Anthropologie would like to be under the sea in an Octopus’s Garden in the shade. Or at least that’s what their latest email says. They’ve dedicated this note to all things nautical and when you click through you’re taken to a page of their nautical collection where…uh, wait a second…they have like eleventy-billion nautical items this year and this is their page o’sea stuff?!? The Sungrown Tank ($58) is nautical? The Thoroughfare Shell ($78) is nautical?? The Dots And Denim Romper ($148) is nautical??!? Consider me confused.
Some of the items fit the theme for sure. My favorites are above — I heart (from left): the First Mate Blaze ($128); the Slate Stripes Shift ($128); the Sparkling Seas Cuff ($148); the Curls & Coils Necklace ($42) and the Acrobatics Wedges ($148).
I searched around the site and picked out some items I’m surprised Anthropologie didn’t include on the collection page.
1 – Striped Sailor Pants ($128)
2 – Raveneli Blouse ($128, review here)
3 – Fish-Out-Of-Water Necklace ($38)
4 – Vermillion Flurry Blouse ($128, review here)
5 – Gentle Waves Shell ($88)
6 – Aniseed Skirt ($128, review here)
7 – Above-The-Fray Skirt ($88)
8 – Watercraft Shorts ($198)
9 – Kingii Necklace ($198)
10 – Shopping Day Pants ($88)
11 – Cuffed & Cinched Crops ($126)
12 – Sail-The-Seven V-Neck ($88, review here)
13 – Striped Pursuit Top ($98, review here)
In a post a couple of days ago, an Anonymous commenter wanted to know how to style Anthro’s nautical items to avoid the dreaded “pirate-themed costume party” look. Hee. There are a few tricks to keep in mind. 1 – Try to avoid doing more than two nautical elements in an outfit. It’s not a steadfast rule but you cross the line from inspired by to costume-y by having too many elements from one genre in an outfit. 2 – Put a trendy twist on the look. Blazers are the hot trend now — why not do a nautical blouse with a blazer over it? 3 – Use modern proportions. When I think nautical I think wide leg pants, low scoopnecks and the colors red, white and blue in stripes. So maybe do straight leg pants instead, or a more modest scoop or v-neck and avoid using all three patriotic colors in one outfit. I threw together a few looks for inspiration. These are all casual looks.
Why this look works: This outfit is beach-ready and come summer could pull double-duty on the Boardwalk.
You could swap: the white shorts for khaki, green or navy blue shorts up to 7″ long. Or you could do a crisp white above-the-knee skirt.
Too far over the top if you add: A rope necklace, a striped skirt, capris, red shoes.
In this outfit:
Striped Pursuit Top ($98)
5″ chino short – J.Crew ($40)
Chloé Leather Gladiator Sandal ($625)
Diane Von Furstenberg Beach Tote ($75)
Sand Box Hat – Roxy ($28)
Color Coded Aviators ($28)
Sun Seeker Necklace ($38)
Why this look works: The dress is only vaguely nautical because of the closeness of the stripes. So it’s OK to play up the theme a bit with some similar elements (the red shoes, the rope necklace). Though the blazer is seersucker it’s got a lace inset which makes this dress whimsical without crossing into cutesy costume.
You could swap: the flats for wedges in dark brown, black or blue.
Too far over the top if you add: anything else white.
In this outfit:
Fifth Form Shift ($128, review here)
Peeking Lace Blazer ($118, review here)
Here-There-Everywhere Bag ($178)
Sea Petal Earrings ($28)
Curls & Coils Necklace ($42)
Nine West Naughty Flats ($60)
Why this look works: The proportion of the shorts and shirt are similar and the accessories are sparse. This is a modern twist on sailor chick. Cork wedges are going to be everywhere come summer. These particular wedges are a slick, updated shape. In reality you might need a cami under the shirt (I have a review of it coming up this weekend). I threw in the hat in case you take this look to the beach. Can you tell I’m jonesing for a beach trip?
You could swap: the wedges for flat sandals, the top for a similarly boxy top that hits high hip or higher. Look for something in a gauzy material that is not a peasant top. You could also add a blazer — go black and tailored, something like the First Mate Blaze ($128).
Too far over the top if you add: a belt, any more red.
In this outfit:
Tic-Tac-Toe Blouse ($98)
Watercraft Shorts ($200)
Diane Von Furstenberg Beach Tote ($75)
Glitzy Starfish Earrings ($80)
Urban Outfitters Sea Charm Necklaces ($24)
Newport News Straw sun hat ($29)
Antelope “Galia 715” Red Cork Sandals at Shirise ($145)
Why this look works: Of all the nautical looks this one is the furthest removed. But it’s still got some ocean-y elements, from the cropped pants to the necklace. I purposely threw a billowy blouse in here to show how to put a spin on the trend. All of a sudden this look is ready for walks, parks and picnics.
You could swap: the top for a straight, breton-striped tank.
Too far over the top if you add: Anything with sailor-style buttons.
In this outfit:
Earliest Buds Blouse ($118)
Cuffed & Cinched Crops ($125)
Big Sky Wedges ($178)
Coconino Tote ($180)
Kingii Necklace ($198)
Paused Phlox Earrings ($28)
Nonchalant Sunglasses ($28)
What do you think of all the nautical items? I hope this post is what you were hoping for, Anonymous!
Love the third outfit – I could see wearing that every weekend this summer! I wasn't crazy about any of the nautical stuff, but now I'm giving it a second look! Thanks!
The Sun Grown tank may not be nautical, but I love it. Have you styled it? I want to try the Color Coded Glasses too. We are going on holiday and I like to take an inexpensive pair of extra sunglasses. Just in case. I have to say, I love how you put things together – it helps me a lot when I try to put outfits together – though I don't accessorize nearly as well as you do.
Have you tried on the slate stripes shift ? the online reviews weren't so happy with it but I think it's so cute!
Kathleen – I think the 3rd look is my personal fave too. :)Georgine – Agreed, I do love the top! I have not styled it yet. I think it would look great over a knee-length a-line skirt (maybe one with a little kick at the bottom?) or a pair of 3"/5" shorts. Not that I can rock either of those inseams.Lauren – I haven't, I have seen it in-store but to be honest I don't think it's cut for my shape at all. If it's still there next week I will do a review. Alicia over at Likely Badger has used it in a few recent outfits, so you may want to scoot over there for her opinion!
Hi Lauren – I have recently purchased the Slate Stripes dress (look for it on Ebay – there are bunches for less than half price!) and while I like the dress, I definitely think it is a piece that needs some "helping." I kind of have a boyish figure so the dress makes me look shapeless. With a belt, I think it has potential. For a more womanly figure, this dress probably wears better on its own.The fit is super-comfy though and it is cut so it doesn't gap weirdly under your arms. Plus it's got cute red buttons on the back and pink trim on the lining.I'd say try it, then buy it on Ebay!
love the striped pursuit top!! these are some great inspiration boards you put together!!
I LOVE the nautical look (stripes make me happy!) so I was glad to see Anthro do a feature of some of its more marine pieces, though, like you, I was surprised at the amount of oversight! Seriously, no Striped Pursuit or at the very least, the Sail-the-Seven V-Neck (I mean, look at its name!)?
Great job in putting together these outfits. I was dreading this trend, but now feel like giving it a try (again!).OT- I have seen you wear the JCrew Cardigan in Sweet Guava and just love it. Would you mind telling me what size you wear in this? I may have to order it!Thanks!
Wow Roxy – this post was so much fun for me to read. I am in love with all your outfits (although I'll admit the 3rd one is my fave) and I want them all. I've always been drawn to nautical looks, but the ones you've put together could not be cuter. You have a real talent at this! Wish I could style and put things together like you do. *sigh*I too am jonesing for a beach getaway. Have a great weekend!
Lisa – Good to hear your take on the dress. Maybe it will work for me after all…Sandy – Danke. :)goldenmeans – Seriously. I was incredulous at all the products they'd left off the page.Loraine – it's a medium. The cut is very narrow this year as a warning. The medium just barely fits over my hips.Sara – thank you!!! Have a lovely weekend. 😎 (On a beach. Somewhere. Even if that place is just your head.)
Hi Roxy! I am the one who asked you to do the nautical post; thank you so much! Your advice is really helpful, and all of the outfits are super cute. My faves are the 2nd and 3rd – I gotta get me some sailor shorts! And I am excited to see your review of the tic tac toe blouse. You've given me so much inspiration, and now I can follow my nautical fashion dream without looking like I just came from the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean." Thank you!
I would also add these items to the "nautical" list:-Swanky Octopus Earrings (for all those deep sea galas)-Unabashed Parrot Earrings (no good pirate should be without 'em).-Eros and Nautilus Necklace (Nautilus is Greek for "sailor")
Thanks! I'd love to see a review of the slate stripes shift if you see it in store. My favorite part is the little red buttons on the back but it could be very sack-like. Let me know if you see it! I wonder if it could be saved with a belt…. 🙂