summer style fixation: sailor-core
in which I steer your ship towards vintage nautical perfection
I can’t say exactly what started this current fixation, but it’s come on hard and fast, and now I simply can’t escape it. We’ve experienced a preppy resurgence over the past few seasons with the inescapable return of the ballet flat, rugby shirts, pleated skirts, and the continued evolution of the loafer, but the next step for me is to embrace all things sailor-core (in a liberal way, of course).
Not to be confused with the ethereal blues, whites and driftwood accents of the coastal grandmother aesthetic, I’m diving right into Fleet Week. There’s just something about that little tie in the front and squared off collar in the back. Molly was my American Girl Doll, and this morning I thought to myself, this feels like a Molly vibe, I wonder if she had a nautical outfit… and I was right (to say nothing of the ruffle-sleeve dress would be a crime, it’s simply too good).
For a recent work project I was building an outfit that started with the bag, it was similar to this, but it sent me down a rabbit hole of vintage nautical dresses. During said rabbit hole, I was reminded of the Doén sailor dress I missed out on last year, the midi version of this. And then the trailer for Lena Dunham’s new show Too Much dropped, starring Meg Stalter (if you watch Hacks YOU GET IT), and I was immediately distracted by the dress she’s wearing in a few scenes, and all of this is what brings us here today. I’m in pursuit of the perfect sailor suit / dress / top and won’t stop until I find it. In the meantime, it’s my pleasure to share with you all the great ones I’ve found on the search so far.
Starting off strong in the dresses category, there are so many fantastic options if you search “vintage nautical dress,” but you’ll also find a few non-vintage options linked here as well. Laura Ashley certainly knew what she was doing in the sailor category, three of the vintage finds are from her genius mind. You won’t go wrong with classic blue or white, but a fun pop of red, or a sage green silk will work too.
Dresses are absolutely ALL I want to wear, especially in the summer, but if you’re more of a separates fan, you have plenty to choose from as well. Authentic French sailor garb, knits, blazers and tops are all one quick search away, and will always pair nicely with a pair of cutoff shorts, or a breezy white linen skirt.
Nautical accessories can take your look anchors aweigh (not sure if that works as a replacement for “new dimension,” but I’m going with it), OR they can be a subtle way into nautical when paired with something much simpler. From bags to scarves (I can’t resist wearing them as tops), to brooches and scrunchies (not technically nautical, but pair well regardless), you’ll be fitted out for your summer adventures whether you’re on a boat, or just looking at pictures of boats from anywhere else.
I’ll leave you with this photo of Anne of Green Gables and Diana Berry which surely played a role in this fixation via my subconscious as well.
