Sailor's Edge

Dockside-inspired looks from Sacai (left) and Alaïa feature prominently this season from each label.

Luring us into high summer dressing is a blend of coastal classics with a heavy dose of maritime inspiration. The aesthetic is more rugged fisherman rather than cruising socialite, encompassing summer staples such as sailor stripes, an abundance of white, wide-style pants, and even the humble windbreaker, which took a star spot in many of the collections. It’s a look that has been working its way up through the fashion ranks for the last few seasons with the rise of the fisherman sandal — a seaside-ready lattice shoe.

Louis Vuitton kicked off a nautical-inspired show with a half-dozen windbreaker-style jackets cinched in at the waist, then dramatically fanning out. The show saw navy as a key color, stripes as an essential pattern, and the surprise return of the pedal pusher, coming in an array of striped colors. It was a strong collection that had us falling for this nautical aesthetic hook, line and sinker. The Breton stripe is an undisputed naval-inspired classic which looks good on everyone, and Sacai did some of the best. A crisp boxy tee topped white wide cotton pants with billowing side panels, but there was also a fab Breton-striped hourglass mini dress.

Prada and Miu Miu delivered shows that were discombobulated with no real theme, and the creative styling made them feel refreshingly current. At Prada, a chunky fisherman sweater had wide white stripes and came with a navy knee-length skirt with a flourish of wild white fringe along the hem for modern nautical panache. Sister brand Miu Miu gave us a light gray trawler coat over a navy top and white baggy knee-length shorts — a look which screamed to be worn dockside.

To add an element of individuality, mix in some of the current woven net pieces, such as the bags from Bottega Veneta or Longchamp, or for a bolder statement, the white net sweater and parachute pant look from Alaïa — not for the fainthearted, but still extremely elegant. Ocean-inspired jewelry will add the finishing touch, like Chloé’s chunky gold shell earrings or sea-inspired charm necklaces from Zimmermann.

You don’t need to be a seasoned sailor to understand that the enduring appeal of coastal-ready dressing comes from the feeling of peace we get when we’re by the ocean.

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs.

See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.