Add a Little Spring to Your Step, Part 1: The Nautical Look

In the world of fashion, spring is officially here, which means time to take a look at what trends have made it to the top of the list. Our first trend is one that seems to be resurrected every spring without fail: the nautical look. However, every year something new gets added to the mix. This year it's the demi-wedge, peep-toe and the birdcage toebox. The nautical look is all about classic lines, two-toned hues (think darker colors combined with white), and oodles of sophistication. White and blue accessorized with gold is a common occurence in nautical fashion, but don't be afraid to embrace other colors like dark red, green, and even pink. Spring is all about rejuvination and freshness, so keep that mind when creating your look. With that in mind, here are some great shoe styles to achive that nautical look. Notice that you can choose anything from a casual flat to a sexy strappy sandal; find what you feel suits you the best. Hush Puppies Inverness This sporty mary jane-style flat is a great casual shoe for those crisp spring days. Light and flexible, the Inverness is made with full grain leather upper and a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric upper lining. An EVA wedge is combined with a rubber sole. The colors add a classic nautical touch to any outfit. Tommy Hilfiger Fiona The Fiona is built for comfort, featuring soft unlined uppers with a flexible rubber outsole. By updating a classic slip-on with a Grosgrain belt detail with a logo stamp, Tommy Hilfiger creates a modern preppy look for the spring. The detail features brushed Nickel D rings on a fabric strap in TH signature colors. Sperry Top-Sider Vulcanized Anchor Mule Sperry Top-Sider has made non-skid boat shoes since 1913, so the nautical look comes natural to them. Instead of choosing the traditional blue/white/red hues to achieve that nautical look, opt for something different, like this cute pink and white mule. Made of Nubuc leathers with perforations on the sides and a 3600 lacing system with rust-proof eyelets for a secure fit, the Anchor mule by Sperry Top-Sider is made to get wet. New toe bumpers combined with nautical foxing provides front toe protection. Looks great when paired with a pair of cropped or tailored pants. Skechers Lola Chip Spring is all about the wedge heel, nautical look and bold patterns, so why not combine all of them into one trendy shoe? The Lola Chip by Skechers does exactly that by taking a round toe mary jane pump, adding a demi-wedge and covering it with multi-hued blue and white tweed fabric. The front also has little jewels to give it an added embellishment. Pair it with your favorite spring skirt, add a couple of accessories and you’re good to go! Etienne Aigner Thrill This fashionable sling back pump is one of spring’s hottest looks. Runways and fashion magazines everywhere are proclaiming the triumphant return of the birdcage toe box with a peep toe; combine that with a stacked heel and crisp white leather, and you’ve got a perfect spring pump for day or evening. Prefer a more metallic look? Don’t worry, this shoe is also available in bronze metallic kid. Franco Sarto Bijou Another hot style for the spring, this platform sandal by Franco Sarto proves that nautical doesn’t necessarily mean canvas oxfords. The Bijou is a lovely strappy sandal with a 1/2 inch platform midsole, an ankle strap with buckle, and an aquamarine stone ornament in the front. The tapered high heel measures 3 1/4", adding a sexy touch to any spring outfit. Born Verano A more traditional wedge slide, the Verano by Born features a gentle fold of colorful leather over an espadrille outsole. The soft color and elegant curves give this wedge a perfectly natural feel and just a touch of relaxed refinement. This shoe carries over into summer very nicely as well.