Of the Moment: Nautical, Dude!

Let's get nautical: S/S08 runway looks by (L to R) Tommy Hilfiger, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Philosophy, Chanel, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Click for full-size.

Doesn't it seem like every other season or so, any fashion magazine you leaf through touts seafaring style as the trend of the minute? Let's be real for a second here: the truth is that nautically inspired pieces are as classic as a nubby Chanel skirt suit or a pair of 501s and a white tee -- it's a look that never goes out of style. Still, right now fashion is having yet another marine moment, with everyone from old standbys like Tommy Hilfiger to more avant-garde designers like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac sending new twists on nautical navy and white down the runway. As tried and true as the look might be, this season's spin on sailorly style packs a newfangled punch, keeping everything streamlined and simple.

My take on the trend involves avoiding the obvious -- too much maritime influence will start looking real costumey, real quick. To make it wearable and chic, focus on a naval color palette without going overboard (no pun intended!) on the theme. Eschew too-easy motifs like anchors and rope: think Jackie O vacationing on her yacht, not a chorus member in a community theater production of On The Town. Draw inspiration from '40s pinup girl silhouettes, but keep it chic and modern with structured accessories and unexpected add-ons.

Here are some of my picks, which are ideal for mixing and matching to get versatility out of the trend:

Click for full-size.

1.) A cropped white cardigan with a delicate, vintage-inspired appliqué neckline is an effortless topper. Cardigan, Forever 21.

2.) You can't get much more nautical than a navy-and-white pair of high-waisted shorts. Shorts, Delia's.

3.) A simple pair of navy shorts is easy to build on. Shorts, Urban Outfitters.

4.) A belt in a marine-inspired color palette with ladylike leather and gold hardware adds structure and class to a dress or blouse. Belt, Urban Outfitters.

5.) Eschew red as a nautical accent color -- it's played-out and a little costumey. Instead, opt for accessories in rich cognac leather. These slingbacks have the perfect dose of retro sexiness without being obvious. Platform heels, Steve Madden.

6.) The best nail shade to sport when working a nautical look is ultra-bright and unexpected, like neon orange, pink, or teal. Nail lacquer, O.P.I. (in "Atomic Orange", "Don't Know...Beets Me" and "Teal The Cows Come Home").

7.) Navy and white stripes on a classic long-sleeved tee are equally chic with jeans or a sexy skirt. Shirt, Forever 21.

8.) A form-fitting high-waisted pencil skirt is the ultimate in seaworthy style -- dressed up or down, it really anchors the look. Skirt, Forever 21.

9.) Skinny red stripes on a navy background with a sexy waist tie is practically a no-brainer. Blouse, Forever 21.

10.) Go for a big, structured bag with shiny gold hardware. Handbag, Forever 21.

11.) A striped sleeveless sweater wearable as a dress or with pants. Cinch it with a belt or keep it casual. Sweater, Forever 21.

12.) The flowy shape of this halter dress is flirty and girly, keeping the sailor-inspired rope belt and navy hue from looking too obvious. Dress, Heritage 1981.

13.) A braided belt in cognac leather grounds and structures any outfit. Belt, Urban Outfitters.

14.) A solid handbag heavy on the hardware will amp up a classic navy-and-white look. Handbag, Urban Outfitters.

15.) Subtle jewelry that plays on the nautical theme without getting in your face about it. Ship wheel post earrings, Urban Outfitters; whale ring, Heritage 1981; knot ring, Fred Flare.

16.) This soft gray cardigan is a demure topper for any of the pieces shown here. Cardigan, Forever 21.

17.) The gray shade and casual shape of this dress is unexpected, but paired with navy, white, or tan accents, it gets the seaworthy point across. Dress, Old Navy.

18.) Sex-kitten platforms with a sailorly knot are reminiscent of 1940s pinups. Platform heels, Forever 21.

Also check out...
Chanel's Spring '08 runway collection.
Tommy Hilfiger's Spring '08 runway collection.
Philosophy's 'Spring '08 runway collection.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's Spring '08 runway collection.