As the warmer months approach, a classic nautical theme tends to emerge, characterized by a bold red, white, and blue color palette often displayed through stripes or anchors. This year, nautical fashion is a major trend, and if you’re still on the fence about incorporating it into your wardrobe, fear not! With these helpful tips, you might just discover a new favorite style. For starters, let’s define what we mean by ‘nautical fashion.
‘ It’s all about embracing the maritime charm through clothing and accessories that evoke the spirit of the sea. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping things casual, here’s how to make nautical fashion work for you.
What is Nautical Fashion?
Nautical fashion isn’t limited to a specific location or occasion. The versatility of ocean-inspired clothing can be enjoyed throughout the year. A great example are space-dyed sweaters, which serve as the foundation for this style. These pieces typically feature sailor scarves and ribbed knit fabrications, making them suitable for various seasons when paired with the right textures.
When it comes to nautical fashion, it’s not uncommon to get confused between elements of uniforms worn at sea and traditional sailing attire. One of the most recognizable features is the Brenton stripe, which pays homage to vintage naval fashion. Crisp white items with button accents are also prominent in this style, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Meanwhile, pairing black and navy together is another key aspect of nautical outfits.
Tips on How to Dress Nautical
Replacing traditional red accents with coral is an excellent way to give a classic nautical look a modern twist. This colour combination has recently been featured on runways, making it a great opportunity to update your wardrobe. To achieve this stylish look, start by incorporating coral as an accent colour in your outfit. This could be achieved through accessories such as hats, belts or neckerchiefs.
For a more laid-back nautical ensemble, dress down with striped shirts and trousers paired with black pumps or sandals. Alternatively, add a touch of sophistication to your look by pairing these with white Converse shoes or tennis shoes. Incorporate nautical elements into your accessories to elevate your overall style. A straw hat or fedora in a light woven material is an excellent way to do this. For footwear, opt for slipper shoes or loafers in neutral hues like brown or beige.
Avoid square-toed loafers as they may give off a too formal vibe. To add a nautical touch to your outerwear, consider combining a blazer with cotton pants and a white t-shirt. Alternatively, pair the blazer with a collared shirt and shorts for a summer party outfit. Look for a stylish sailing jacket in bold colours like royal blue, featuring accents of coral or brown.
Celebrity Style
The allure of Nautical style is not limited to just anyone. It’s the A-list crowd that has made this fashion trend a staple in their wardrobes. None other than the iconic Lady Diana springs to mind, with her frequent appearances in nautical-inspired ensembles that still influence fashion today. You can easily draw inspiration from her timeless looks.
For those looking for more contemporary inspiration, Kate Middleton is another great reference point.
Her elegant and understated approach to dressing has earned her a spot among the style elite.
Casual Summer Looks
20 – Striped bodysuit with white mini-halter skirt
For those who adore the nautical trend, a striped bodysuit paired with a white mini-halter skirt creates the ultimate summer look. Add a pop of color with a pastel-hued hat and finish the ensemble with rope heels for a chic, put-together vibe that’s perfect for beach parties or sunny day picnics. This timeless design is sure to turn heads and make you the center of attention, exuding effortless style without sacrificing a hint of sophistication.
19 – Blue & White Striped Shirt With Blue Shorts
Imagine yourself effortlessly stylish by the ocean, thanks to our nautical-inspired outfit concept. At its core is a classic striped T-shirt that exudes casual charm, perfectly paired with blue shorts that complement the shirt’s blue stripes. To elevate the look, incorporate the age-old trick of matching your bag to your shoes – a tried-and-true formula for effortless style! To bring this vision to life, consider incorporating pieces like the Lucky Brand Women’s Woven Leather Belt ($59.
50), Golf Short with Comfort Stretch Waistband ($49.19), or 14k Gold Endless Hoop Earrings ($49.99) into your outfit.
18 – Blue Knitted Sweater And Low waist white Pleated skirt
When it comes to creating a standout outfit, sometimes less is more. The combination of a blue knitted sweater, low-waisted white skirt, and ballerina pumps offers a timeless and effortlessly chic look that’s sure to turn heads. The harmonious blend of blue and white hues creates a visually appealing contrast that will make you stand out from the crowd. To take this outfit to the next level, consider adding some matching accessories and a natural makeup look to tie everything together.
17 – Off-shoulder floral top with paired White Pants
A summer party look wouldn’t be complete without an off-shoulder floral top, which pairs perfectly with crisp white pants. The soft fabric of the blouse provides a beautiful contrast to the structured pants, making for a stylish and put-together outfit. To take it up a notch, add some height with wedges and add a touch of glamour with a bold beaded necklace. But don’t forget to accessorize with a leather tote bag and dangly earrings to keep the look from feeling too plain.
16 – Blue Flared Dress With A Touch Of White Styled with Red Heels
For a nautical themed dress code, create an outfit that’s a perfect blend of blue and white. A flowy blue dress with subtle white accents is the way to go, paired with statement red heels that add a pop of color. Add some dainty jewelry and effortless beachy waves for hair, and you’ll be sure to turn heads. This timeless and chic look is perfect for any occasion where you want to make a statement, showcasing your unique style while still feeling like the best version of yourself.
15 – Open Collared Striped Shirt With High-Waisted Pants
Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon, where the warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle breeze rustling the leaves are the only things that matter. As you lounge around in comfort, a stylish touch adds just the right amount of flair to complete the scene. It’s all about making memories that will last a lifetime, and our selection of accessories is here to help you do just that.
Take a look at some of our top picks: Sunday Afternoons’ Havana Hat, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your relaxed afternoon; trappy’s Shiny Light Support Sports Bra, ideal for keeping you comfortable as you indulge in your favorite hobby; or Flex Motion’s Regular Fit Trouser Pant, designed for ease and mobility. Whatever your style, we’ve got the essentials to make your Sunday afternoons unforgettable.
14 – Blue & White Stripped Mini Dress Paired with white heels
When it comes to making a splash at your next summer soiree, this striped number is sure to be the life of the party. The nautical-inspired design evokes feelings of freedom and adventure, while the pairing with white heels adds a touch of elegance. Not only does it exude style, but it’s also remarkably comfortable, making it the perfect choice for a day of sun-soaked celebrations.
13 – Rolled-Up Striped Shirt with white pants
Elevate your evening look by combining a crisp white tank top with white pants for a chic and effortless ensemble. Add a touch of sophistication with a blue and white striped button-up shirt layered on top. To take the outfit to the next level, opt for statement-making white strap heels and bold, brightly colored earrings that add a pop of color and interest.
Semi Formal Outfits
12 – Navy Blue Frilled Dress with sky-blue chunky heels
As summer unfolds, fashion enthusiasts have an array of creative outlets to showcase their individuality. For instance, pairing a navy blue frilled dress with sky-blue chunky heels can create a striking ensemble that exudes confidence. To take the look to the next level, don’t overlook the importance of accessories – anchor earrings or a crab-inspired chain bag can add a touch of whimsy and make your style truly unique.
11 – Long Sleeveless grey-striped dress with brown sandals
Envision a striking ensemble featuring a sleeveless grey striped dress paired with brown sandals and a belt, transporting you to a beachy vibe. A cane bag in hand adds to the relaxed, seaside-inspired aesthetic. For an air of sophistication, throw on some black sunglasses. To elevate the look even further, consider adding a touch of glamour with gold hoops.
The harmonious combination of colors and textures will beautifully contrast against the natural backdrop of sand and sea, making this outfit ideal for any party setting.
10 – Black Ruffled Top & White Wide-Legged Trousers
Imagine pairing a sleek black ruffled top with crisp white wide-legged trousers, creating a chic ensemble that’s perfect for any occasion. To elevate this outfit, add some trendy sunglasses, a polished bun, and a natural makeup look, ideal for a day spent soaking up the sun on a luxurious yacht. The understated color palette and timeless style of this combination ensure it looks both sophisticated and carefree, making it an excellent choice for an end-of-summer celebration.
To complete the look, add some warm gold accents through jewelry and you’ll be ready to take on the day in style.
9 – Angelico Blue & White Stripe Collared Shirt and White Knee Length Shorts
Knee-length shorts are a wardrobe essential that never goes out of style. When paired with a crisp collared shirt, the combination is effortlessly chic. For a party-perfect look, choose colors thoughtfully to stay on theme. Dresses are an excellent choice for spring, and a classic ensemble can be achieved by pairing a blue or white shirt with white shorts. To keep things relaxed and comfortable, add sandals and sunglasses to your outfit.
Fall / Winter Outfits
8 – Blue Button Up Blazer Styled With White Pants
The classic combination of navy and white stripes is a timeless choice that can be dressed up or down to suit any outdoor occasion, whether it’s a cocktail party or al fresco dining. The striking contrast between the blue button blazer and crisp white pants creates a modern yet enduring look. To complete this nautical-inspired ensemble, add a touch of sophistication with a pair of sleek white sunglasses.
For those looking to recreate this stylish outfit, consider investing in pieces like Arctix’s Women’s Sarah Fleece-Lined Softshell Pants ($51.12), Gold Button Blazer Jackets for Women ($56.99), and Dolce Vita’s Women’s Paily Heeled Sandal ($87.46)
7 – Black Blazer & Striped Shirt Paired With White Washed Jeans
As you gaze upon this ensemble, it’s hard not to envision a day spent sailing on the open waters. And, as luck would have it, each of these pieces likely resides in your wardrobe already.
6 – Blue & White Striped V-Neck Sweater With White Pants
When it comes to dressing for a yacht party in cooler weather, balance warmth and style is key. A versatile combination like a blue and white striped v-neck sweater with white pants and a pearl necklace offers a classic and chic look that fits the nautical theme seamlessly. To further emphasize the aquatic vibe, consider adding a wide-brimmed hat or navy blue boat shoes to give your outfit an extra layer of sophistication.
5 – Black & White Stripped Blazer Styled With Denim Midi Length Skirt
Cole Haan’s Ch9001 Square Sunglasses, retailing at $28.52, and the Rebecca Minkoff Chevron Quilted Small Love Crossbody bag, priced at $147.59, are just two of the many affordable and stylish options that caught our eye. Meanwhile, the classic Hanes Women’s Crewneck Tee is a wardrobe staple that won’t break the bank at just $9.89.
Formal Outfits
4 – sleeveless long white Cutout dress with matching slippers
3 – White Silk Dress with black high heels
Building upon the foundation of a plain white silk dress and black heels, you can create a nautical-inspired look that’s effortlessly chic. A minimalist approach to jewelry and sunglasses will keep the overall aesthetic understated yet stylish. To take your look to the next level, consider adding a few statement pieces. A bold red lip, for instance, adds a vibrant splash of color, while a well-placed hat injects preppy sophistication.
With these simple yet thoughtful additions, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a look that’s uniquely yours.
2 – Blue Strapless Mini Dress with Black Strapped Heels
Elevate your summer style with a statement-making mini blue strapless dress. Pair it with strappy black heels for a chic contrast that grounds the look, then add a touch of glamour with a dazzling diamond necklace. The simplicity of this outfit allows for effortless accessorizing, but its inherent sophistication means you can also leave it unadorned and still turn heads. Either way, you’ll be the center of attention and have your friends green with envy.
1 – Cropped White Crochet Top With a Long Red Skirt
Elevate your summer style with a timeless combination: pair a crisp white cropped crochet top with a vibrant red, floor-sweeping skirt. To add a touch of practicality without sacrificing chic, opt for beige sandals featuring low heels. This versatile outfit can be effortlessly dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Add a personal touch with a stylish straw hat or understated necklace to make the look uniquely yours.
FAQs
Q. How do you get the nautical look?
To create a harmonious and timeless look, consider combining blue, white, red, and khaki hues. A classic approach is to pair traditional sailor attire’s iconic color scheme – think white with royal blue stripes – with complementary shades like red, khaki, or light brown. These warm tones evoke the nautical spirit, adding depth and visual interest to your design.
Q. What do you wear on a boat party?
When attending a party, it’s essential to consider the formality of the occasion when choosing what to wear. For a more formal gathering, opt for blue, white, or red jeans paired with a button-down shirt or a dress. This combination exudes sophistication and is likely to make a great impression. On the other hand, if the party has a more relaxed vibe, you can get away with wearing your swimwear and pairing it with a shirt or cover-up.
This allows for a comfortable and stylish outfit that’s perfect for a casual celebration.
Q. What is the coastal casual dress code for a nautical themed party?
When it comes to dressing for a beach-themed party, the invitation’s tone can give you valuable clues. If it’s got ‘beach chic’ or ‘coastal casual’ in its description, you’re likely looking at a relaxed vibe that favors classic florals and flowy maxi dresses, depending on the coast. But don’t worry if there are no specific rules – just remember to steer clear of sequins and black attire, and instead opt for brighter hues like white, blue, and red stripes.
