nautical wear for spring

After a cold and snowy couple months, we enjoyed a taste of warm weather this week in Chicago. However, it will still be awhile before we can break out the shorts and sandals. During the slow transition from winter to spring, I embrace nautical fashion because you can combine the spirit of warm weather without losing much-needed layers.

Image Credit: Damian Gadal via Flickr

Old Navy Contrast Stripe Tee $16.94

An easy way to add a nautical feel to your look is by switching your neutrals. Leave your black, grey, and taupe pieces in the back of your closet. Instead try navy and bright white for a fresh, crisp look, with bonus points if you wear them together, preferably in a horizontal stripe. Since bright hues are always important in spring fashion, throw in dash of cobalt, orange, red, and/or yellow.

Nautical inspired tops are very versatile because they can be worn with denim and dark bottoms now and later with white skirts and shorts for a summer look.

Striped sweaters and long sleeve tees are especially easy to find this time of year since stores have their January resort collections on sale and are also beginning to stock their spring lines. You'll be able to layer the pieces now and then wear them on their own during chilly spring days and cool summer nights. Blazers and jersey knit dresses also often come in nautical inspired color palettes and patterns and are great statement pieces! Add solid colored accessories like a coral belt or yellow ballet flats to keep the pieces looking fresh and relaxed. 

Ann Taylor Striped Sweater Jacket $129

Vineyard Vines Wavy Stripe Boatneck Dress $168

This is not the first time I have written about nautical clothing, so be sure to check out my old post here as well as more nautical outfit ideas and color inspiration on my Pinterest page.