Nautical Style: White Jeans & Navy Blouse

Here’s a tip to get your wardrobe in ship shape this summer. Try adding a touch of nautical for a sporty, youthful look.  Here’s how to dress for smooth sailing ahead.

I live on the shores of Lake Ontario, and one of my favorite places to visit on the weekend is the cute Lakeside town of Bronte. The charming marina and lakefront park area with its beautiful sailboats, a lighthouse, and pretty pavilions was the inspiration behind my latest weekend outfit. Take a look.

I’ve always loved a classic nautical look in summer. Crisp white pants with navy and gold are so sporty, rich, and sophisticated.

Typically, you might pair a striped navy and white tee with white jeans, but I wanted something a little more elegant, which is why I chose this flowy top.

It’s a navy high-low blouse, high in the front and longer in the back, by Michael Kors.

I love the beautiful V-neck and the way it flows like a sail in the wind. It’s so cool and summery. My red bag ( also Michael Kors) adds a pop of color and is totally in sync with this nautical vibe.

I have paired my top with my favorite white Not Your Daughter’s cropped jeans with a frayed hem. These jeans are super comfy because they have many stretches, and the fringe is so on-trend right now.

Do you see the pretty pleats on the back of the blouse? What a gorgeous, stand-out detail!

This is a perfect weekend outfit for me..the sort of thing I would wear if I were going out to lunch with my husband down by the water. It’s casual but classy.

Here’s a better look at the eye-catching back of this high-low blouse. Look at that beautiful detail.

The right accessories also add oomph. I’ve added this pretty gold necklace that sort of looks like gold seaweed I’ve dragged up from the water. It works perfectly with the nautical feel. And I’ve added nude sandals to make my legs look long with these cropped pants. (Navy sandals would make my feet look heavy and my legs shorter.) The gold studs on my sandals add a touch of glam.

Here’s a closer look at that gorgeous statement necklace. I picked it up last Christmas on sale and had no idea what I would wear it with, but when I saw this top, I knew it was perfect to go with it. How do you like my modern nautical look?

Note this top has sold out, but here is a very similar top.

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Add An Accent

If you want to dip a toe into this style, or secretly wonder if it’s right for you, ease into the look with nautical-themed accessories. Try anchor-shaped stud earrings, a watch with a starfish motif, or a necklace made from rope. Even a fedora with an anchor on the brim or a scarf printed with ships could be a way to sneak some seaside style into your look!

Know The Colors

The nautical style is as much about outright embellishments, like ropes and anchors, as it is about a specific color palette: navy, red, beige, and of course, crisp, clean white. These colors automatically bring to mind fresh breezes, flapping sails, and a sporty lifestyle. Create an outfit in these colors and you’re on course to look nautical-inspired.

Think Shape And Structure

The nautical style is very, very preppy- meaning that structured shapes are a key part of the look.  Dress pants should be razor-sharp and slim cut, but can be cuffed for a more casual look. Tops are often striped. Boatnecks are popular and make sure the fit is slim, not baggy.

Play With Prints

The crisp navy and white stripes are an essential part of the nautical style. But don’t worry, stripes are more wearable than you might think! The key? Keep them away from the area you’re self-conscious of. That means if you have a large bottom half you’re better to stay away from a striped skirt, but you could wear a striped top with a solid navy skirt.  Another option if you are worried about stripes making you look wide? Reach for a striped tote, or sandals to get the same nautical vibe.

Don’t Go Overboard!

To keep your look from being costume-like, don’t have more than 3 or 4 nautical-themed elements in your look. That kind of matchy-matchy perfection is aging. If you’re at a loss for what to pair with a nautical style, just choose chic and structured pieces from the color palette listed above.

Do you like the new nautical-inspired look? Let me know in the comments below.