With our country’s birthday around the corner and the local beaches on Lake Michigan pulling capacity crowds after a long and weary winter, I gave thought to how seasonal some fashion trends 
are no matter where you live. The nautical look would definitely fall into this category. This seems to transcend a certain time or place and is usually referred to as a fashion classic. Given that our summers here in Milwaukee often revolve around our events and activities at our gorgeous lakefront, I thought I might clue you in to this theme that appears over and over again on the runway and in top fashion magazines alike. You can adopt this look in so many ways for summer, simply by adding some pieces to what you already have in your closet!
The sea has had a central role in art and literature, so of course it would make sense that it would become a recurring look in fashion as well. Brass buttons, chunky stripes, and navy and white clothing are all
the types of things you would associate with this popular look. Encompassing both the literal (sailor-uniform-inspired clothing, red, white and blue patriotic) and figurative (mermaids, starfish, netting and so on) interpretations, I will take you through the ideas that can help you adapt this classic and classy look for yourself without going too far.
Color Palette
The tones of the nautical look are pretty straightforward. They’re based in white with traditional tones of navy blue, crisp red and gold or yellow as an accent. Black-and-white stripes and graphics can also be seen on the runways. Gauzy whites in cotton of any kind are always summer ready as a neutral stepping-off point for the more bold colors to follow.
Stripes
Horizontal stripes in any size give a crisp contrast to all the white in the classic interpretation of nautical. Stripes should be confined mostly to one article of clothing, namely a blouse or top.
Pants
The sailor pant would best be described as a flat-front pant with a button-down placket on the front. This would be made of either navy blue wool or cotton denim. If you don’t see this type of slack, look for the next best thing such as a crisp white or navy pant, or a jean that has a straight leg or a slight flare. Don’t forget shorts and Capri pants in cotton or denim as other alternatives to slacks.
Skirts 
With this look, a pleated skirt in a knee or above length works if you have the “sea legs” for it. (That’s a joke, folks!) For a summery feel, go for a more a-line skirt that is constructed of heavier-weight cotton. Remember, the look here is comprised of crisply tailored pieces. Also look for traditional tones like navy blue, red, black or white.
Tops
It goes without saying that the traditional sailor top could work here. It is modeled after what is still worn by our navy today! This has a bib-like collar that extends longer in the back and is attached to the v-neck front of the shirt. It is usually a pullover of some kind. On the right person, this can be great, but if it would be a little too much for you, just forgo it. Boat neck tops also evoke sea and sand when in stripes, solids or any color in our nautical palette.
Accessories
Opt for jewelry that features fish, starfish, anchors, seahorses, shells, netting and anything that gives that seaside feeling to your ensemble. Gold and silver metallic is the traditional foil because it pops against the navy, red, and white. Scarves, rope belts, patent handbags, espadrilles, deck shoes, patent leather pumps and flats … the list here is virtually endless. Look for sailor/captain’s caps as well to give a jaunty touch to your outfit if you’re cool enough or if you own a boat! Mr.
Howell comes to mind from “Gilligan’s Island” here.
When playing with this trend, please try not to look as if you are attending a costume party. Limit yourself to one nautical-inspired item as a catalyst to the other clean lines in your 
ensemble. Just like the tides, nautical themes in fashion come and go yet really never go out of fashion. So just set your sail toward your favorite Milwaukee beach areas to get some inspiration for this salty style yourself!
Next week: “Bradford Beach Bums,” exposing Milwaukee swimsuit styles at the beach!
