Coco Chanel knew she was onto something when she showed striped jersey shirts, reminiscent of those favored by French fishermen, as part of her 1917 Nautical collection. Elegant and unfussy, the marinière would become a standard of haute-bourgeois dressing both on and off the beach. A century later, it still connotes a life well-lived. In fact, it’s hard to imagine the seafaring aesthetic—peacoat, sailor pants, navy blazer with brass buttons—ever going out of style. It is certainly big for fall 2016, thanks to Prada, Sonia Rykiel, and Tommy Hilfiger. By layering pieces and adding jewelry, designers managed to make a classic look feel unmistakably modern again.
