The safest bet on the fashion circuit is nautical. Without fail, it triumphs every year and, somehow, nobody seems to tire of its wide trousers and stripy tops. Maybe, it is because nautical clothes suggest a long hot summer, and a Riviera highlife that the majority of us cannot actually afford.

The irony in this style story is that if you owned an Abramovich style super-yacht, Captain Birdseye would hardly be your style reference. But that is reality and this is fashion, where all nautical references get thrown into the same lifeboat.

Rumour has it that the trend originated in 1846 when Queen Victoria commissioned a tiny navy and white sailor suit for her son, Albert. The English public apparently loved the idea of having utility wear as fashion garments and began wearing nautical clothes to show their support of the Empire and Navy. A century-and-a-half later, the trend still looks chic and fresh.

Beware, though, there are dangers at sea. Literal Sailor Girl, a syndrome commonly associated with the nautical look, will push you sartorially overboard. At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld minimised LSG by ripping the edges of his striped jackets (left), replacing classic sailing ropes with heavy silver chains and breaking up the nautical equation with frills and spots. The point is to blend the trend into your usual style and leave the fishing nets at the dock.

Every summer, nautical style mutates to suit the trends and this year it has a grittier Seventies feel. If you are determined to invest in a fleet of stripy tops, at least find some that have clashing prints (see right) or are printed slightly off-kilter. Likewise, feel free to add some scuffed-up denim or killer shoes. Obviously, cotton is the fabric of choice for aspiring sailors (dries quickly, doesn't chafe) but don't be afraid to experiment with silks and patents, too.

The classic trio of red, white and blue is a nautical mainstay. Wear it alone and you could drift into LSG waters, so throw some other colours into the mix. Pastels might look good on English beach huts, but out at sea it's all about brights. Yellow is an obvious choice for fishermen as well as fashion types, but orange and purple work just as well to break things up a bit.

The words deck and shoes in succession conjure images of weather-beaten middle-aged men whose priority is pulling in the rigging, not pushing the boundaries of style. But that hasn't stopped Office dipping its toe in the proverbial water. This summer it has come up with a pair of surprisingly desirable patent leather deck shoes for women at £45. They come in white, blue or red, and have just the right amount of nautical authenticity to transform an outfit. Have them peeping out beneath a pair of loose jeans or wear them with ribbed tights, and feel close to the sea.

The great thing about nautical is that it actually takes very little effort. An anchor charm here or a stack of shiny red bangles there is sometimes plenty. Brass buttons are another sure-fire bet; sew them on to a pair of old navy trousers or a jaunty summer jacket and you'll be humming shanty songs quicker than you can say figure of eight.

Photos: Zac Frackleton

Styling: Eve Thomas

Times recommends

• Ask me about sex, not pay
• Culture clubbing
• Honor Blackman: Words from the wise