Nautical Vibe: Stylish Boat Shoes & Sweaters
The few (welcome) days of rain we’ve had over the last couple of weeks have jump-started spring in my part of Southern California. Allergies aside, it’s cheering to see the neighborhood suddenly green and blooming. And that spring-around-the-corner feeling prompted me to put together a coastal chic outfit in light neutrals.
The striped sweater and boat shoes serve up a timeless nautical vibe. For those of you who prefer not to wear wool, here are some similar striped sweaters in cotton:
Rails | Vince Camuto | Caslon | Talbot’s | Madewell | LL Bean
Whether you call them boat shoes or lace-up loafers, these from Vince are really comfortable! (As with most Vince shoes, suggest sizing down 1/2 size.) It was Miuccia Prada who first revived this classic shoe style, sending it down the runway for Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2024. It’s been picking up steam ever since. I thought it was a fun look, but didn’t expect it to take off the way it has.
If you like this style, there are tons of good options this season.
J.Crew | Marc Fisher | Sperry (the O.G.) | Rothy’s | Vionic (lots of fun colors!) | Dolce Vita
Heck, even Christian Louboutin is getting in on this trend. 😂 What do you think…is this a shoe style you’d wear?
Looking for more Coastal Chic inspiration? You can see all of my related articles HERE. I’m working on a BIG travel wardrobe post for later this week, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be first to know once it’s live.
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Last fall I bought a pair of the traditional Sperry boat shoes as well as a pair of Sperry canvas boat shoes. This winter I have been wearing the leather ones with socks. It reminds me of my college days.
Sperry makes similar boat shoe.
Bought black and taupe, years ago, still wearing them.
Living rural, my Church only 1/2 mile, so I walk to Church. Hence the sturdy shoes, pair of colors matching everything.
Thank you for all you share !!!
Ordered the classic Sperry in dark brown (shock not navy). I think they will go well with my summer navy/white/pop of color outfits and a vintage coach bag I picked up in the mahogany color. We shall see how the older feet do with them!
This is a beautiful color for you!
Thank you, Martine!
Those suede boat shoes are so fun and casually chic! And Christian Louboutin boat shoes? Who knew? Not that they are remotely in my budget, but fun to look at. I love the picture of early spring in your neighbor’s tree. It is 17 degrees here in Boston with the windchill making it feel like it’s 4 degrees, so again, it’s nice to look at!
I have a pair of ancient Sperrys that are still going strong — highly recommend them, esp if you’re going to be using them as boat shoes, on a boat. This seems like a good time to ask, what’s going on with the soles of Vince shoes, including the ones you’re modeling? They are paper thin and do not last. Further, with suede uppers, which I love, the leather is essentially on the ground. I’ve purchased and returned several pairs last season because of this. Hopefully, it’s a manufacturing/design fluke that passes.
Hi Bette, I haven’t noticed any issues with Vince soles. I traveled with a pair of their Naomi loafers https://bit.ly/4gCyrYP last fall, wore them while walking miles daily, and they have held up well.
Not all Vince shoes — the ones with the paper-thin soles, like the ones you’re wearing here. Other models like this include the Davis, the Devin, and the raffia Davis (which I loved, before the sole wore out).
In the same general idea…. the Vionic Uptown Loafer is a winner for me! Got the dark green suede a month ago, took them to Paris last week, and walked miles and miles. Vionic brand is one of the best, imho!
Gosh, spring again. We are still freezing here but from Friday onwards higher temperatures are expected (17 degrees C, going down again to 14). A lot better than the -2 to 2 degrees Celsius we are now enduring. Nevertheless I have seen a lot of flower buds and the snowdrops are out as well.
You look very chic and polished with a dash of casual in this outfit. Seeing you with bare feet makes me shiver though.
Greetje
Susan,
A question about the Ruti pants. Is this a style you’ve shown us in the past, or something new? And what size do you take, please? They look fantastic on you–the whole outfit is a win!
Thanks,
Linda
Thanks, Linda! This is the same style I’ve worn before, just in a different color. I take size 8 in Ruti pants.
I am not at all preppy, but I fell in love with the Sperry x Nordstrom collaboration – classic boat shoes with cute beading along the leather laces – they look like something you’d make at summer camp! https://www.nordstrom.com/s/authentic-original-2-eye-beaded-boat-shoe-women-nordstrom-exclusive/8111856?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=164
Preppy isn’t me, at all, so boat shoes are a no. But I love that striped sweater! 🙂
I pulled out a pair of canvas boat shoes last summer that I hadn’t worn in a while and found them so comfortable. They’re my favorites heading into this summer, too. Nice to have sandal and sneaker alternatives.
Love Sperry boat shoes. I’ve had mine for decades. Now that they seem to be on their last legs (haha), they are starting a new career as garden shoes.
I love the shoes in this post. I definitely would wear them!
Spring? What is this “spring” that you speak of?
Like a few others here, we are dealing with below freezing temps, snow and ice!
But thank you for pointing out the light at the end of the tunnel, Susan. Looking forward to pulling out my “coastal” linens, despite being landlocked in the Midwest.
Those shoes, with their easy on/off style, have the appeal of a loafer, but with a lighter touch.
Has anyone come across a wide version?