The best things about the sailor trend
- You can build your own collection of timeless pieces. Sailor styles are, and always have been, everywhere, in designer and high street collections. Just look up any old sailor look – the style never fails to feel timeless. I always keep an eye out for the best pieces and snap them up when I see them. Then, if they work out, I just keep them forever.
- It’s epic and it works with a minimal style. At the same time, it’s very close to dressy military, which is probably my favourite.
- Even total looks are cool and wearable. What I love most about an outfit like this is, I can wear a sailor total look without everyone going, ‘Where’s the theme party?’.
Timeless nautical pieces to look out for
- Blazers and coats in navy, black, white, with metallic buttons
- Trousers with a contrasting side stripe
- Wider leg matelot trousers and jeans (with the trapeze-shaped front opening that buttons up around the edges)
- Accessories like sailor hats in navy, black or white
The casual sleek sailor look
The coat is short or half-length with a straight cut. I bought it a couple of seasons ago as sailor styles were making their latest big comeback. The jeans are a few years old, I picked them up at Mango on a Friday wind-down shopping spree on a whim. Matelot trousers have been on my wishlist for longer than I care to admit. I never miss a chance to get my hands on a new pair, even if wide-leg is not my go-to trouser cut.
The best basics are the white/cream knitted rollneck jumper, Ray Ban’s large aviator sunnies, and a pair of black ankle boots. Mine are from Asos and I chose them for this look because they have high block heels. The gold looks right with all the metallic buttons, while the extra height balances out proportions on a petite frame. To dress the look down, pop white trainers on, or a white skater sneaker with black contrast detail.
That epic sailor hat
Let’s not forget, what truly inspired the look was the sailor hat. Last year I literally spent months trying to find the perfect one. And, when I zoomed in on the best candidates, I chose the wrong one. That was because it was cheap enough to try. But, by the time it arrived and I realised it did not look so great on, my fave was out of stock – lesson learned! I researched until I found a European retailer who had it and would also ship it over to me. (Sailor hats off to you, Aspasia.be for nailing it where all others failed!) So here it is, the hat from the Tommy x Gigi collaboration. Hands down the best non-vintage sailor hat around. The real treat about buying this one was that it came with a canvas shopper bag and some cool sticker badges.
Nautical & me
In summary, sailor stuff is sooo me. It’s epic even when I go casual. It’s close to dressy military but without the opulent baroque touches. The key colours (navy, white, black) work perfectly with a minimal wardrobe. It’s timeless so the best purchases are for keeps! Also, there’s no shame in sporting a total look here 🙂 Finally, it works miracles on everyone (including petite girls) because it’s just sleek, cute and powerful.
What do you think? Have you ever created a sailor outfit or sported a nautical total look? How did you like it?
Scroll down for some tips on where to get similar pieces.
Love,
Gabriella
coat: H&M (similar here)
jeans: Mango (similar here)
boots: ASOS
jumper: Terranova (similar here)
sailor hat, shopper bag, badge: Tommy Hilfiger (Tommy x Gigi sailor collection)
sunglasses: Ray-Ban
A bunch of pieces from the Tommy x Gigi collection are still available and they are on sale, here and here. White skater sneaker option here.
