Have you noticed the nautical trend going on this summer? How could you not? It seems like anchors are plastered on every item of clothing. J. Crew has taken it to the extreme with placing gigantic white anchors on hoodies, sequined tanks, and dresses.

Nautical Look Book

From left to right:

Sequin Anchor Tank

Maritime Anchor Dress

Anchor Popover Hoodie

The question with this trend is, how can you incorporate the looks of shells, rope, and beachy seaside objects into your wardrobe this summer without looking too obvious? One way is to take the typical navy and white colours associated with the nautical look and make them the main focus of the outfit. This Nautical Tunic from Topshop gives you a great sea-worthy foundation to work with. Add a few subtle accessories like these Braided Raffia Wedge Sandals and a leather Hook Wrap Bracelet to complete the look.

Nautical Look Book

You could also make a splash with just your footwear. If you are looking to spruce up an outfit and add a little nautical whimsy with just one item, try these fabulous sandals on for size! These Suede Starfish Platform Wedges deserve to stand out on their own. Pair them with a sleeveless cowl neck red top and black Bermuda shorts for a different twist on the seaside theme.

Suede Starfish Platform Wedges

Want to take your look beyond the traditional nautical stripes but still remain in the same blue and white colour family? Try some feisty bumble bees! This Blue Bombus Dress from Anthropologie with a low cut back is definitely boat worthy, thus proving that you can deviate from the typical nautical sea creatures.

Blue Bombus Dress

One of my favourite nautical looks is unisex, consisting of a striped boatneck tee such as this Matelot Stripe Tee with three quarter length sleeves, paired with distressed denim shorts that have been cuffed a few times, like these 1969 Slouchy Slim Shorts. Add a straw Cream Trilby Hat and some Soludos Pico Flat Espadrilles and it’s a classic summer Riviera look.

What makes this look so classy is that it has withstood the test of time. Audrey Hepburn and 1960s beach movies feature some variation of this preppy, but relaxed nautical look.

Nautical Look Book

Finally, the nautical look doesn’t have to be limited to sea creatures, blue and white stripes, and elements of sailboats. Try some other fun summery fabrics such as seersucker, linen, and madras and you’ll be sure to create a fun yet sopshisticated style for the summer.