Okay, it seems as if my nautical crush may need to be officially upgraded to obsession status. I finally gave in and bought a navy-and-white-striped cotton dress (which I would link to here if it hadn’t completely sold out at Old Navy, where I nabbed it for less than $10—serious sale!). And now I’m on the hunt for accessories with rope details. Too much nautical in one outfit, you say? Nah, I love a theme.
There is something about summer and trips to the beach that make rope details so appealing. Maybe my obsession stems from my beach-combing-filled days on the Gulf Coast as a child. Or perhaps the look is simply fresh in my mind because fleet week just wrapped in these parts (why hello there, sailor!).
Even if you’re landlocked—or simply not ready to don a head-to-toe nautical look—rope-detailed accessories are a perfect way to dip your toes into the water. Part quirky and whimsical, part classic, the pieces I’ve highlighted here are sure to become your summer basics. Plus, they’re further proof that you don’t have to wear stripes (or even salute the captain) to infuse your everyday look with nautical charm.
1. All Knotted Up: Sigh. I can’t stop staring at these leather and rope platforms by Cynthia Vincent. I must admit, they’re a little out of my price range—though I’m sure the splurge would certainly be worth it. Those wood-grain-looking heels! That tobacco-colored leather! And those intricate knots! My mister, a former boyscout, caught a glimpse of these shoes as I was putting this post together and was seriously impressed with the knot skills. What can I say? The man knows fashion. Tobacco Leather Isla Rope Detail Sandals, Cynthia Vincent (bluefly.com).
2. Sucker for this Fabric: Seersucker is such a quintessential summer fabric—light and easy with just a dab of cute prep. And these shorts are the perfect length (read: short enough to show off your shimmering summer gams but long enough to hide your, ahem, goodies). Not to mention the rope belt, which is just plain fun. Can’t you imagine pairing these with the softest heather gray tank or a sun-bleached floral top? Summer perfected! Shilo Seersucker Shorts, Tory Burch (saks.com).
3. Sea-Worthy Wrist: Real rope accessories not your thing? What about this oh-so-chic woven leather bracelet from Bottega Veneta? It’s simple and artistic—a far cry from the bracelets you wove at summer camp—and sure to pop against your tan arms. Woven Leather Bracelet, Bottega Veneta (saks.com).
4. Gladiator Meets Nautical: At times, I’m a wee bit tired of seeing gladiator sandal after sandal. But there is just so much to love about this sandal—the cork-like wedge, the knotted rope detail, the hint of metallic shimmer woven throughout. How great would these look on your sun-kissed sea legs? Bonus: The padded insole and mini-wedge heel makes them ideal for running errands—or for propping up your feet on the docks. Cindy Rope Style Gladiator, Libby Edelman (hsn.com).
5. Bag Fit for a Sailor: This canvas foldover bag is big enough to accommodate all of your goodies—swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, summer reads—when you set sail on the open sea (or pack for a lazy day on the beach). With 100 percent canvas lining and a sturdy rope shoulder strap, this bag is low maintenance through and through. Simply empty, shake out the sand and you’re back in business. Plus, peek inside and you’ll find the most merry lining in sunny shade of yellow. Canvas Foldover, SR Squared by Sondra Roberts (piperlime.com).
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