a classic effortless look! If dressing casual, wear your cardigan sloppily unbuttoned and hanging from your shoulders, roll up your sleeves and trouser legs and ditch the socks… its your right as a sailor!!

At the end of the day the majority of us will have all seen a Nautical inspired look on someone or at some point. So in this case, I feel a Lookbook speaks louder than words…

The Nautical LookBook

Beachwear

Casual Day Wear

Casual Evening Wear

Formal Evening Wear