If you’re not the kind to indulge in the fleeting fads, it’s always a good idea to give nautical prints a try this season. Nautical prints have stood the test of time and are wardrobe staples that work for your time at the desk and beyond. Versatile and easy to style, nautical prints are worth burning a hole in your pocket. But, lucky for you, you don’t need to break the bank to put together a ‘naut’y look — in good taste, of course. We get young city designers to comment on the trend.
“Nautical stripes is a print, which is beyond just a trend... it’s a must have! For girls on the go, who don’t wish to spend a lot of time on styling and yet want to make a statement, nautical prints are ideal. It’s one of the easiest prints to style — jeggings and a solid top and you’re done! For an instant jazz up, pick an accessory such as a nautical printed scarf. Considering it is a linear print, it is simple yet impactful. Khaki, coral, deep teal and blush pink are great colour options to choose from,” suggests Michelle Salins, a city designer. Horizontal stripes can be dicey to play around with, if not thoughtfully put together, she adds, “Be careful of your body type as these prints usually add a visual width to the body. However, if your garment has bold and thin stripes, make sure the thicker one is around the wait to emphasise an hour glass.Wear it with anything: from beach shorts to a dress pant. But, always give yourself a second look in the mirror before you step out as you don’t want to look like a sailor! It’s great to layer this trend. It also takes away from a complete sailor look. When you layer, opt for soft colors.”
For workaholics wanting to take things up a notch sartorially, get versatile suggests designer Reshma Kunhi opines, “Based on the occasion, nautical prints can be styled with absolute versatility— for a more basic appeal, drap a nautical printed scarf on your neck and team it with crispy well-fitted white formal shirt,” she adds. A horizontal striped jersey nautical print shrug thrown over jeans and t-shirt for a casual outing is a winning combination too. “Pick vertical stripes, if you are on the heavier side. A short dress with anchor print as a summer dress is another great option too. Last but not the least, why not infuse nautical print and stripes into your desi look? A saree with such prints will definitely make head turns and will give you an illusion of a taller frame. For our very own Indian ethnic fusion, sport a nautical print inspired kurta,” she states.
Basic girls shying away from the trend, needn’t anymore. For, lovers of minimalism can also give this look a go believes Nishka Naidu, a city stylist. “If you like experimenting with outfits, I would suggest a nautical printed dress which can styled up or down based on the occasion. However if you’re a minimalist, then a shirt with a nautical print is always a great go-to. And if you’re a collector of sorts, then hunting down a nautical print pencil skirt or straight-pants would be a great idea,” she says.
Enthusing how infusing jewel tones and high contrast colours work impeccably well with nauticals, fashionista Prerana adds, “If you’re looking to wear a nautical prints for a casual day at work, then outfits in canary yellow, vegetable green, mustard yellow or ruby red are perfect. If you’re not ready for bright bottoms, then reverse the look and pick a brighter topwear. For a simple yet striking appeal, you could wear these colors in the form of accessories like scarves, jackets, or shoes. Pair a nautical print dress with camel brown heels/slip-ons and a bag in the same tone. A look like this would be best complemented with accessories like a chunky bracelets and metallic earrings.”
