Independence Day – Red, White, Blue Without Embroidery
July 5, 2013
By Brian Maynor
July 5, 2013
It’s a holiday weekend! The Fourth of July means cookouts with family and friends, enjoying fireworks while indulging in smores and marveling at the embroidered patriotic clothing choices people make.
Understandably there is a time and place for wearing smocked and embroidered clothing, namely if you work with small children or are a small child, however as a general rule I am not a fan, especially of holiday themed embroidery. In fact it is a pet peeve.
It is possible to pay homage to the holidays without over-the-top embellished clothing and thus maintain your creditability as a stylish, modern and sophisticated individual. Here is what I recommend:
1. Start with color. Every holiday has an iconic color palette that is immediately recognizable. The Fourth of July, like all patriotic holidays, is red, white and blue. Honestly, I do not think it is possible to wear that color combination without looking patriotic.
2. Strategy is key. Since the colors are so identifiable the way they are incorporated into the outfit is important. This blue wrap dress can be styled any number of ways before and after the holiday, and even with the necklace does not scream patriotic until you add the red shoes. That one element really completes the red white and blue theme and pushes it over-the-top.
3. Keep the pieces modern. It would have been easy to pair the red linen shirt with solid navy shorts, but it also would have been a missed opportunity. Printed shorts and pants are trending for summer, and by incorporating them you keep the outfit firmly grounded in the present.
4. Still have fun. One of the best parts of getting dressed is having fun and being creative. The bag is just playful and the perfect bridge to bring all of the individual pieces together, and the grey shoes emphasize the print in the short. Plus they are another hot and trendy item for the season.
Embroidered holiday clothing is a limiting and honestly lazy way of recognizing a holiday. If you truly want to embody the season, use it as an opportunity to showcase your creativity with a gentle, thoughtful nod that still remains stylish and modern.
Woman’s Fourth of July Outfit
Man’s Fourth of July Outfit
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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