Lynne McCrossan: Sailing should be kept strictly for the stylish

SETTING sail on the ocean wave has to be one of the most stylish ways to travel.

Boats gliding on water, yachts tied up in marinas, cruise liners heading to exotic destinations, it all has a sense of occasion that makes you want to spruce up.

Every time I pass the entrance in Ocean Terminal to the Royal Yacht Britannia I think about Marilyn Monroe in her tight pencil skirt and leopard print cape boarding the boat to Paris in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

So when it’s time to visit the in-laws back in Belfast I can’t wait to scout many outfits fit for a crossing of the Irish sea.

Maxi dresses tend to be my travelling garment of choice since they are like giant glamour-ous night dresses, comfortable yet chic. But I always opt for a flat flip flop on foot to avoid doing a Goldie Hawn in Overboard.

When boarding the HSS there’s always a spring in my step to be back sailing. However this time I was greeted by a tidal wave of tracksuits – it was terrible. I felt compelled to call Stena Line to ask for a style fine to be imposed on anyone wearing slovenly gear. I popped the idea into their suggestions box and am praying it’s in place for my next sail.

Fashion Insider

New York has wrapped up now so all eyes are on London as September brings a month of fashion weeks to us style slaves. The front running trends have been tribal for spring/summer next year – and it’s looking mighty colourful.