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Nautical-inspired looks are timeless, but a surge in popularity is due this summer. TQE writer Hannah Baker spotlighted an imminent “sailorcore” trend in her April TikTok Trend Forecast and she was right on the money. I’m seeing this tailored-yet-athletic aesthetic manifest in everything from pleated shorts to boatneck knits. The color palette is navy, khaki, all shades of off-white, and pops of red or blood orange.
This aesthetic has range: you can channel sailorcore with classic high-waisted, gold button pants or you can lean a bit more into the Charlie St. Cloud (who else remembers this? I ran to the theater) sport of it all. Everything in our guide below will have you looking crisp and put-together like a Town & Country model. We’ve included picks for women, children, and men so you can outfit your whole family in coordinating sailorcore fits—you’re welcome.
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Men
Sure, loafers are not the anti-slip boat shoes you may have expected but these suede beauties are the perfect sea-inspired look to complement seersucker shorts. They’re much more elegant than a Sperry and you can treat them with a spray to make them impervious to sea mist.
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White pants are a statement and a must when it comes to sailorcore. These pants look beautifully tailored (and they are) but they also have a lot of give so you won’t feel constrained if you need to book it across the deck.
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Stripes for sailorcore? Groundbreaking. No, but really—this polo is a subtle riff (in shades of blue) on what would otherwise be a more on-the-nose navy and white combo. You’ll love the casual slub fabric for a comfy, lived-in feel.
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Kids
Dress your mini sailor in this crisp white bubble that calls out for a beachy photoshoot. The bloomer style of this romper is comfortable for ages 3M to 3T (and makes even the lumpiest diaper situation look adorable). To really amp up the New England feel, add an initial ($6) or a monogram ($10) to complement the gingham bow.
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I’m not saying that a $100 kids sweater is the smartest investment, but it might be the cutest. The cableknit and flap collar details make this a keepsake piece to be passed down at least to a younger sibling or two. Available in sizes 4Y-10Y.
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Dockside adventures are sure to be had in these to-die-for pint-sized boat shoes. The rawhide laces will match dad’s and the rubber sole will ensure your little doesn’t slip.
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We couldn’t omit this classic short style in Americana colors. Don’t worry, the buttons are just for sailor vibes — the waistband is elastic and a cinch to pull on.
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Women
My interpretation of sailorcore is yacht-wear-meets-Olympics–and this corset top delivers. Designed with a breathable, silky fabric, this is the perfect top for a nighttime sailorcore look when you want to look dressed up but still low-key.
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Sometimes you just need to pull off a trend in the most literal way, and these sailor pants will give you that instant gratification. The stretch fabric keeps you looking natty without compromising comfort.
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Riff on the theme with this beautiful crochet dress evocative of both fisherman nets and sweaters.
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This guide wouldn't be complete without a couple of sailorific swim options. Fans of shapewear will rejoice when they discover this plunging one-piece is lined in power mesh. The design provides mid-support so you won’t feel too sucked-in as you’re catching some rays or taking a dip.
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This sporty trompe l'oeil knit design reminds me of a lacrosse pinnie while the denim trim speaks to the early 2000s resurgence. You’ll be the trendiest babe at the swim-up bar in this two-piece.
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Do not forget sunscreen! I love an illuminator and it doesn’t get better than an SPF with built-in golden-hour glow. The texture is silky smooth, which is perfect if you want to use it as a primer and layer makeup on top. If you’re into a clean girl makeup look, it looks gorgeous on its own with just a hint of coverage. I’m also a devotee of MDSolarSciences SPF 30 Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm ($30), which is available in seven shades including clear (crystal).
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Wide-legged shorts—if you told me ten years ago I’d think these are the height of sophistication, I wouldn’t have believed you. The front gives Ricky Lauren while the back is more summer camp. If this style is a bit too airy for you, I also love these still-long, but not-as-long Soft Suiting Shorts ($265) that have more structure.
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I couldn’t not end with a striped shirt. It’s a cliche for a reason and the timeless cut of Saint James’ tees makes them so much more than t-shirts. I live in my Galathee II during transition seasons and it’s a beach bag staple for days the wind picks up on the beach. The all-around quality of these light-weight yet substantial shirts is unsurpassed and it’s no wonder: Saint James has been in the stripe game since 1889.
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Whether you’re headed abroad to Cyprus or somewhere closer to home like Catalina Island, your entire crew will be sailorcore-chic.