Sea-worthy nautical stripes on dresses, tanks, lightweight sweaters, swimwear and accessories are a modern response to the casual sailor fashion. With chunky blue and white nautical stripes, mixed with red, navy, rope and brass, the nautical-inspired clothing has transpormed into the all-time classics.

Did you know that nautical stripes (AKA mariniere or Breton stripe) used to be worn by French sailors in knockabout clothes? Then Brigitte Bardot went into raptures about them and now we’re all wearing them without a shadow of doubt.

Every summer, a fantastic array of nautical-themed apparel is worn by millions of women not only in the seaside resorts. Fresh nautical stripes and sunny colours have that amazing charm of simplicity and elegance that perfectly complements the sun-kissed skin.

Little but surprising, every summer there is at least one fashion show jam-packed with nautical influences. In Spring Summer 2013, designer Michael Kors took his modern woman on a nautical trip showcasing a collection from the feelings he gets when visiting the West Coast. The result was mod meets nautical.

“This collection is kind of this hybrid blend of big city tailoring and sharpness with really a lot of the spirit and the mood that you would find in Palm Springs or Los Angeles.” – Michael Kors

The designer refrained from classic colour combinations like nautical blue and white. On the other hand, he utilized red, yellow and blue, as well as Kelly green, black and white to mix modern attitude with an understated elegance. What stroke me the most in the elegant 60s-influenced collection were the following goodies: a pleated skirt-suit, a one-piece tank suit with zips on the sides. Sharp looking handbags and multicoloured sunglasses completed the fresh seaside-ready look.

What goes with nautical stripes?

• colours: white, blue, navy and red
• white skinny jeans
• pleated skirt
• denim shirt
• colour-blocked sheath dress
• peep toe wedges
• espadrilles
• oversized sunglasses
• canvas tote
• gold jewellery

If you’ve been in the stores in the last few days, you may have noticed something: stripes and nautical themes popping up. This trend reffers to Michael Kors’ spring collection abounding with many fresh, trend-conscious nautical looks. The immaculate choice for recreating the trend is a sailor-inspired stripe top.