Wide leg trousers, stripy tops, Riviera-chic accessories, oversized naval motifs… nautical fashion never really goes out of vogue.

The fashion pack might have us think otherwise, but add some nautical niceness to your wardrobe and it’ll work hard for you year after year. And the best thing about nautical-inspired wardrobe staples is that they look good on everyone, regardless of whether they’re in trend or not. Take inspiration from glamorous movie legends Rita Hayworth and Katherine Hepburn and pair navy and white stripes with clean crisp cottons and linens. Or say hello sailor in a big way with statement bow and rope detailing, and as much nautical nonchalance as you can muster.

But whatever you do don’t feel like you have to jet off to foreign climes to really give your nautical fashion look its best shot. A little bit of naval sartorialism goes a long way for urban fashionites; it streamlines silhouettes, recalls balmy summer days and, best of all, it’s totally timeless.

Picasso stripe jumpsuit, £47, at French Connection

Nautical stripe collar top, £7, at Asda George

Jaeger wide leg naval pants, £160, at House of Fraser

Dunlop plimsoll, £13.50, at Dorothy Perkins

Maximise your nautical fashion wardrobe by mixing and matching colours and pieces.

Dip your toe in with chunky shiny naval-coloured bangles in red, white and blue. Or take your lead from the catwalk and indulge in a crisply tailored navy trouser suit, white ballet flats and a plain white or stripy t-shirt.

Denim and pearls are perfect for getting in a naval mood. Team a classic navy blazer with a pair of well-fitting denim jeans and a stripy t-shirt, then add a string of pearls and you’ll instantly look as sophisticated as the Riviera’s most stylish.

Brass buttons are great for adding a classic naval twist to an outfit. Simply sew them onto your favourite summer jacket or to a pair of navy wide leg trousers and you’ll be set to sail.

A pair of patent leather deck shoes in white, blue or red will instantly add nautical authenticity to a pair of loose jeans or navy trousers.

Don’t go overboard on the sporty side of sailor style – pair nautical items with smarter pieces to balance things out. And if it’s jaunty stripes you’re wearing, throw in navy or red-coloured basics to keep your nautical fashion look simple and chic.

Cute anchor and boat emblem pendants and earrings are ideal for natty nautical fashion lovers.

Nautique earring pack, £6, at ASOS


Monochrome thread necklace, £50, at John Lewis

A simple white dress can be given a nautical theme with a smattering of naval accessories – a smart polka dot waist-cinching belt perhaps? Or a sailor cap if you’re feeling really seafaring.

White fit and flare dress, £40, at Dorothy Perkins

Polka dot skinny belt, £8, at ASOS

The key to mastering nautical fashion is keeping it simple. Think loose cotton trousers with crisp navy, red or white tops or a light white shirt and pops of colour in belts, shoes, and bags.

A high ponytail and a pair of designer shades lend an air of screen siren to your nautical fashion look.

Oversized nautical sunglasses, £4.99, at New Look

You’ll want to look ship shape on the beauty front and fresh-faced beauty is really what the nautical fashion look is all about. Keep eye make-up to a minimum, and go all out for bold red lips, as wavy a hair-do as you can muster, and flawless, sun-kissed skin.