Did you know that Coco Chanel was the first to incorporate nautical looks for women into her collections? It was at the beginning of the 20th century. And since then, it has become a timeless, elegant, and...
Something else you'll soon discover and that will make you feel proud.
But first, let's head to the seaside because, whether your next vacation is a long time away or not, who doesn't love the scent of salt water, the foaming waves, and bare feet on the sand?
Read on to learn all about the navy style in fashion, also known as nautical or sailor. Let yourself be seduced by its stripes and colors, discover when to wear it, and get inspired by 10 uniquely designed, 100% sustainable nautical looks.
Ahh! And to start, that extra something that makes them so special for women at Elisa Muresan...
What is the navy style in fashion and how did it become a symbol of women's liberation?
The navy, nautical, or sailor style is inspired, as you might imagine, by naval uniforms and traditional sailor attire, but how did it reach the world of women's fashion?
It all started with the most characteristic nautical garment, the so-called sailor : a striped knitted T-shirt or sweater that emerged in Brittany and Normandy in the 17th century.
Why stripes?
Quite simply, the stripes improve visibility in difficult conditions such as storms, fog, or darkness. That's why their technical characteristics were so important and specific:
- Chest and back with 20 or 21 indigo blue stripes, 10 millimeters wide and 20 millimeters apart.
- Sleeves with 14 stripes of the same characteristics that did not extend beyond the jacket.
- Flared neckline up to the neck.
- Long to the upper part of the thighs so that the sailors would not lose their decorum when bending down at work in front of the docks.
And like all comfortable and functional designs, it spread like wildfire. It spread from Brittany and France to the Russian Navy, eventually becoming a symbol of every sailor, marine, or fisherman. It was even used to dress Venetian gondoliers starting in the 1950s.
But let's rewind a bit, because it was at the end of the 19th century that sailor suits became part of the feminine revolution. The women of that time, chained to corsets, petticoats, lace, and ruffles, saw the sea as the beginning of their revolution, thanks to Coco Chanel.
This is how sailor shirts contributed to the liberation of the female body . However, you might wonder if stripes are the only characteristic of the nautical style. We'll tell you right away...
Characteristics of the navy or sailor style for women
These are some of the most distinctive features of the navy style:
- Stripes : Horizontal stripes, as we have already told you, are an iconic element of the navy style inspired by the image of sailors.
- Colors : Blue predominates, especially navy blue, white, and red. Blue symbolizes the sea, white represents the foam of the waves, and red evokes the details of naval uniforms.
- Gold buttons and details : Inspired by the tones of skin in the sun, sunsets and sand, these are reflected in buttons, tassels and embroidery also present on the sailors' uniforms.
- Elements or motifs : nautical such as anchors, rudders, ropes, knots and marine prints.
- Key pieces : Some iconic navy style pieces include striped T-shirts, jumpers and sweaters, peacoat-style jackets, high-waisted breeches, nautical-collared tops, blazer-style jackets with nautical details, and nautical-themed skirts or dresses.
And all to create a timeless, comfortable, and versatile style that you can wear every day with a more casual look or even for more formal events at any time of year.
Any time of the year?
Let us show you 10 amazing nautical looks that will answer your question.
10 Women's Sailor Looks to Show Off Your Navy Fashion All Year Long
Have you ever heard the saying, "Stripes are for summer"? Stripes are for year-round. Don't let anyone tell you how or when to wear them: for coffee with your best friend, for making time for the movies again, for spending the afternoon on the couch, or for dinner. For whenever you feel like it, and just in case you fall into the ocean.
Here we show you. All of them are sustainable looks made from certified organic cotton . Experiment with women's nautical clothing and always have the sea close by.
Navy style in spring with a short skirt
A fitted French-sleeved off-the-shoulder T-shirt paired with a short black skirt with patch pockets.
Navy style in spring with pleated pants
Red striped off-the-shoulder top with French sleeves, with a blue pleated culotte .
Navy style in summer with a long dress
Cape dress with maxi patch pockets and A-line loop dress
Navy style in autumn with a long skirt
Black striped t-shirt with crossed shoulder, combined with a long red cape skirt.
Navy style in autumn with jeans
Red or black striped crossover shoulder t-shirt, with oversized jeans .
Navy style in autumn with a jumpsuit
Red striped T-shirt with a cowl neck, combined with a denim work jumpsuit.
Navy style in winter with a midi skirt
Red midi skirt with slit, with a striped turtleneck t-shirt.
Navy style in winter with a short skirt
Striped cross-shoulder t-shirt with short green skirt.
Are stripes essential to achieve a nautical style?
We love them. Is it because of their ideal of female liberation? Is it because stripes never fail? There's always a childhood story that shapes our tastes. That's also true of stripes; they evoke good times, but let's put emotions aside.
The thing about stripes is that they always stay, like a good friend. Unlike other patterns or prints that come and go. The years don't fade away. They're as timeless as black or white. All three play in the same league: among the essentials in your wardrobe.
So, YES TO STRIPES, especially if they're made of organic cotton and have designs that invite you to move and, whatever it is, make it happen. But don't get carried away! You can also join the navy trend without including a single stripe . Shall we tell you how?
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