With summer fast approaching, I often find myself gazing longingly at the Charles River while eating Sunday brunch. While it′s definitely not the ocean and doesn′t have any sand on its shores to lie in, every so often a lovely boat will glide by, making me forget I′m in the middle of a city. There′s something fresh, classy, and utterly summery about a gleaming white Boston Whaler or a small polished sailboat slowly moving along the river. Luckily, even though I′m stuck in Cambridge for a few more weeks, I can express this nautical spirit through my wardrobe. No boating skills necessary. Read on to find some simple ways to channel your inner sailor!

Dress Whites: Even if you′re not in the Navy, incorporating some crisp white pieces into your spring and summer wardrobe instantly adds class and simple sophistication to your outfits. Try a white pencil skirt or a pair of simple white jeans with a bright, solid colored top. Pair with white sandals—or, if you prefer, match silver or gold sandals with whatever jewelry you have on. If you′re a curvy girl and find tighter white items tricky to wear (hello, awkward underwear lines), try a white empire-waisted sundress. This look is loose on the bottom and flows gracefully in the wind. Perfect for an evening stroll on the beach (or an evening stroll in the Square)! Check out these gorgeous ladies for inspiration.

Stripes: We′ve all heard that rumor that horizontal stripes are unflattering. However, stripes can actually be very attractive depending on how you wear them. I like pairing a three-quarter- sleeved top with alternating stripes in white and color with a pair of jeans. Depending on your style, try dark skinny jeans or a pair of distressed boyfriend fit (loose) jeans cuffed at the bottoms. You can also rock a cute striped sundress, but be sure to belt it to break up the pattern at bit. If you′re shopping for a striped piece, look for mid-size stripes; these are most flattering. If you buy an item with stripes that are too big or small, you begin to look like an optical illusion. And ladies, do try to break away from crimson: we all love the Harvard rugby shirts sold at the Coop, but they just don′t fall into the ″nautical″ category. Check out a cute example of a striped tee from J.Crew.com:

Nautical Jewelry: You don′t have to be in Delta Gamma to rock the anchor. Try some cute gold or silver anchor earrings, or a fabulous statement necklace. A gold or silver anchor necklace looks especially great against a high necked navy blue shirt, or even a simple white v-neck tee. Anything with knots is also fair game. Knotted gold stud earrings are super easy to find and go with everything. Try looking for rings and necklaces as well. You may also stumble upon rope jewelry (such as the necklace pictured at the bottom), but this trend is a bit rare – if you do discover such a piece, definitely snap it up! See below for an assortment of nautical jewelry picks.

Once you′ve compiled some great nautical pieces for your wardrobe, just keep in mind that you′re not actually a sailor. Unlike that ″slutty-sailor″ Halloween getup you rocked this past October, your everyday wardrobe is not the place to mix red heels, fishnets, a white mini-skirt, and a striped tube-top. Be sure to tone down your nautical items by pairing them with muted pieces in more subdued colors. The goal is to look laid back and summery – extra points for sun-kissed makeup and windblown hair!

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knits...

http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/afm-style-files/wp-content/uploa...

http://www.stylebakeryteen.com/images/LaurenConradFoley.jpg

http://www.retro-jewellery.co.uk/ekmps/shops/retrojewellery/images/ancho...

http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/2/optimized/690342_fpx.t...

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?_DARGS=/anthro/...