Time to splash out on nautical style

Hello, buoys! Why not push the boat out this summer as nautical stripes get a sexy overhaul. The great news about this look is it is much easier to wear than the currently fashionable 50s and flapper-girl styles. Wide-legged turn-up trousers, Breton striped tops, navy jackets, cropped pants and slouchy jerseys will give you retro Riviera chic - without revealing any bulges! Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana put it on the catwalk and style icons Kate Moss and Alexa Chung have already been spotted sporting the look – but this is not the first time the nautical look has grabbed the attention of the fashion world.

Queen Victoria is widely credited with popularising The Nautical look in 1846 when she dressed the four-year-old Prince of Wales, known then as Bertie and later as King Edward VII, in a sailor suit. As the story goes, on a royal cruise, the Queen became so besotted by the blue striped uniforms so much that she asked the tailors to make one for her little boy. Subsequently, miniature sailor suits became de rigueur, particularly amongst the children of the aristocracy - as late as the Eighties, Princess Diana and the Duchess of York, like many English society brides, chose sailor suits for their page boys. But it took Coco Chanel to bring the nautical look into the world of high fashion. She opened her first boutique in Deauville, France, in 1914, with sailor blouses, wide-legged pants, striped knit tops and straw boaters.

Since then, the seafaring look has rarely been far from the catwalk - and the great news is that this look is incredibly flattering and stylish - and looks great whether you are 18 or 80.

You might not know how to sail and you may not have a yacht on the French Riviera, but don't let a little thing like that stop you from looking fabulous. Considering its widespread appeal, even the most landlocked of fashion lovers can indulge in a nautical fancy. All you need add is a crisp horizontal stripe, a smart brass button or a scrap of rope. Most of us possess something a little bit nautical in our wardrobes when we dig deep enough, however land locked we are. A striped T-shirt, deck shoes, navy or white wide leg trousers, a fisherman's smock or a kerchief to tie around the neck are all simple accessories that will help you to achieve nautical style without having to spend a fortune,

HOW TO WEAR IT

*Add a touch of sailor-girl chic with a naval blue and white palette. Rather than going for a full-on look, invest in one must-have piece, such as a pair of cropped trousers or culottes, or a stunning blue skirt or crisp navy blazer.

* White jeans could be teamed with a striped sweater for day and a striking chiffon blouse or fitted striped waistcoat for a modern evening look.

* Nautical suits just about everyone; there's not many fashion trends that can do that. That's why it’s firmly anchored here now, and no doubt will be back in port again soon.

*The little details can make a difference, and accessories are the easiest way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune.

* A chunky rope belt or a navy scarf looks authentic tied around the waist.

Here are some of our favourite nautical pieces, straight from the high street.