Age-Wise Style: Sail Through Spring in These La Marinière Must-Haves

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InStyle’s Special Projects Editor Cindy Weber Cleary has been a fashion editor for the past 20+ years. Needless to say, she’s picked up some tricks along the way. Catch her column here each week for how-to tips and style secrets on her favorite, timeless looks.

Growing up at the Jersey shore, I knew a lot of sailors. No, not men in uniform. Recreational sailors. Lots of my childhood friends belonged to “River Rats,” a sailing club. My best friend’s father was the “Boats and Travel Editor” at Sports Afield magazine (nice gig!), but I never did learn the difference between port and starboard. What I did pick up was a love of nautical-inspired style. Anything that has to do with the sea speaks to me.

Sailor Pants

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I have always loved a sailor pant. With or without the double-row of buttons on the front or the lace-up detail on the back, wide leg trousers in neutral colors and simple fabrics such as cotton, linen, or denim are a timeless classic.

Shop it (from left): Zara, $100; zara.com. Sonia Rykiel, $760; net-a-porter.com. Vince, $328; intermixonline.com.

Breton-striped T-shirts and Fisherman’s Sweaters

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The same goes for a Breton-striped T-shirt or fisherman’s sweater. If you don’t already have one of these, you should buy one now. They are always chic, at any age.

Shop it (from left): A.P.C., $135; eatontradingcompany.com. L.L.Bean, $79; llbean.com. Topshop, $90; topshop.com.

Peacoats

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Peacoats are the perfect weekend jacket. They can also be translated into finer fabrics for work or even casual evening wear.

Shop it (from left): Tomas Maier, $725; net-a-porter.com. Uniqlo, $30; uniqlo.com. Burberry Brit, $958; harrods.com.

Accessories

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Last, but not least, I am mad for maritime-style accessories. A bracelet based on a sailor’s knot, an oversize scarf in a nautical stripe and, most especially, espadrilles. They are comfortable, practical, and never go out of style.

Shop it (from left): Balenciaga scarf, $465; barneys.com. Tory Burch espadrilles, $135; toryburch.com. Kate Spade New York bracelet, $78; neimanmarcus.com. Elizabeth and James handbag, $545; shopbop.com.

Keep a sharp lookout for these as you set your spring shopping course!

Runway inspiration (at top): Sonia Rykiel spring/summer 2015

PHOTOS: Shop Splurge-Worthy Classics That Will Forever Be a Part of Your Wardrobe

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