When Stripes Strike! Nautical-inspired Fashion

Imagine sail boating all day long in the Mediterranean and then disembark at the marina, headed downtown St-Tropez for a sunset dinner. That’s what nautical fashion is about. It’s about class. Simply said: if you own a Ed Hardy t-shirt and voluntarily and consciously got a tribal tattoo you don’t deserve to be on a sail boat. Plus, it’s not noisy enough and you’d find it so complicated and annoying with all those ropes and cables to maneuver. I repeat; this is not for you- so go jet skiing and head to Cancun for Spring break instead…(I’ll save this for another topic as I’m now digressing)

I’ve always had a thing for navy stripes. I’ve spent my summers in Cape Cod, and nautical stripes remind me of Nantucket, lobster shacks, starfish.

They instantly add class to any look. Whether you’ve been sail boating all weekend, or just pretending to (no one will know!), it’s hard not to look effortlessly chic and sophisticated in navy stripes. Summer’s favorite accessory, navy stripes are so easy to pull off: wear gold or silver accessories, neutral makeup and a nice tan and you’re all set. At night I jazz it up with chic & simple accessories, red lipstick and a high bun with no eye makeup for a fresh & sophisticated look.

The only thing that separates us from the animals is the ability to accessorize so let’s take a look at the most striking nautical-inspired fashion:

For a sophisticated yet edgy look: Asymmetric striped cotton shirt by Vivienne Westwood $350

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Bird by Juicy Couture $230

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…the quintessential Ralph Lauren striped Black Oxford Shirt $100

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Ralph Lauren striped purple Oxford Shirt $100

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Alexander McQueen striped cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck $1,365

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By Malene Birger’s cozy oatmeal and brown striped linen-blend cardigan $277

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Ralph Lauren striped blazer $410

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A Vigilant Fashionista must: Tory Burch Magnus Striped Jacket $227.50

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It doesn’t get any better than this: Chanel Cashmere striped chain button sweater $1,382

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PPQ Striped Bustier Mini Dress $775

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Bird by Juicy Couture $160

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and since many of you have mini fashionistas at home… introducing the Dolce and Gabbana striped baby dress $265 *melt*

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So chic! no words: Jean Paul Gaultier Sequined Shift Dress $865

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Vivienne Westwood Anglomania $404

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Rosamosario’s jersey maxi dress $945

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Look at the price tag. Look again. Find anything wrong with this dress. That’s right. Now buy one for each of your girlfriends! look at the back of the dress! sublime! a true find! Shabby Apple Striped Dress $49.95

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Camilla and Marc jordana skirt $415

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Dries Van Noten Salima Striped Skirt $286

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Hola!!!!! Narciso Rodriguez Charmeuse silk striped skirt $990

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incredibly “in season” shorts: a must! DVF notrina shorts $325

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Look at the price tag. Those pants are beyond cool. They have an edge; so add a feminine tight white top and you’re all set. Sublime. The gold buttons are everything. Miss Real Nautical Gold Button Trousers $50

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Stunning. DVF Maryelle striped bikini $179

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I can’t believe the price of this bikini. It’s out of this world! it’s the perfect nautical bikini. GoJane.com’s nautical ‘saint’ striped bikini top and ‘tropez’ sailor briefs $40

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Edith A. Miller one piece swimsuit, $148, and bikini, $162

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Ralph Lauren Home Cabana Stripe Beach Towel $66.50

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Eugenia Kim Grosgrain Striped Fedora, $315

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Eugenia Kim Nautical Knot Fedora $265

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I mean, really: Jean Paul Gaultier for fellow French label Guy de Jean $160

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Women’s Merona® Zia Stripe Rain Boots – Blue Target $25

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and for the mini-me who wants to look just like mommy: Classic Stripe Rain Boots (Baby) $32

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Love at First Sight: The Alta booties are Outta this world!!!!! Literally: Christian Louboutin Alta Trott Boots $1,245

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Perfection. I can’t get over them. Christian Louboutin Black And White Striped Pumps $995

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Fashionista on a budget, look at this super find! Beetle Juice Lace Up Striped Mary Jane Heels $55

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Oh, Deer! shoes Root Beer $110

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My cat’s meowwwww: Sonia Rykiel striped platform shoes $426
I just fainted. Woke up and fainted again.

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Topshop Raffia Multi Stripe Canvas Buckle Sandals $130

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Sperry Top-Sider – Santa Rosa Wedges $59.90

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I don’t own any ballerinas, but I could make an exception for those ones: Marilyn Pretty Ballerinas $184

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So, so, so cool. Fierce women, take a look at those! I want to see more women rock these shoes. So exciting! Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider $200

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Top siders are IT. And not only because they are in this summer. They were and will always remain the coolest shoes ever. Oozes panache – both on men and women. Sperry Top-Sider Shoes $135