After Sabrina Carpenter and Cara Delevingne wore sailor-inspired outfits to Vogue World's event, our style expert reveals how to get the nautical look
High fashion is taking inspiration from the high seas it seems.
At this week's Vogue World event in Paris (a sort of Met Gala-style roadshow, attended by anyone who is anyone in fashion), singer Sabrina Carpenter walked the runway in striped, retro-inspired Jacquemus swimwear with matching headscarf.
Host, Cara Delevingne wore a satin Jean Paul Gaultier sailor hat.
Sabrina Carpenter walked the runway in striped, retro-inspired Jacquemus swimwear with matching headscarf
Cara Delevingne wore a satin Jean Paul Gaultier sailor hat to the Vogue World event in Paris on Sunday
Of course, it's a timeless look beloved of everyone from the screen sirens of the 1950s to Princess Diana. But this season's interpretation of it is particularly elegant — while still being very wearable.
Forget throwing on the same old Breton sailor jumper, and opt instead for hyper-feminine bows and piping like the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour earlier this month.
Here's our guide on how to get the look — no enlistment at the Royal Naval College needed...
Wear the trousers
Trousers, £250, paolita. com
Button front, £148, john lewis.com (L) Denim, £50, riverisland.com (R)
Sailor trousers are hugely flattering on all figures – high-waisted and cut to the perfect wide flare, they're smart, even in denim.
Traditional interpretations have a buttoned front. Try Paolita's azure pair, right, or John Lewis's navy ones, left.
Front patch pockets also add a maritime note — see River Island's jeans, far left.
Just don't pair sailor trousers with a Breton or anything else too nautical — or you will risk entering costume party territory.
Tie a sailor's knot
Jumper, £91, and scarf, £39, boden. co.uk
Silk scarf, £140, jwanderson.com
Scarf, £12.99, zara.com
If you worry a sailor collar is too Popeye, try a neckerchief in blue and white or paisley.
It will add an element of Gallic chic to even the simplest t-shirt and jeans combo — and is also a nod to all things nautical.
Head to YouTube tutorials for ways to tie your neckerchief — which will become the versatile outfit elevator you never knew you needed.
Big collar energy
Eimer top, £185, rixolondon. com
Top, £102, batsheva.com
(L) Top, £380, frame-store.com Collar, £55, waringbrooke.com (R)
In 1846, Queen Victoria had made a miniature version of the uniform worn by sailors on the royal yacht for her son 'Bertie', Prince of Wales.
He posed in it for a portrait by Winterhalter, and naval inspired collars have been a mainstay of royal style ever since. Princess Diana loved them, and now Princess Charlotte has followed suit.
This year, exaggerated sailor collars offer a summery update on the Peter Pan collars of the last few seasons.
A central bow adds a feminine touch — see model Emma Louise Connolly in Rixo's 'Eimer' top at Ascot last week. U.S. brand Batsheva's 'Skipper' shirt is another option, or try Waring Brooke's knitted sailor collar worn over a white T-shirt.
Earn your stripes
Tank, £51, boden. co.uk
Jumper, £32.99, hm.com (L) Trousers, £156, lavestelaveste.com (R)
Shoes, £68.60, boden.co.uk
The true Breton is a wardrobe staple — and features 21 stripes (one for each of Napoleon's victories). but 2024's take on it is more sophisticated. Look for added detail to avoid looking twee — the rope-inspired ties on this H&M sweater (below) add interest.
Head-to-toe stripes might feel a bit much, but a striped trouser like these from French brand La Veste, or even shoes, such as Boden's Mary Janes, are a less predictable take on nautical and keep the trend fresh.
Dip your toe...
Just want to dip your toe in naval waters? Accessories are an easy way in. Look for rope or raffia-trimmed bags, belts and shoes.
Just make sure the shoes are flat — unlike the over-exposed espadrille wedge. Penelope Chilvers has a beautiful red velvet shoe with a raffia sole (£129, penelope chilvers.com). And load up on pearls — Zara has gobstopper-size faux-pearl jewellery aplenty.
Personalised raffia bag, £170, raefeather.com
Earrings, £55, Eclectica Vintage at johnlewis.com (L) Earrings, £15.99, zara. com (R)
Belt, £12.99, zara.com
Sunglasses, £49.99, zara.com
