Fashion is showing its patriotic colours this season. By Hilary Alexander The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, are leading the charge for St George to be rehabilitated, their suggestions including the idea that the Patron Saint of England might even be accorded a national holiday or, at the very least, given a bit more recognition. As weird as it might seem, the pair already have support from an unlikely quarter - the fashion industry. Fashion has long been flying the flag. It is something of a seasonal must-have, as regular as the tides. It is as difficult to imagine a summer without red and white - and blue - as it is to picture a British beach without wind-shields. Flying the flag, of course, is generally related to dressing for spring and summer with the crisp, smart touch of sailor-chic. But there is no doubt that wearing the familiar and much loved colours of St George and the ‘Union Jack’ is about the only time fashion comes within a nautical mile of looking at all patriotic. This season, the nautical craze first set sail at Milan Fashion Week, when Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana unfurled their younger, cheaper diffusion line, D&G. To describe the collection as being awash with red, white and blue is rather under-stating it; the catwalk was a sea of all things maritime from tunics and jumpsuits to beach-pyjamas and shorts, all in bold flag stripes, often given added authority with sequins and gold braid. Espadrilles were tethered with rope-ties, T-shirts emblazoned with crystal anchors and retro bathing suits printed with yachts and dinghies. Here, of course, we tend to view such wholesale devotion to the nautical theme as going a bit overboard. But you can still salute the red, white and blue without looking like an extra from H.M.S. Pinafore. How to sail in style Join the navy - summer’s answer to winter’s black. Wallis’s short-sleeved, sash-waisted, wide-legged all-in-one is a stylish alternative to a 9-5 trouser suit Stripe ahoy - T-shirts in red and white or navy and white add instant nautical chic Bell-bottoms - the naval-chic answer to fashion’s flares, especially if they have matelot buttons as at Toast (red) or Marks & Spencer (gilt) Sailor collars - unearthed from the Victorian children’s wardrobe, add fresh appeal to a summer cardigan, as at Antoni & Alison Accessories - Plain sailing, as long as you keep it simple. Red and white espadrilles or a belt, buckled with an anchor is often all you need Pictures: Simon Songhurst Stylist: Hilary Alexander Hair & make-up: Carl Stanley using Christian Dior cosmetics Model: Christine Pillow @ Premier Fashion assistant: Natasha Cowan Still life pictuers by Robert Clements Photographed at the Fortress Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka; www.thefortress.lk , 0094 9143 80909 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/5125832/Flying-the-flag-in-red-white-and-b...