Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Periods of sunMagazine
Fashion: Keeping it nautical but nice
Faye Marriott2/ 3/2006
THE transition between winter and spring fashion can be tricky
for anyone to master because we're waiting for next season's trends
to hit the high street. However, do not despair because there is
help at hand. There is one look which tends to reappear year after
year, the nautical theme.
And this year is no exception; in fact, this spring, cruise
collections have taken an even bigger prominence on the high street
than they usually do. Think fresh, crisp, clean and light for a
style which should last you right through to the end of the
summer.
Cruise collection pieces tend to be plain and classic, which makes
them easier to wear from season to season. Layering is an essential
part of the at-sea look and cardigans and plain vests can be peeled
off as the temperature rises.
Chunky knits are ideal for the approaching chilly spring days and
can be cast aside in favour of lighter cotton cardis and shrugs
when Manchester eventually heats up.
A good pair of crisp tailored trousers in white or navy are elegant
and versatile enough to last you for years to come, so it's worth
investing in a good pair which fit you perfectly. Match with a
crisp white cotton shirt or vest for a look which can be worn day
or night, spring or summer.
Remember, the key to achieving the perfect maritime look is to keep
it plain, simple and classic.
Blue is an indispensable colour for this season, go for any shade
you fancy, ranging from the palest baby blue to dark navy.
Throw in touches of bright red and cool, fresh white and you'll be
well away.
Stripes are all the rage in these colours too, although make sure
you opt for slimming vertical lines rather than ones which cut
across the body, making you appear larger.
Accessorising is exceptionally cheap.
All you need is some skinny rope to tie back hair, use as an
original belt or to wind around your wrist. Tie in a big bow and
you'll be stylishly accessorised.
Hair can be worn scraped back, loose, straight or wavy with a cute
hair band.
Last season's penchant for big hair definitely does not have a
place aboard this ship.
Make-up, meanwhile, sees skin kept fresh and pretty with a dash of
bronzer and blusher, and complete with a slather of bright red
lipstick and a lick of mascara.
One thing is for sure, with these key seafaring ideas, you'll be
both nautical and nice right through to the summer and beyond.
Sink ... or swim!
THE nautical look can be as easy or as extravagant as you
like.
You can - like our model - Charlotte Owen - dress for a walk around
Platt Fields Park or pretend you're boarding a luxury yacht, the
style is for every day wear and glamour.
At Marks and Spencer Per Una (left) has taken to the look on board
with stripes on tops and skirts and the use of black and white as
well as red and white to ensure you're ship shape.
But the catwalk, as ever, takes the style to extremes.
Even the skinniest of bathing costumes (right) from Ronit Zilkha,
worn during the London Fashion Week for the spring/summer 2006
collection, nods toward the nautical.
The style can be found in Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Mango,
Zara, Top Shop and George at Asda.
But with accessories in the form of bits of rope available for
pennies at hardware stores you can dress up your jeans and T-shirt
and look stylish on a budget.
Dive in!
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |