Set Sail for the 2012 Nautical Fashion Look

This is that time of year when we can imagine escaping the snow and winter chill and dream of fine weather, Stawberries and Cream and Wimbledon. A chance to get a warm summer breeze on my pale flesh.

Fortunately, summer 2012 will once again feature the nautical fashion look. So bring on sunshine clothing together with limbs (and more) exposed to sun, sea and the elements.

It doesn’t matter whether visiting the beach, walking along the promenade, the boardwalk or actually taking a trip afloat. The nautical look is classic and works well in every situation.

look out for the classic nautical look flavoured with the South Seas, South Pacific, sailor hats, and the usual nautical strips.

Paris fashion week favoured palm tree prints and sarong-gowns accessorized with leis, created a colourful collection infused with tropical colour and fun accessories.

Think Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront or the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, South Pacific.

You can start your Nautical Look with a classic swimsuit or a bikini. Then add shorts, skirt or mini dress according to the time of day.

Next, throw in something for the evening; a full-length dress for example. Add some shoes or sandals and other accessories to keep the theme going.

Everything can be mix and match giving you a huge choice of look to suit any occasion.

Ahoy There!

The sea-going look can be grown up and sophisticated or distinctly youthful and saucy according to what you choose to wear or choose not to wear! They say ‘all the nice girls love a sailor’ but conversely nice boys adore ship-shape girls!

Perhaps you are lucky enough to be going on a cruise? No not one of those stuffy affairs where you have to wear a formal gown for dinner and your man sports a tuxedo or dinner jacket.

Modern cruises can be as informal as you like and dinner might just as well be a BBQ by the pool in a bikini as a 5 course formal dinner accompanied by a string quartet.

Maybe your time afloat is just a day trip around the bay to watch some whales, seals, simple sightseeing or a party afloat? Whatever the reason to set sail, It is still a great opportunity to dress the part as a seaworthy sailor or a matey matelot!

Lets be optimistic and assume that there will be lots of sunshine. Therefore we can kick off our nautical wardrobe with maximum exposure and a classic, nautically themed bikini - blue will do nicely, thank you. 

But beware of too much sun so the next thing to think about, apart from some high factor sun lotion, is covering up in the midday sun or for those cool evenings.

So what about a mini dress that covers the shoulders that you can easily slip over your swimsuit?

Next put together a collection of shoes, bags and jewelry in complementary nautical colours.

Smart and Sophisticated

Or you might try a slightly more sophisticated look but keep that nautical style.

When evening comes and the sun slips slowly over the horizon,  slip a full length dress over your swimsuit and you have a great piece of evening wear.

Why not treat yourself to a sundowner cocktail before dinner?

Every girl loves her shoes. Here are a pair that might be a little high for serious sailing but are great for that evening party when you want to make a really good impression! (but not small holes in the planking)

Evening Cover Up!

If its chilly on deck then just add more layers. here is a nice little cardigan that is warm yet stylishly short and not at all frumpy!

Start looking around for for your own ideas of the nautical fashion look. Maybe you fancy white shorts of tight pants that finish below the knee. What about some big bold beads or shells you can wear as a necklace? Or a shawl or sea going hat or cap? Use your imagination and make the look your own!

So now get online and start chosing your own seagoing fashion. Finally you have just one more accessory to find. A sailor guy to complete your wardrobe. Bon Voyage!