Fashion: Nautical but nice

CHERYL Cole may not be feeling particularly jaunty right now given her husband's shore leave-style antics. However, it may lift her spirits to know she is likely to be credited with giving the annual churn of the nautical trend a new edge this spring. She certainly earned her fashion stripes – if not a Brit award – for the video for her hit song Fight For This Love, which saw the Geordie singer decked out in a red brass-buttoned jacket topped off with a skipper's cap.

Where celebrities lead, the high street fashion stores certainly like to follow. So it's been full steam ahead in stores from Oasis to River Island, H&M to Marks & Spencer, which are all sporting the white and blue – accessorised with a dash of red – of the navy's finest.

This spring the particular emphasis is on saucy sailor girl (Christina Aguilera is the expert in this), but if you can't wear tiny white shorts and wasp-waist jackets, you can still feel confident about jumping in at the deep end, because nautical is as ageless as the tides.

Aim to emulate Katharine Hepburn in wide-legged white trousers and a Breton-style striped jumper teamed with loafers, or even think breezy, relaxed Jackie Onassis in capri pants, striped tee, pumps and cropped cardi to ooze maritime chic. If all that feels like trying a little too hard, opt for a striped boyfriend cardigan and anchor-motif accessories.

As Edinburgh stylist Lindsay Campbell says: "This season sees the nautical trend revisited with a new twist of French elegance.

"As with any trend, though, there are pitfalls to watch out for. Be careful of anchor and seashell overload or you may just look like you are in costume. Stripes are an easy way to wear the look but if you are at all conscious of your figure, don't highlight your bad bits with them."

Beware of nautical tipping over into pirate too, or you really will be all at sea.

Thanks to stylist Lindsay Campbell www.lindsaycampbell.co.uk, and photographer Nicki O'Donnell www.odonnellimages.com. Make-up and hair by Mailin Haddow. Models: Hunter & Joni @ The Colours Agency.