Cruise control: men’s guide to Louis Vuitton’s nautical trend

Bold, uplifting and a classic, it’ll be hard to resist the nautical trend that’s set to sail into the coming season’s style, and with a little help and designer inspiration, there’s no reason not to try it. But it’s not all stripes and ultra-casual wear that’s fit only for kicking back in: you’re about to navigate the new rules of nautical.

Not everything is blue and white: Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2013 collection, which you can take a peek at here, exudes a strong nautical theme with navy summer macs and subtle anchor detailing, but livens things up with bursts orange and surprisingly classic pieces. We’re loving the timeless luggage: barrel-style bags and checkered suitcases bring the dream of the seaside getaway closer to reality.

Nautical doesn’t have to be casual. The same lookbook shows us how to use blazers and chinos to create a look that’d be welcome at the smartest events, but letting the maritime influence in with crisp linen shirts and blue and white checked scarves tied effortlessly under open collars. The French fashion house certainly knows how to blend tailoring with more rough-and-ready pieces to deliver a look that is truly wearable.

The shoes have it. Boat shoes made the Louis Vuitton collection, and provide any man with a fast-track to the season’s hottest look. Slip on a pair in a colourway that grabs you – take a look at the range from Debenhams here for inspiration – and team with light-coloured chinos and a navy tee, or steal the Louis Vuitton style and pair them with suit trousers and a blazer. Tailored shorts are a great halfway marker between casual and smart, and with the addition of boat shoes, you don’t need to choose typically nautical colours to get the look: how about working pastel colours in there to tap two trends in one outfit?