The VOU's Guide to Cape Cod Nautical Style - Dress Like an American Aristocrat

In the summer of 1953, when a young John F. Kennedy was photographed sailing off the coast of Hyannis Port in a weathered navy blazer and stone chinos, he wasn't making a calculated style statement. The brass buttons on his jacket weren't decorative—they were designed to resist corrosion from salt water, a practical innovation dating back to 18th-century naval uniforms. This fusion of function and refinement would become the cornerstone of what we now recognise as Cape Cod style, where every sartorial detail tells a story of maritime heritage and old-money discretion.

This extraordinary book reveals how America's coastal aristocracy developed a distinctive wardrobe born from the practical necessities of seaside living. You'll discover why the iconic Nantucket Reds—those distinctive dusty pink trousers—were created in brilliant crimson by Philip C. Murray in the 1960s, designed to deliberately fade to their signature salmon hue after repeated exposure to saltwater and sun, mimicking the weathered sails of vintage yachts. And learn how the boat shoe's ingenious non-marking, siped sole was invented in 1935 by Paul Sperry after he observed his dog's remarkable traction on ice, inspiring him to carve similar patterns into rubber to prevent sailors from slipping on wet decks.

Even more fascinating, the ubiquitous cable-knit sweater—now a staple of Cape Cod wardrobes—was originally designed for 19th-century fishermen from the Aran Islands. Each family used distinctive stitch patterns that served the macabre purpose of identifying drowned sailors washed ashore. And the D-ring belt, that casual summer essential, evolved from military equipment belts of World War II, repurposed by returning GIs who summered on the Cape, creating the perfect blend of utility and understated elegance.

In this book:

• A comprehensive exploration of Cape Cod style's evolution from practical maritime workwear to the uniform of America's leisure class
• Expert guidance on creating a versatile wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from beach walks to yacht club dinners
• In-depth analysis of regional variations, from Nantucket's conservative heritage to Martha's Vineyard's artistic influences
• Detailed examination of how each signature Cape Cod garment evolved from nautical necessity to status symbol
• Insider insights into the unwritten dress codes of New England's most exclusive coastal enclaves

Written by Ru Amiri, PhD in Sustainable Fashion with years of expertise in high-end fashion collaborations, and Laurenti Arnault, PhD in Luxury Fashion with over twenty years of front-row fashion experience, this book provides an unparalleled perspective on mastering the nautical aristocrat aesthetic with authentic sophistication.

Featuring rare archival photography documenting how Cape Cod style evolved from the practical garb of New England fishermen to the wardrobe of America's political aristocracy. Each image is accompanied by expert analysis of the subtle details that distinguish genuine old-money nautical style from contemporary imitation, including the precise width of a blazer's lapel (never exceeding 3 inches—a tradition dating back to 1920s Brooks Brothers specifications) and the correct way to achieve the collar roll on an Oxford cloth button-down (the 7mm roll perfected by J. Press in 1954 for Yale undergraduates who summered on the Cape).

"The VOU's Cape Cod Style Mastery" isn't just another fashion guide—it is your definitive resource for understanding a distinctive American aesthetic. Every weathered boat shoe, faded cotton sweater, and brass-buttoned blazer tells a fascinating story of maritime heritage, social significance, and timeless elegance.