MY FASHION WISH LIST

A travel enthusiast Alexandra writes about tourism, beaches, food and the wonderful things in the world. In this article she describes how Hamptons style serves as her fashion inspiration for the current season. Follow her at @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.

Fashion during the warm months is bright and cheerful, light and carefree. When inspiration for personal style is taken from a destination like the Hamptons, it is easy to transition from the cool, fresh weather of spring to the hot and sunny days of summer. Nautical inspired fashion is practical and comfortable, as easy to carry from day to night as to adjust for temperature changes. Though comfort is the main benefit, classy style takes center stage. When you are lounging in your hamptons home in the summer, this inspired look is relaxed, chic, timeless and easy to wear.

With an atmosphere of sea breezes, bright sunshine and casual elegance to inspire a wardrobe, the result is stunning, natural and effortless. Simplicity is predominant, from the cleanly cut shapes of each garment to the dramatic colors and minimal patterns to the crisp natural fabrics like linen, cotton and silk. The shape of each outfit is an important part of nautical fashion, with a clearly defined, graceful and flattering figure. The relaxed, classy style makes the clear simplicity interesting without lots of details, and relies and dramatic color to make statements. Pure white, all shades of ocean blues, bright red, crisp black, earthy sand colors are all favorites in nautical fashion. While patterns in general don’t play a big part, stripes in all sizes and pairings of colors are stunning. Natural fabrics paired with basic elemental accessories, like leather shoes and belts and brass jewelry is one of the main charms of the Hamptons style.

Every wardrobe style needs staple pieces. Hamptons fashion is no exception. A pair of tailored, dark jeans, sleek white trousers and a couple plain pencil skirts take care of the bottom half of the staple pieces. For on top, have some basic tailored blouses and tee shirts, especially in plain colors and stripes, cardigans to make those cold weather transitions easy, a striking, fitted blazer and a classic khaki trench coat. Top it off with a couple dresses for both daytime and evening, in plain white, chambray or elegant navy and unique, personal accessories. With this basic backbone for the wardrobe; an entire look can be created by mixing and matching pieces.

Making the change from spring to summer is easy. Wear blazers and cardigans with tee shirts, blouses and dresses until the heat arrives, and then leave them behind. Change up the accessories, and the transition is complete. A good trench coat is a must when vacationing by the water or simply traveling through spring. It provides warmth when cold wind hits and can be left behind when the sun comes out.

The skeleton of a nautical wardrobe is basic, working for both casual and dressy. Whether an outfit needs to be dressed up for a business meeting or for evening, small changes are all that are needed. Sandals, jeans, a striped tee and a blazer are perfect for running errands. To dress it up for dinner out with friends, change into pumps and white trousers and switch earrings. A morning at the beach can be spent in a long sundress and just slip on a pair of heels, nice jewelry and a fancy up-do for the evening. Hamptons inspired fashion is relaxed and eternally classy on every occasion.

Outfit inspirations are taken from A Cup Of Jo, Pinterest and Emerson Fry.