Summer Notes: Nautical Nods

I’ve always had a soft spot for nautical flair—it’s classic, it’s crisp, and it never goes out of style. This summer? I’m doubling down with knot belts, breezy layers, and the OG of dockside chic: boat shoes. This post will showcase a few Summer trends I'm gonna partake in. If you've read the initial Summer post; you got a glimspe here in Decked in Dainty.

Fun fact: they were originally made with siped soles to grip slippery boat decks—now they’re gripping summer style like pros.)

Anchors aweigh, darling—it’s time to make waves!

I've been on a NAVY shade kick **no pun intended at all-I just freestyled that** and I've found it gives a polished look and it's less harsh than black. Pairing this Eileen Fisher Lantern Dress with the knotted belt was chef's kiss. It's too hot and I weigh too much to have my clothes tightly clinging to me. I need to feeeeel the breeeeeze!!!

When it comes to summer styling, sometimes less really is more—especially when your accessories are doing all the work. A simple dress or neutral base can be instantly elevated with a statement belt, a pair of heritage-inspired boat shoes, or even a striped scarf tied just so. The key? Let those accents speak volumes without you having to say a word. Accessories allow you to pull off that seafaring sophistication—effortless yet intentional—with minimal effort and maximum impact. Think of them as the quiet overachievers of your wardrobe: small touches, big energy.

Shop Khoi XILA Bag

Yall know Im a bangles gal but if you wanna make less noise, opt for some earrings that'll help with an ode to sailor the ship! I found these below deck (I couldn't help it, lol) at the Lucky Knot (Old Town Alexandria). Yes, I grabbed a pair-actually two.

From boat shoes with roots in 1930s sailing culture (invented by Paul Sperry after watching his dog run across ice—true story!) to knot belts that effortlessly cinch and style in one move, these details may have classic origins, but they’re anything but outdated. That’s the beauty of fashion with history—it evolves, adapts, and keeps us anchored in style without weighing us down. So as you sail through summer, lean into the little things that make a big impact. Because timeless trends aren’t just back—they never really left.