Nautical Style From Wallis

2012 will bring with it many trends, one of which includes the ever classical, ‘nautical’ theme. Even though this trend is set to be popular for Spring/Summer, Wallis (in both Debenhams and the Terryland Shopping Centre) has already begun stocking up on the basic key items. Here on The Claregalway Hotel website, we have compiled the most stylish nautical looks on offer.  

A wrap dress is never a regrettable purchase. Not only is it very slimming and comfortable, its long sleeves makes it ideal for those colder days. I would strongly suggest going for nude shoes so as not to distract from the detail of the dress, however if you are wearing this dress to an event such as a wedding, you could pair it with gold sandals.

Blue Chain Print Wrap Dress – €45

Beige Patent Court Shoe – €40

Metallic Clasp Top Purse – was €10 now €6

Its not often a trend is equally as stylish as it is comfortable, but fortunately the nautical theme is just that. This tunic for instance looks fantastic when worn with leggings and wedges, however if you want to dress it up, you could pair it with white skinny jeans and sandals.

Navy Asymetric Stripe Tunic – was €40

White Tassle Shoulder Bag – €35

Pewter Patent Wedge Heel – €38

Sometimes people assume that the nautical trend only consists of blue and white shades. Fortunately this is not the case. Grey and beige shades, like those in this particular outfit, are equally applicable. As you can see, the detail on the neckline is characteristically nautical. If you want to inject a little colour into this look, I would recommend tying a print scarf through the loopholes of the trousers; a look that has long been associated with the trend.     

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trouser – €33

Purple Smudge Print Scarf – €20

Grey Rivet Detail Jumper – €40

This top is incredibly pretty, however if its warmth you’re looking for from a jumper then this one may not be the best choice as the material is quite thin. 2011’s hugely popular trend of brightly coloured jeans looks set to remain in place until the dreaded trend of patterned jeans takes over in the coming months. Of course, such colours are not to everyone’s taste. While this navy top looks amazing when paired with these red jeans, the blue jeans would be a better option if you’re not particularly comfortable with such a bright statement colour. White skinnys would also work beautifully.

Navy Logo Motif Jumper – €33

Red Straight Jean - €35

Indigo Suedette Insert Jean – €40

Taupe Pointed Flat Shoes – €35

This outfit proves that you don’t need a lot of detail to create a stylish look. If you wear a long tank top inside the cardigan, you could pair it with leggings and wear it as a casual but fashionable ensemble. On the other hand, you could really embrace the nautical trend by pairing it with white or denim skinny jeans.

Blue Cocoon Cardigan – €20

Camel Shoulder Bag – €35

Topaz Rhinestone Necklace €15

This blazer is of fantastic quality however it’s deceptively big in size. In fact, you may find yourself having to reach for a size or two smaller than your usual. Given that the sleeves on this blazer are also slightly longer than average, I would not recommend buying this item online otherwise you may risk disappointment with the fit. To really complete the nautical look, I would suggest pairing it with this white camisole and silver linked rope necklace.

Navy Tipped Ponte Jacket – €50

Indigo Suedette Insert Jean – €40

Stone Plain Cami Top – €10

White Tassle Shoulder Bag – €35

Silver Linked Rope Necklace – €20

If you don’t like purchasing trend specific fashion, then I would suggest that you instead buy simple pieces and create the trend look through accessories. This fitted jacket for instance is quite plain and so can be accessorised to suit whatever look you want to achieve. If you are going for an understated look with a touch of the nautical trend, then you could twin it with this silver shield necklace. If however you want to fully embrace the theme, then you could do so with this black stripe flower corsage and cream patent flat loafers. Its all in the detail of the accessories.

Navy Edge Blazer – €52

Black Stripe Flower Corsage – €12

Silver Shield Necklace – €19

Cream Patent Flat Loafer – €40

While this item is technically a dress, it also doubles up as a very stylish long top which you can wear with leggings and pumps, or skinny jeans and wedges. Given the heavy stripe detail, I would recommend limiting the jewellery to either a ring or a watch.

Petite Black Bow Tunic – Was €42, now €22

Black Facet Stone Ring – was €12, now €3

Black Patent Peep Toe Heel – €40

Anyone who has ever watched ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ will more than likely remember the episode where Mrs Bucket turns up for a boat trip, dressed from head to toe in a nautical theme, complete with a sailor hat! Well this particular top is also very obviously of the nautical trend but not in Mrs Bucket’s distinctively OTT way! Sometimes people steer clear of such overtly trend-specific items, however this jumper is so pretty that it will look stylish even long after the trend has surpassed.

Stone Anchor Stud Sweater – €40

Indigo Wide Leg Jeans – €40

Lilac Charm Bracelet Pack – €11

Here we have another example of how a trend can be achieved through accessories. If you are trying to cut back on spending, then a good quality plain white shirt will most certainly serve you well in the long run as it can be accessorised to suit whatever trend is in fashion. For €30, this shirt is a steal.

White Chambray Shirt – €30

Blue Delauney Print Scarf – €17

Gold Beaten Stack Ring – €9

Bronze Gladiator Wedge Sandal – €40

The best items to invest in are the ones you can wear in both a casual and dressy style. This shirt dress for instance, which is available in both black and light blue, can be completely transformed through shoes and jewellery. With the black dress, I have chosen nude heels and a gold cuff bracelet as a comfortable yet dressy look. For a more casual style, check out the accessories I have paired with the blue dress up next.

Black Gold Button Shirt Dress – €45

Gold Ridge Swirls Bracelet – €16

Beige Patent Court Shoe – €40

From the colour of the dress to the style of shoes, everything about this look is characteristically nautical. As you can see, the right accessories have given the look a more casual feel. This is another prime example of how a plain item can be utilised in a variety of ways through simple adjustments.

Blue Gold Button Shirt Dress – €45

Taupe Pointed Flat Shoes – €35

Lilac Charm Bracelet Pack – €11

While this very feminine butterfly tunic would look perfectly fine with plain blue jeans, I do think the nautical trend is always best showcased through white trousers. Unfortunately Wallis doesn’t have white skinny jeans in stock at the moment which is why I have turned to River Island for these beautiful yet inexpensive skinnies. If comfort is the call of the day however, then this top is certainly long enough for leggings.

Navy Butterfly Tunic – €35

White Skinny Trousers (River Island) – €30

Pewter Patent Wedge Heel – €38

I love those casual looks that have a stylish edge in the small details. Cardigans such as this one can be paired with a white camisole and a statement necklace for an immediate infusion of style. If you prefer trousers with a more structured fit, then these beige wide leg trousers are also available in a slim line cut similar to that of a skinny jean.

Blue Curve Hem Cardigan – €28

Crystal Rhinestone Necklace – €16

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trouser – €33

We all have those days when we feel most comfortable in black clothes, however that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the trend. A black dress can become a nautical number in seconds when accessorised with this black and white stripe scarf and handbag.

Black Crepe Wrap Dress – €55

Black and White Stripe Scarf – €17

Mono Two Tone Bowler – €30

Not all tie-tops mean belly tops! These two t-shirts are full length and look bang on trend when twinned with white jeans. If however you are conscious of weight on your midriff or thighs, then it would be a good idea to steer clear of tops with such tie-detail on the front as they will only draw attention to the areas you are most conscious of.

White Bootcut Jeans – River Island – €40

Gold Fossil Dome Ring – €9

Blue Jersey Tie Front – €19

Stripe Tie Front Tee – €24

If you are of a petite frame and would like to give your figure more definition, then these horizontally-striped tops are definitely the way to do it. If however you want to slim down your upper half, wear tops that have a vertical stripe.

White Skinny Trousers – River Island – €30

Navy Button Stripe Jumper – €32

Black and Ivory Stripe Tee – €19

Black Patent Pointed Flat Shoe – €30

This gorgeous top bears a striking resemblance to that worn by Duchess Kate Middleton during her trip to Canada last year. All too often, women purchase tops like these without taking into consideration the appropriate underwear. For instance, a white bra will still be visible underneath a white top, particularly one as light in material as this. Play it safe and invest in a nude seamless t-shirt bra.

Cobalt Straight Jean – €30

Cream Bird Frill Shirt – €38

Metallic White Satin Sandal – €23

The navy trench is more ‘understated nautical’, particularly when paired with these beige trousers. Like the white shirt, it is also an investment item that will undoubtedly last you years. Definitely worth the purchase.

Black Facet Stone Ring – was €12 now €3

Navy Belted Trench – €75

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trousers – €33

With the exception of a more prominent neckline, this tunic is very similar to that featured in picture 8. While this item could be worn with leggings, I feel white skinny jeans and black heels do it the best justice.

Given the detail on the neckline, skip the necklace and limit the jewellery to a watch and a bracelet.

Black Eyelet Stripe Tunic – €42

Black Patent Peep Toe Heel – €40

White Skinny Trousers – River Island – €30

If, like a lot of people, you find your body temperature can often go from extreme to the other, then this is the kind of layered outfit that you will love. Gold jewellery, such as this bracelet, best compliment the tones in the cardigan.

Cream Waffle Stitch Cardigan – €40

Stone Plain Cami Top – €10

Indigo Wide Leg Jeans – €40

Gold Facet Bracelet – €15