Queen Victoria is widely credited with popularising The Nautical look in 1846 when she dressed the four-year-old Prince of Wales, known then as Bertie and later as King Edward VII, in a sailor suit. As the story goes, on a royal cruise, the Queen became so besotted by the blue striped uniforms so much that she asked the tailors to make one for her little boy.
Subsequently, miniature sailor suits became de rigueur, particularly amongst the children of the aristocracy--as late as the Eighties, Princess Diana and the Duchess of York, like many English society brides, chose sailor suits for their page boys. But it took Coco Chanel to bring the nautical look into the world of high fashion. She opened her first boutique in Deauville, France, in 1914, with sailor blouses, wide-legged pants, striped knit tops and straw boaters. Since then, the seafaring look has rarely been far from the catwalk.
You might not know how to sail and you may not have a yacht on the French Riviera. But don't let a little thing like that stop you from looking fabulous. Considering its widespread appeal, even the most landlocked of fashion lovers can indulge in a nautical fancy. All you need add is a crisp horizontal stripe, a smart brass button or a scrap of rope. Most of us possess something a little bit nautical in our wardrobes when we dig deep enough, however land locked we are.
A striped T-shirt, deck shoes, navy or white wide leg trousers, a fisherman's smock, a kerchief to tie around the neck? If stripes aren't your style, add any accessory featuring a rope detail or look out for nautical prints in the form of cute anchor motifs or sailing boats. Long-sleeved Breton T-shirts, chunky cotton knits and linen trousers bridge the gap between summer and winter, while ensuring you have a few classics in the wardrobe all year round. Just remember not to go overboard with a head-to-toe sailor style. Nobody wants to walk into the office to shouts of 'Ahoy sailor' as you stroll down the high street.
HOW TO WEAR IT
*A smart navy blazer can be teamed with white for a literal nautical translation, but will hold its perennial style for a number of year. *Add a touch of sailor-girl chic with a naval blue and white palette. Rather than going for a full-on look, invest in one must-have piece, such as a pair of cropped trousers or culottes, or a stunning blue skirt or jacket. * White jeans could be teamed with a striped sweater for day, and a striking chiffon blouse or fitted striped waistcoat for a modern evening look. *Nautical suits just about everyone; there's not many fashion trends that can do that. That's why it‘s firmly anchored here now, and no doubt will be back in port again soon. *The little details can make a difference, and accessories are the easiest way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune.
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