Women's Sailor Dresses

Common Detailing on Nautical Fashions

Back in postwar movies like Anchors Away and South Pacific, movie stars wore saucy women's sailor dresses. Though styles have expanded since then and vary widely, the following features are common to the nautical-themed clothing:

• Crisp naval tailoring
• Blue and white combination
• Brass buttons
• Accent anchors
• Bowknot
• Nautical stripes

Where to Buy Women's Sailor Dresses

Nautical-themed clothing can be causal and fun or more formal. It depends on fabric, cut and, of course, the designer. The following outlets offer a selection of plus size dresses with something to please everyone.

• ChinaTowner

ChinaTowner offers new, refreshing styles for young plus size women with sizes up to XXL which equals size 18. They recognize customer distinctiveness and have created quality fashions to meet the tastes of today's women including a Vintage Sailor Mini Dress Tunic Top, available in black, navy or white. If you're looking for something a little spicier, they also offer their Hot Sailor Wiggle Dress, which features a small bow at bust, fitted waist and six buttons. This hot number comes in black, navy or red and is designed with a side zipper to make it easy to get into.

• Orvis

Orvis offers a timeless sailor dress classic that features detailing like stitched-down pleats that let loose at the waist, ribbon trimmed collar and side-seam pockets. This dress is available in sizes up to XL (18-20).

• Wal-Mart

If you'd rather go to a brick and mortar store, Wal-mart offers a strapless women's sailor dress, which they carry in sizes up to and including 18. The dress is created with light boning and elastic to keep the strapless design in place.

Sailor Pants and Tops

For those who would rather not wear a dress, you can find a nice selection of pants and tops that incorporate the sailor tailoring features.

• Travelsmith

For example, Travelsmith carries a pair of women's plus size sailor Pants with tummy panel as well as a women's plus size sailor skirt.

• Jessica London

Jessica London also carries sailor pants in plus sizes. Their stretch cotton sailor pants sport wider legs and feature decorative button detailing.

• Avenue

Avenue also offers sailor pants, but their Button Bottom Crops make a nice alternative to jeans or wide leg pants. They have an elastic inset in the waist for comfort and fit and zip at the front.

• Cherished Woman

CherishedWoman.com offers the SVOBODA Jan Sailor Trouser Jean. This trouser is made of medium weight stretch black denim with blue stitching. They fit hourglass figures and pear shapes well with the smaller waist and generous cut to flatter the buttocks and thighs.

Nautical Style Tops

Nautical style tops are a popular choice to complement your favorite skirt, pants or jeans.

• Travelsmith

Travelsmith's women's plus size Nautical Tee is easy to care for with its wrinkle-free fabric. The shirred bodice, nautical stripes and solid cuffs give this shirt the little extras that make it a perfect accessory for any wardrobe.

• Blue Velvet

Blue Velvet offers a plus size Nautical Halter Top with gold stitching and a star at the bust. A pair of matching plus size shorts are available as a separate item.

Spring Fashion 2008

While nautical looks are ever popular, you may be surprised to learn that according to Fashion-Era, nautical tailoring is one of the up and coming spring plus size fashion trends. This includes:

• Blazers
• Trims
• Shoulders
• Tuxedo-shawl collartuxedo shawl
• Narrow pant suits
• Wide pant suits