A nautical transition from Winter to Spring
January 22nd, 2007Transitional merchandise has begun to blossom in stores and it’s all about the nautical spirit. Dark navy and white basics are highlighted by a few touches of red, jade and lemon. The shade of navy is virtually black and I particularly like that aspect of this trend as lighter navies tend to look less rich and more uniform-like.
On the other hand, I’m not sure whether the nautical collections give us enough of a change from all the black, white, red and striped merchandise we’ve seen in store for the last 6 months. Transitional collections are most effective when they contrast with the season that’s on sale. But the newness of colours like jade and lemon, and silhouettes like wide-legged sailor pants, might be fresh enough to entice us to buy the odd item before Spring merchandise really hits stores.
There are modern classic and trendy interpretations of the nautical look:
- For a modern classic look, combine navy and white basics with a striped knit top, cream/ navy trench coat, pointy toed boots and an oversized leather tote.
- For a trendy look, match sailor pants with a ruffled shirt, cropped cardigan, funky short trench coat, converse sneakers and lemon accessories.
Nautical looks are versatile and easy to put together. The theme is timeless and always open to re-invention.
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Have a bash at experimenting with some of the transitional season’s trendier silhouettes with items like these.
January 22nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I love the new look–especially the continued horizontal stripe theme (from jailbird to sailor! I love seeing how fashion evolves) and the wide-legged sailor pants. I was looking at photos of Brigitte Bardot the other day, and much of what she was wearing in the early 60s is echoed in the early lines, particularly what JCrew has out: the straight-legged, cropped pants, the horizontal striped shirt, the headbands, the knee-length shorts paired with cable-knit sweaters and sandals.
Question Angie, related to your earlier post on age-appropriate dressing. Would you say, then, that the “modern classic” styles that you point out would work well for women in their 30s and 40s, and the trendier styles should be mainly for women in their 20’s and early 30’s? Or is it just tailoring your style persona to your age?
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
As always - you are full of wonderful comments. I too like the nautical spirit because of the newness of its accent colours. I also like the way traditional nautical styles are constantly reinvented and interpreted. You can never go wrong if you have these basics if you keep on adding the fresh luster of the season that you are currently in.
In answer to your question: trendier nautical styles could definitely work for the women with the right persona and body type who is well into her 40’s. While the modern-classic look could in turn be adopted by a women in her late 20’s or 30’s. If we were to pop a really short white mini-dress into the equation, then we’d be speaking of girls in their 20’s with killer legs only. If we popped that same white mini- dress over a pair of sailor pants or skinny jeans - we’d be making the look age-appropriate, but keeping it trendy for a women in their 30’s and 40’s.
There are finer boundaries to consider when it comes to age-appropriate dressing for women in their 30’s and 40’s. Body type and personality play big role.
January 23rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Not to be a party pooper, but it seems like every spring is nautical in theme. I guess it is truely ageless and timeless. Would be nice to have some innovative ideas for spring–like flowers or something. I am glad to see yellow back in the spectrum.
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:09 pm
There is usually a nautical theme within a Spring collection in one form or another - you are right Joey. But not typically in the updated way like we are seeing this season and shall continue to see. It’s fun to think out-of-the-box with this theme:
•Match up nautical basics with a romantic white ruffle blouse or military boots instead.
•Add cobalt blue patent accessories or a bright yellow waist belt to classic basics
I think that there are ways to be creative with this timeless theme and I’ll post an entry about this soon!