How to Wear Nautical Vibes in Summer with the Thrifty Six

sallyinstpaul
Jun 16
4 min read

I have recently been welcomed into a wonderful group of fashion and lifestyle bloggers that focuses on styling preloved clothing and accessories in themed monthly posts (third Monday of the month). I hope that this showcase of secondhand items and outfits provides some shopping and style inspiration for anyone who is interested in creating great looks in a way that is sustainable for our planet and our pocketbooks.

Today's topic is Nautical Vibes...which I chose because it's such a classic style for summer outfits that can be achieved in many different ways and mixed with many different aesthetics. And this kind of perennial summer favorite is perfect for buying secondhand as the navy and white color combo, stripes, sailor details, boat and anchor motifs, etc., are readily available.

The focal piece for my Nautical Vibes look was this cute navy and white anchor motif scarf with a red stripe down the side that I thrifted 5 years ago but have not worn very much. Our nautical theme provided a great opportunity to bring an under-utilized piece out of the wardrobe and into an outfit.

I decided to create a business casual summer work outfit for this style challenge by keeping my look classic, crisp, neat, and slightly elevated with a pencil-style skirt.

Nothing says summer style like an outfit with Nautical Vibes, and nothing says Nautical Vibes like a navy and white striped boatneck top (retail, Lands End) and an anchor motif scarf (thrifted). This print mix is successful because the top and scarf share the dominant navy and white color scheme and the are a mix of large scale (stripes) and small scale (anchor) prints that have very different shapes. That both prints are high in "clarity of edge" (sharply demarcated edges rather than fuzzy or blending into each other) also helps. I have found that combining a striped top with crisp lines like this one with a soft, watery, blended type print scarf (like a floral print with a watercolor-looking blend of colors) can be visually jarring, but pairing it with another crisp print looks harmonious. I like how the red stripe on the edge of the scarf looks with the scarf tied this way - it adds a subtle pop of color and maintains the crisp quality of the print mix.

The lined, textured white skirt (thrifted, Talbots) and red buckle flats in leather (retail, Me Too) creates an easy, breezy work outfit, but the same top & scarf combo could be worn with denim, shorts, a knit skirt, etc., and sandals or sneakers for a casual weekend or vacation look. I chose the red flats to repeat the color from the scarf and provide a second pop of color in this otherwise very neutral outfit.

I had recently made this red, white, and blue memory wire bracelet with striped beads and stars for celebrating patriotic holidays is the US, and I was pleased by how well it coordinated with my nautical outfit.

I could not resist making a pair of DIY bead soup earrings to go with the scarf, so I put together a navy and white striped acrylic bead (matching the top I'm wearing), a red glass cube, a gold spacer bead, and a gold anchor charm into a simple pair of dangly earrings.

Now let's review the Nautical Vibes outfits that my thrifty friends have styled...

The Thrifty Six:

Emma of Style Splash

"When I think of nautical style, navy and white is the colour combination that immediately comes to mind. These high waisted wide leg trousers with decorative gold buttons fit the bill perfectly. I've teamed them with a striped tee, rope necklace and wedge espadrilles. I think I'm ready to set sail now!"

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

"The T6 crew have gone all ‘nautical’ for June…

…could have gone with my vintage sailor dress but it felt too obvious, so here’s a more subtle approach instead…

This pattern clash navy ensemble has a hint of the high seas but to make the message extra clear, I’m standing near some boats! 😂

These military bandsman pants have a slight bell-bottom, and the exaggerated shoulders of the shirt resemble an epaulette – is this nautical enough?..."

Jodie of Jodie's Touch of Style

"These pants have a nautical vibe, but they aren't thrifted. So I searched for a top that would work. Since I couldn't find one, I transformed this striped skirt into a strapless top. What do you think?? The shoes and cardigan are preloved also."

Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style

"I wanted to take photos with a red top and jeans, but couldn't resist

this one. I mean, does anything else scream more Nautical Vibes then

this blazer! Look a those cute sailing boats! It's a King Louie blazer

which means perfection. Bought on Vinted years ago. And even the jeans has something nautical, look at the cord in the jeans. Espadrilles in navy. A real nautical holiday vibe look to me!"

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

“I probably had a few preloved pieces in my wardrobe with nautical vibes but I decided to go on a thrifting adventure instead. I started at the dress rack and very quickly found this adorable madris plaid sundress by the brand Nautica. How perfect is that for a nautical theme? It fit perfectly so I bought it and layered it under an old thrifted white blazer for a super summery vibe. I accessorized with my most nautically things...rope sandals, a floppy straw hat, a navy blue striped neckerchief (it has a high heeled shoe print but you can only see the stripes), red and white beaded earrings (they remind me of ocean buoys!), and a Viking ship necklace."

Next month's topic is Bloom Where You're Planted...and I can hardly wait to decide how I will interpret this floral theme.

In the meantime, visit these lovely bloggers for the details of their thrifted Nautical Vibe outfits and more style inspiration:

Are you a fan of nautical-themed outfits? Do you like the navy and white color combination for summer? Would you wear a print scarf with a striped top? How would you do Nautical Vibes from your closet?

Blogs I link up with are listed here.