The nautical look is the supremely practical solution to this summer’s challenging weather. After all, it was inspired by the soggiest of conditions.

While most trends last only for a season or two, sailor style recurs as regularly as the tide – and now you can take extra inspiration from the Sailor Chic exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

The look began in Britain when Queen Victoria had a sailor suit made for her son, and it has since influenced both street fashion and designers such as Vivienne Westwood (who created the iconic Pirate collection in 1981), Chanel and YSL, all of whose archive designs feature in the exhibition.

— This year’s nautical look is more sailing boat than superyacht. Think of bracing holidays in northern France, Breton T-shirts (try Petit Bateau) and little white pumps rather than St Tropez gin-palace bling. As nautical wasn’t a big trend on the catwalk, you are free to give it your own twist with details such as rolled-up jeans. There are plenty of sailor-inspired pieces on the high street, too.

— This is a virtually foolproof approach to summer dressing because the colour combinations have been worked out already. Within the four base colours of red, white, navy and gold you can choose different shades, such as tomato instead of vermilion. But don’t take the theme too literally or you’ll look like an extra from Village People’s In the Navy video.

— Nautical style is classic, so it’s worth investing in clothes that you can wear year after year. Straight or wide-legged navy trousers, knee-length navy skirts and stripey T-shirts always look elegant and can be found to suit all ages.

— A good way to keep the look modern and fresh is with layering. Wear different widths of stripe together, or wear a striped T-shirt under a pinafore dress. Keep jewellery to a minimum: too much bling is strictly for pirates.

Sailor Chic is at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, from July 25

DO:

— Add glamour with gold or red patent sandals.

— Wear anchor motif jewellery (but only one piece at a time). Kabiri has an anchor pendant, and Anna Lou of London has designed anchor bag charms.

— Go for rope-handled bags.

— Try Gap’s large canvas or leather tote.

DON’T:

— Wear deck shoes.

— Or gold-buttoned blazers.

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