We can recognize endurance by identifying classic colour combinations and styles which repeatedly surface in media and retail outlets. One of the most prevalent styles has been the crisp contrast nautical theme (navy and white). This classic theme is differentiated in formality from a more relaxed Cottage Leisure lifestyle with lighter gradients of blue gracing a fresh predominance of white.
The brand Nautica (left below) often uses navy and lighter shades of blue, often paired with red. A simple sailboat motif reflects the Nautica brand’s association with leisure and the more affluent, yachting set.
Marine fashion for the home and cottage has endured but an interesting case emerged for navy and white uniform apparel. The “sailor dress” (above right) was introduced by Peter Thomson in the early 20th Century. At the outset, this style was popular for women and children alike, during a time when club association and standardized dress for schools had appeal. By the mid-20th Century, the billowing dress style was promoted, for comfort and discretion, for maternity wear; but thereafter, a negative connotation emerged for modern women who didn’t want to be forced to dress like children.
One can consider the Western colour symbolism that underlies this style. Crisp white often signifies clarity, purity and formality. Blue signifies relaxation as well as the continuity or expansion through its connection with the ocean or lakes. In an increasingly warm world, this style is likely to become even more popular as it conveys coolness.
Reading media more broadly, one cannot be unaware of other countries’ traditions of Blue and White variants (Other Worldly Marine). Greece continues to lure tourists with its signature cityscape of tiered medium blue and white, overlooking the ocean. In France, a Parisian style often features Blue and White for its table settings and accents, mixing comfortable with vintage antiques. The Dutch traditional of Delft Blue pottery mixes well with a tidy, detailed collection. One can reflect further on how the use of blue in these broader circumstances relates to religious and other significance, conveying anything from rebirth to baptism.
