Fashion: time to go nautical but nice

Coco Chanel launched the nautical fashion trend nearly 100 years ago and if it's good enough for her, it's top deck for us too.

That said, there's a limit to how many hooped tops and white trousers a girl can take. So get set for nautical with a twist.

Rather than the full stowaway look, the trend this year is far more subtle and wearable "boat chic" effect.

Get it by marrying masculine and feminine looks. Pop pretty prom dresses with chunky Converse to create some fashion yin and yang.

If you do opt for stripes, try mixing them with this season's bold colours, this stops the look from being too contrived. Get the look right by ditching high heels – boat chic means tennis shoes, brogues and flat sandals.

Channel some retro regatta styling by using sweatshirts and shorts, clash colour and think old school sporty Ralph Lauren and you'll hit the mark.

For a more glamour boating style, go with a patterned maxi dress in silk or chiffon. And for extra impact pack a wide brimmed straw hat and oversized clutch.

So get on board, and get ready to set sail for a shipeshape summer.