If you’re baffled with all the spring/summer trends that seem to have thrown everything at us, from ultra neon to girly frills, monochrome to bright block colour, you need a timeless, chic alternative to take you through the summer months with ease.

Nautical-inspired fashion has been around for decades. Striped tees worn with cropped trousers were a hot 60’s look, whilst subtle rope detail and bold bronze buttons were key to 80’s tailored style. Worn in the right way, the nautical trend can look classically chic - but there are definitely a few rules to abide to.

With this summer trend the style target is European elegance and demure Riviera chic – think perfectly groomed, relaxed colours and neat tailoring. The key here is understatement – overdoing the nautical look means you’ll look like a traditional, salty, seafaring sort rather than the sophisticated, come-see-my-yacht lady of luxury. Follow these essential tips and you’ll have a timeless, stylish summer look that remains wearable for many seasons to come (which is more that can be said for scary neon)

Neutrals & Navy

This trend works best with creamy nudes and dark blues. Navy has suffered some bad press in recent years as a bit of a school uniform staple shade. Here, navy is the perfect colour, adhering to traditional nautical colour schemes; it looks divine when teamed with cream or ivory blends. Mixing these colours is easy, either within one garment (a horizontally striped tee) or by teaming a dark navy wrap shirt with some tailored cream cropped trousers. Play with varying shades to brighten this look - try combining bright whites with cobalt for a more daring edge.

Go for Gold

Understated trends like this one need good accessories to avoid looking drab. Accessorising with gold is the perfect way to glam up the nautical look – choose sparkling but discreet gold chain necklaces and bracelets. For ears, choose studs with sparkle, as long earrings tend to ruin the ultra-groomed, sophisticated look. If you’re not usually into gold jewellery, look for clothing with gold or bronze features like military style, double-breasted navy jackets with chunky brass buttons. Look for detail such as gold piping, embroidery or silky gold linings to add essential glimmer to your nautical outfit.

Show them the Ropes

Rope and knot detailing lends this sea-inspired look a touch of authentic ocean glamour. Gold, rope-like necklaces, knot motifs on sunglasses or on jewellery look subtle and work to define this trend. Choose handbags or totes with chunky rope straps, look for rope tassel features on accessories and try customising your nautical garments, looking out for vintage buttons and brooches with nautical themes (think anchors, ropes, knots and helms) to create your very own unique nautical vibe.

Keep Groomed & Tailored

Remember with this look the key is careful grooming. Think French chic, neat, yet simple hair, natural nude makeup and wonderfully preened, tailored clothing. It’s summer after all, so we’re not talking stiff tailored trouser suits. Look for flattering tailored shorts in white, cream or black – mid-knee length shorts are perfect for those of you who aren’t too keen on baring your pins – they’re currently very fashionable and they work to lengthen and slim the entire leg. Wear with a smart, gold-buckled belt and short-sleeved navy or cream tailored shirt, accessorising with gold chains around the neck. Tailoring can seem too formal for summer daywear, but when worn with comfortable sandals in light creamy colours, it’s the perfect look to take from day to night – just swap your tote for a neat clutch and your flats for a cute pair of kitten heels to add some serious glamour to an otherwise relaxed look.