Like them or loathe them, nautical accessories are an investment, as they will never go out of fashion. You may need to store them in your closet for a season, but the nautical theme is guaranteed to re-emerge every summer, admittedly with a slightly new twist. In fact, nautical these days has become less of trend and more of a fashion staple.

Wearing one nautical piece, like an accessory, rather than lots of nautical clothing mixed together keeps it simple, without going overboard, and give you a touch of class.

Nautical Themes Shoes

Choose from navy, red and white striped sandals, wedges and courts. This season’s shoes are awash with buckles, ropes and ribbons and naval detail in nautical navy and sailor white.

There is also a distinct seafaring feel to heels for spring and summer with raffia and canvas platforms and wedges.

If stripes are not your thing then you can just dip your toe into the trend and go for a single-color shoe with simple embellishments such as a nautical bow, rope detailing or brass porthole buttons.

Nautical is associated with crisp, clean and chic (not to mention the monied look). Choose subtle nautical designs and they'll carry your through several seasons, like Tory Burch Nautical inspired footwear, Shea Patent Navy Wedges with rope detailing and white slingback wedges with brass porthole detailing. Michael Kors "Seaport T-Strap" Sandals offer a more obvious alternative. So do Dune's stripy courts – the Peep-Toe Letsey.

Alternatively, be right on trend by combining this year’s hot gladiator sandals with a nautical twist. Navy gladiator sandals are a prettied up version of the standard brown gladiators, and provide a very feminine feel.

Nautical Themed Handbags & Purses

Purses this year have not escaped the nautical look. Equally at home at the Hampton’s, Portofino or your local beach is a classic nautical themed beach tote. Alternatively, splash out on a summery sailor duffle bag which is chic enough to take you from beach to bar, particularly if its Balenciaga's Leather Rope Handle Sack. Chanel has taken the trend up a notch by adding a funky porthole window to a classic quilted bag from their Ready-to-Wear Spring & Summer Collection. Billy Bag's stylish Francesca Large Rope Barrel bag is also sure to be a winner due to its versatility.

Despite being a low-key look on the Spring and Summer 2011 runways, high street stores have really gone overboard on nautical, providing a touch of summer elegance. Investing in nautical accessories this season means that you are giving a nod to a trend which will never date.