(Image credit: Kourken Pakchanian/Conde Nast via Getty Images)
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 30 fashion and beauty finds on their current wish list.
When working on this story, I came to a realization: How fun would an ocean-themed Met Gala be? Think about all the fun references you could make: seashells, coral, waves, mermaids, fishing nets, sailboats, submarines. The list goes on. Who wants to pass along my idea to Anna Wintour? In the meantime, I’ll settle for a fun maritime-inspired shopping story.
Below, I rounded up my favorite nautical-themed buys from Zara, H&M, Dôen, J.Crew, and more. Some items have overt references, while others are more loosely inspired by the sea. There are sailor stripes, boat shoes, starfish prints, seashell jewelry, and so on. Whether your budget calls for an $18 H&M shirt or a $990 crochet Chloé bag, I think you’ll find something on my list that delights you. Scroll down to shop my picks.
Julietta
Exclusive Nautilus Shell Earrings
These earrings are showstoppers.
Cult Gaia
Owen Knitted Top
Cult Gaia is reliably cool.
Suddenly I need a sailor-inspired sweater.
FRANÇOISE
Exclusive Coco Cropped Cotton Poplin Sailor Top
ZARA
Starfish Cord Necklace
This $36 price tag is ideal.
Simkhai
Drayton Seamed Bikini Top
Summer is on the horizon.
Rixo
Star Fish Sequined Minidress
Fashion editors love Rixo dresses.
The styling options are limitless with this shirt.
LINGUA FRANCA NYC
Whale Crewneck
Lingua Franca is known for its charming embroideries.
Chloé
Sea Treasures Crocheted Crossbody Bag
Fancy a designer splurge?
ZARA
Double-Breasted Knit Blazer Jacket
This Zara blazer is so chic.
Alémais
Sea Linen Minidress
Alémais excels at pretty prints.
Universal Standard
Belle Breton Stripe Jersey Tee
Sperry
Authentic Original Boat Shoes
Sperry is the last word in boat shoes.
Ciao Lucia
Florencia Dress White
This dress sold out because Piper wore it in season 3 of The White Lotus, but you can sign up to be notified when new stock arrives.
Veronica Beard
Nantucket Shell Necklace
This necklace will be a magnet for compliments.
Another excellent Zara find.
You can never own too many stripes tees.
FRANÇOISE
Exclusive Coco Tie-Front Cotton Sailor Dress
I discovered this charming brand on Moda Operandi.
Brochu Walker
The Rope Belt
It’s time to learn the ropes.
J.Crew
Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe
Hurry: This sale will not last forever.
Kule
The Fisher Sailor Tee
Ciao Lucia
Sidonie Navy + White Stripe Pullover
I love everything about this photo.
JOHANNA ORTIZ
Enlightened Sailor Tiered Cutout Printed Linen Maxi Dress
Johanna Ortiz never gets it wrong.
FARM RIO
Fringed Striped Crocheted Cotton Midi Skirt
Farm Rio has a slew of nautical-themed clothes for spring 2025.
These H&M shoes are bound to sell out.
SAINT JAMES
Breton Striped Shirt With Collar
ALEMAIS
Oceane Linen Shirtdress
The perfect summer picnic dress.
Givenchy
Scalloped Waistband Wool Mohair Sailor Shorts
Givenchy is on board with this trend too.
