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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Chic ahoy!

Photo galleryPhoto gallery: Nautical fashion

By Melissa May White
Special to The Advertiser

Ipo Pharr, left (accompanied by Pua), and Amy Coffee sport nautical attire aboard the Knight Life at the Waikiki Yacht Club.

Photos by JOAQUIN SIOPACK | The Honolulu Advertiser

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As a Punahou student in the 1930s, Lila Morgan wore sailor mokus for all her leisure activities.

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Luana cream/navy bag, Sandal Tree, $190; Ginger13 starfish earrings, Pineapple Country, $56.99; red plastic bangle, Banana Republic, $48; gold/plastic whale charm bracelet, Banana Republic, $34.

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Rope bracelets in signature nautical colors red and blue set off the look. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz bangles are $65 each from www.ben-amun.com.

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A summery, sailory Letarte bikini. This bandeau bikini is $152 from www.figleaves.com.

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This summer designers are resurrecting the nautical trend, that time-honored combination of navy, white and red that has anchored warm-weather collections since as far back as the 19th century.

Those who would roll their eyes, perhaps traumatized by chubby childhood portraits of themselves in sailor suits, take heart: This year's designers are doing nautical with a lot more brass — of the figurative sort.

Today's sailor girl borrows a page from her 1950s and '60s counterpart, sporting shapely button-front pants, pin-up worthy shorts, low-hipped bikinis and coy peep-toed espadrilles. However, a closer look not only reveals what's missing (folded caps, bobby socks and those dreaded square-back flaps) but what is improved upon.

Look for new, playful riffs on nautical motifs and innovative applications of up-to-date materials such as Lucite, denim, Swarovski crystals and patent leather.

GET THE LOOK

Here are tips for freshening up this theme for your summer wardrobe.

DO have fun with denim. From high-waisted shorts to railroad stripes and suspendered Capris, there's a multitude of playful styles to pair with nautical looks.

DO glam it up with patent leather, Lucite and crystal-embellished accessories.

DO get hip to this trend's freshest interpretations. Stars, stripes, grommets and military details are still in vogue, but the motifs of the moment are anchors and ropes. Look for anchor charms on bracelets and earrings, and ropy straps on jewelry, shoes and dresses.

DON’T go overboard! Wearing nautical motifs head to toe can look too costumey. Mix stripes, stars and anchors with coordinating solids to avoid looking washed up.

DON’T let the sun go down on your stars and stripes. Unless it’s the Fourth of July or you’re on a sunset cruise, this look is meant for day.

On Amy Coffee: Eric Javits red trim hat, Sandal Tree, $150; red plastic anchor earrings, Pineapple Country, $10.99; striped cami, Banana Republic, $18; navy high-waisted shorts, Diesel, $80; Mia anchor/rope bangle set, Pineapple Country, $14.99; navy pa

On Ipo Pharr: chiffon scarf (headband), Diesel, $40; gold/shell earrings, Banana Republic, $32; Golden Child chain with crystal starfish, Pineapple Country, $112.99; Cherry Koko tee with anchor belt, Pineapple Country, $28.99; strapless white stretch twill dress, Banana Republic, $128; red bangle, Banana Republic, $48; canvas anchor bag, Pineapple Country, $28; red/white stripe espadrille, Banana Republic, $68.


Correction: Captions for two items portrayed in a story about nautical fashion in a previous version of this story did not include the price or source. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz bangles are $65 each from www.ben-amun.com; the Letarte striped bandeau bikini is $152 from www.figleaves.com.