Boat Couture

Nautical fashion – by which we mean, broadly speaking, blue and white stripes, navy jackets with gold buttons, tailored shorts or trousers, bright red mixed in judiciously, plus white plimsolls or deck shoes – returns pretty much every spring, making it a quick and easy trend to

key into, not least because many of us already own the basics.

Each time, it comes through reinterpreted to meet the needs and wants of the times, and the success of this annual reinven-tion demon-strates just what a clever classic the nautical theme is.

It suits everyone – all ages and all sizes – and it fits all occasions (except for very high special occasion dressing, when even a hint of a gold anchor will always strikes a duff note).

Usually, with the sailor trends, only stripes and polka dots are allowed in terms of pattern, in blue and white or red and white.

But this season, the nautical rule book has been over-ruled more boldly than ever, and even floral prints and motifs have been allowed to mingle in with the overall sailor chic theme. It's quite a French

high-end designer look, as opposed to a British sailor casual feel, so feel free to pile on a bit of bling.

Try adding an armful of colourful bangles to update your look this year, or a corsage or flower brooch. Look for long, languid cardigans to throw over short, figure-hugging shift dresses and tunics. Toughen up the look by teaming with black accessories, such as high, strappy, platform or gladiator sandals, a black shoulder bag or cinch in the waist with a black studded belt.

Mix in nudes, too, for an elegant, pared-down twist. Wear a striped fine-knit jumper dress beneath a classic, short, cream trench coat, or add a pair of nude-coloured shoes to offset navy and white.

Bows are a fashion favourite this summer and these have been brought in to the nautical trend, too, with some wonder tops and dresses featuring bold, nifty bow detail – even in sequins (shine continues as a spring

trend, unusually).

Look out for blue and white striped dresses in a wide variety of styles this season (see Six of the Best, page 7), from flattering, high-waisted versions (great for pear shapes), through Forties-style frocks with gathered middles (apples, large busts and curvy) to Fifties-style dresses with full skirts and tightly belted waists (slender and curvy).

There really is a style to suit everyone – and if you don't like your arms, the dresses look fabulous with a navy cardi or jacket slipped over the top, for that "early spring on the Riviera" feel.