Wardrobe Staple: Sailor Trousers

Something about summer stirs up something of a nautical-fetish in me. The sun, the heat, the beach... it all just seems to require at the very least a pair of sailor trousers...

For my purposes, I'm defining "sailor trousers" as essentially wide-legged trousers (fitted at waist and upper hip, not too tight through thighs, maybe with a subtle flare out towards the hem), often higher-waisted, with a definite possibility of a double row of buttons down the front. Of course, it being the start of summer, they should be lightweight and light-colored (or navy blue).


[ L: Tara Starlet £56; R: Heyday! £40 ]

These vintage-inspired trousers are too cute for words. The high waists and big buttons are so '40s.


[ L: Etsy $25; M: Etsy $29; R: Etsy $42 ]

Found these adorable vintage sailor trousers on Etsy. The first pair is from the '40s, no mention of the dates on the other two, though they may be authentic Navy trousers.


[ L: Young, Fabulous & Broke $145 $102; R: Stewart+Brown $224 ]

Another name for these is "boat pants", especially in white. These two are so summery-feeling, I almost can't stand it. The first pair is linen, the other organic cotton. So perfect for scorching summer days.


[ L: Gap $69.50 $54.99; R: French Connection $148 ]

Another option is to go for "sailor jeans", which keep the same styling as sailor trousers, but in a more contemporary denim. This is an easy way to work the retro style into a more modern wardrobe.


[ L: Alice & Olivia $270 $162; R: French Connection $148 ]

Still denim, but in ultra-crisp white. The Alice & Olivia pair are the only ones I'm showing you without the sailor buttons, just because I'm so in love with them. They keep the spirit of the sailor trousers without being as literal.


[ L: Adele $237 $71; R: ModCloth $74.99 ]


STYLE TIPS:

A crisp cotton button-up shirt (short sleeves or rolled up long sleeves) looks so sharp with sailor trousers, especially in white or a classic small-scale print. Tuck it in, or wear it knotted in the front as a crop top.

Don't even think about wearing a belt with these. The details at the upper hip is more than enough for one outfit. The more prominent the buttons, the more toned-down your jewelry should be.

Wear your size, or one up. Just like in button-up tops, the last thing anyone wants to see is your buttons straining.

If you don't have a large bust, a horizontal striped tee (particularly with a boat/bateau neckline) looks sweetly nautical without being too costumey.

Speaking of... be careful of wearing a similarly nautical-themed blouse with your sailor pants, unless you're explicitly going for a complete look. In the wrong context, people might look at you like you're nuts.

If you like flats, wear lace-up Keds or skimmers. If you like some height, go for wedges for an authentic '40s look. If you like a more '70s look, go for wooden platform sandals.