Nautical Style 2026: How to Dress in the Summer Trend

Nautical style returns every 5–7 years, but in 2026 it speaks not through stripes, but through shell prints and mother-of-pearl. We explore the key elements of the trend and show three ready-to-wear summer looks curated by GEPUR stylist Natali Bakaieva.

Where nautical style came from — a brief history

Nautical style in clothing originated in Brittany in the early 20th century, where French sailors wore striped cotton marinière sweaters. In 1917, Coco Chanel brought this silhouette into high fashion, and since then the trend has returned every few seasons in a new interpretation. On the SS26 runways — Chanel, Dior and Ukrainian designers — nautical style takes on a different feel: classic stripes have given way to prints featuring shells, starfish and pearls.

5 elements of nautical style in 2026

1. Shell prints instead of stripes

The key change of the season is that nautical style is no longer synonymous with stripes. Stripes have moved into the basic wardrobe, while the trend is now defined by bold prints with marine motifs: shells, starfish, pearl chains and yacht silhouettes. This kind of print works as a statement on its own — it needs neither jewellery nor elaborate tailoring.

2. A milky mother-of-pearl palette

The 2026 palette has moved away from the classic white-and-blue colour scheme. In its place are milky white, pink, mother-of-pearl and powder tones — shades inspired by the inside of a pearl and a seashell. Bright blue and red have almost disappeared from the runways, while mother-of-pearl has become the season’s main colour accent.

3. Natural fabrics: silk, cotton and satin

This trend leaves no room for synthetics. Summer 2026 is about natural silk for blouses and kimonos, cotton for dresses and trousers, and satin for corsets and skirts. Stretch mesh is acceptable only for pareos and beach skirts. The logic is simple: nautical style is about lightness and movement, while synthetics contradict that idea — especially by the sea, where the weather is hot.

4. The printed corset — summer’s new top

The nautical-style corset is the season’s key discovery. A satin printed corset works as a standalone top with lightweight trousers or a skirt — a look that moves seamlessly from the beach to a restaurant without the need to change. In 2026, the corset has definitively moved beyond eveningwear and become a summer staple.

5. A kimono instead of a blazer

A blazer is difficult to wear in summer — it is structured, warm and does not pair easily with beachwear. In 2026, it has been replaced by the silk kimono: a lightweight belted layer that works over a dress, as a beach tunic and as an alternative to a blazer for a summer dinner. One piece, three functions.

Three ready-to-wear nautical looks

Daytime — by the sea and in the city

A printed cotton cropped shirt + cotton shorts + a woven tote bag + a sailor hat. This look works on the promenade, in a café overlooking the sea and on a walk through the old town. The key rule is to leave two open accents: either the midriff and hair under the hat, or the legs and shoulders. A fully covered silhouette in nautical style feels too heavy for summer.

Evening — dinner on the promenade

A printed cotton mini dress + a silk kimono as a cover-up + flat woven sandals. The kimono can be worn open and tied at the hips, creating a look with movement and none of the rigid geometry of an evening dress. This combination maintains a “cocktails by the sea” mood without turning into an outfit for a formal event.

Versatile — work and leisure

A printed satin corset + milky silk trousers + a woven bag. This is a rare case where one outfit works in an office with a business casual dress code while also being suitable for a summer brunch. Here, the corset acts as a statement top, while the trousers and bag provide a polished foundation.

Who nautical style may not suit

Nautical prints can be difficult to wear in three cases. First, if your wardrobe is already dominated by other complex prints: florals, geometrics or animal prints. They will compete with each other. Second, if you are under 160 cm tall and choose a large shell print: it can visually shorten the silhouette, so a smaller-scale print is preferable. Third, if the setting does not allow for relaxed summer styling: at serious business negotiations or under a strict dress code, nautical style can look inappropriate even in its most understated form.

“The most common mistake with nautical style is adding too much. The print is already a bold accent in itself, and any jewellery apart from a single strand of pearls or a woven hat makes the look feel overloaded. To check whether something is unnecessary, remove one item before leaving the house. Nautical style in 2026 is about lightness, not about wearing your entire wardrobe at once.”

— Natali Bakaieva, GEPUR stylist

A ready-made nautical capsule — the Pearl Shine collection

Building a nautical look from scratch means buying at least 8–10 pieces in the same palette and print. This takes time and can be expensive. The alternative is a ready-made capsule: the Pearl Shine collection by GEPUR includes 73 pieces in one exclusive nautical print in a pink-and-milky palette. Dresses, corsets, kimonos, swimwear, trousers, shorts and accessories — every piece pairs with any other, so there is no need to spend hours putting combinations together.

Conclusion: is a nautical print worth investing in?

Nautical style is one of the few trends that returns every 5–7 years in one form or another. Pieces bought now will not be relegated to the archives after a single season: they will remain relevant in both 2027 and 2028, especially when built around a classic shell print, natural fabrics and a neutral palette. This is an investment in your wardrobe, not a seasonal purchase.