Nautical Sailor Fashion Trend for Women

Nautical fashion never fully goes out of style. This sailor inspired trend reappears every year with its simple lines and classic styling. Horizontal stripes in navy and white, with subtle gold detail make a girl look as if she’s just stepped off the yacht. Done right, this timeless style is appropriate for women of all ages. To succeed at pulling it off, sparse is the secret. Stick with just one or two perfect accessories to keep from looking cartoonish.

Here are the ways you can rock this naval trend:

Striped Tops

Nautical stripes can be thick or wide, covering an entire top or used just as an accent. The standard naval stripes are horizontal in navy, red, or black and white. But don’t feel locked into the classic colors because stripes of unexpected colors can also be fun. Pink, green, or yellow and white stripes add a modern flare to nautical fashion. Boat neck tops will forever be a favorite, but stripes are cute on all kinds of tanks, tees, and sweaters.

Structured Blazers

Blazers in nautical fashion hint at naval uniforms. Navy blue, white, or beige blazers are perfect for bringing sophistication to an outfit. Choose something fitted to flatter your shape in either long sleeve or 3/4. Pair a blazer with a simple solid white or navy tee, or layer it over a nautical striped top for a classic combo.

Perfect for Nautical Outfits:

Seafaring Pants

The nautical look is all about clean whites and crisp lines. White pants instantly turn an outfit seafaring. Navy blue or red pants are also classically worn in this style. Wide leg jeans or trousers are the shape with the most vintage feel, but skinny and flared cuts can also be perfect. For a youthful, modern twist, try opting for skinny jeans in a bright, nontraditional color like pink or aqua.

Sailor Dresses

Nautical dresses are short and summery, begging to be paired with a cool breeze and cocktail. Shift dresses are the traditional silhouette, combining sophistication with sporty fun. Tank and maxi dresses are also trendy with sailor stripes and naval colors.

Vintage Swimsuits

Vintage swimwear has been a popular trend for some time. The modest, girly shapes are classy and flattering for women of all sizes. Sweetheart neckline halters and low-cut legs define this style. Pick a suit in navy, white, or red for nautical fashion. Sailor buttons, stripes, or white rope details on swimsuits are to dive for.

Nautical Shoes

The choices are endless when it comes to sailor inspired footwear. Chic flats, red heels, boat shoes, rope detail sandals, wood platform wedges, and espadrilles all lend themselves well to this style. Use shoes to add a pop of bright color to your outfit, or go with a refined neutral to keep it simple. Gold footwear is also trending in nautical fashion.

Maritime Accessories

Sailing inspired accessories are both vintagey and fun. Small anchor pendants, rope details on bags, scarves, and oversized sunglasses are part of this trend. Gold is the classic color for details like buttons in nautical fashion. Accessories are where you need to be most careful not to go overboard, so remember that sparse and subtle is the key. For example, pair a bold rope necklace with a simple white tee, beige blazer, jeans, and flats for just the right amount of nautical styling.

Sea Breezy Hair

Beachy waves cap off the nautical look with seemingly effortless style. Braids also work well, hinting at knots and rope. Try a waterfall braid, a fishtail, a tiny French braid at the forehead, or a thick braid that starts at the crown and circles the nape. A messy bun is another alternative that completes a nautical outfit with style.

Scroll to Continue

Review of the QQH Z80A 15.6 Dual Portable Monitor

The Four Aspects of Man – Body, Soul, Mind and Spirit

2nd Test Aus vs Ind Border Gavaskar Trophy Preview

Comments

Faith A Mullen (author) on January 27, 2013:

Hi, Zsuzsi! I love this look as well. Especially the stripes!

Zsuzsi from London on January 27, 2013:

I like this style very much. Great tips on how to put together a sailor outfit!

Faith A Mullen (author) on January 26, 2013:

Thanks for the comment, Careermommy! Glad I was able to help! You will look lovely.

Tirralan Watkins from Los Angeles, CA on January 25, 2013:

Thank you for this article Faith. I have to wear nautical themed clothes to work next Friday and had no idea what I was going to wear. Now I know thanks to your well informed article!

Faith A Mullen (author) on January 21, 2013:

Thanks for reading, Louise Lately! I am with you on loving striped tops and looking forward to spring. I'm ready for some spring fashion.

Louise Lately from London, UK on January 21, 2013:

I love the white/blue and white/black striped tops - they've always been seen as very fashionable (e.g. Jean Paul Gaultier's signature style) - makes me look forward to springtime. Great hub!