You don’t need to spend your summer weekends strolling the shores in Nantucket or East Hampton to embrace the nautical fashion trend. Global brands like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Miu Miu are just some of the designer labels that have leaned into maritime-inspired apparel, and 2025 promises to be the biggest year yet for iconic stripes, breezy poplins, and preppy boat shoes.
Suppose you’re looking for something new, fresh, and fashionable this summer. Why not embrace one of the biggest trends for the warm weather by exploring popular brands and your favorite go-to designers, such as Australian fishing clothing by Salty Crew, to bring iconic nautical fashion styles into your wardrobe this season?
Midi Dress
Whether you are boarding a sailboat for lunch on the water or sitting down to a seafood feast at golden hour, you simply can’t go wrong with the perfect midi dress. Despite being a summer wardrobe staple, midi dresses can be worn all year round, offering endless versatility to complement any item in your closet.
Style your go-to striped midi dress with a pair of cream-colored Espadrille wedges, a lightweight denim jacket, and the ultimate beach tote to carry all your beachside summer essentials, transitioning your look from day to night.
Cable Knit Sweater
There is nothing more cozy and comfortable than a cable knit sweater. The chunky stitch and loose fit perfectly mimic a sailor’s attire out to sea on the cold Atlantic Ocean and is a popular way to bring the fisherman aesthetic into your wardrobe.
Ensure comfort and elegance by wearing it half-tucked into a pair of tailored trousers, paired with simple black loafers, neutral boat shoes, or Mary Jane Espadrille flats for an evening out enjoying a delicious dinner by the harbor. Furthermore, early spring and late fall temperatures can be deceiving, making a warm sweater the ultimate transitional piece.
Stripes
Nothing screams maritime chic more than nautical stripes. This timeless staple is suitable to wear at any time, but it is especially fitting for channeling your inner stylish sailor on a weekend getaway to the beach.
The beauty of stripes lies in their simplicity when it comes to building an outfit. Their simple yet iconic pattern provides the perfect amount of interest to your look without feeling busy or overpowering. Pair a striped boatneck tee with a relaxed pair of linen pants or denim shorts, or slightly crop it to pair with your go-to midi skirt.
Midi Skirt
If you are searching for an effortlessly chic look that perfectly fits in with an afternoon stroll along the harbor front, you can’t go wrong with styling a flirty and breezy white poplin midi skirt. Not only are they incredibly comfortable to wear, but the ease with which you can style a midi skirt offers extended versatility throughout the year.
Stick to a nautical theme with a crisp white midi skirt paired with strappy sandals or stylish black boat shoes, a checked or striped gingham top, and a beautiful woven bucket bag to finish off your look. Beat the sea breeze with a preppy barn jacket that can be thrown on once the sun sets.
Fisherman Sandals
Open-toed shoes can be an intimidating addition to your wardrobe when your feet haven’t seen the light of day during the cold winter months. But sandals are an essential part of any spring and summer wardrobe, allowing your feet to stay cool, airy, and comfortable as temperatures begin to rise.
If you want the appearance and function of a sandal without showing off too much of your feet, fisherman sandals are the ideal choice. Their chunky strappy style and buckled finish leave just the right amount of foot exposed. Pair them with everything in your wardrobe, from midi skirts and dresses to linen trousers, shorts, and boyfriend jeans.
Hunter Boots
If your weekend trips to coastal towns include wading through rock pools and walking along the beach during high tide, Hunter boots are a stylish and surprisingly versatile footwear option to keep your feet dry and protected while you reconnect with Mother Nature.
Their rubber soles will make traversing slippery rocks more stable and safe, while the multiple different styles and color options ensure you do not have to sacrifice style for practicality. As an added bonus, they are ideal for keeping your socks and pants dry during the rainy season while you patiently wait for the dry, warm weather to make its return.
Accessories
Accessories are the ultimate fun expression when it comes to finishing off any look. It is the perfect time to play around with fun colors, materials, patterns, and designs to inject interest and whimsy. Lean into the maritime theme with fish-shaped bags, netted scarves, woven totes, seashell embellishments, and marine brooches.
The key to perfecting novelty accessories is to find the right balance with options that add a nod to the aesthetic without feeling like a costume or out of place for everyday and casual wear. With more eclectic choices, keep your outfit on the neutral side to allow your fun and fashionable accessory choice to stand out and deliver the impact you are after.
