Bars and Stars- Patriotic Fashion Choices
July 2, 2014
By Brian Maynor
It’s hard to believe July 4th is once again here, but what an exciting weekend. Between pool parties, cookouts, baseball, the World Cup and Wimbledon there are a lot of ways to enjoy and cheer on the USA this week.
Show your support either with traditional pieces sporting Old Glory, or untraditionally. Here are a few inspiration looks that work great to show support for your country this weekend or any other:
1. Color Palette. Let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with an outfit that includes red, white and blue in it this weekend. While you can pull together individual pieces to color block your outfit, another option is to look for pieces that blend the colors.
This dress and polo shirt, for example, blend together red, white and blue in a way that is both fashionable and unique. These pieces don’t scream “U-S-A” but they are none-the-less patriotic. For me, the key is finding pieces that are wearable the rest of the year as well that won’t look out of place.
2. Play it up. If you want to go bold, look for accessories that feed into the red, white and blue theme. Pairing this predominately blue dress with red shoes is an easy start. It pulls out the red in the top of the dress that could go unnoticed at first glance and solidifies the theme. If the dress doesn’t have red in it, red shoes will still work, but you will want to ground it with the other accessories like a bag or bracelet.
3. Down play it. Another option is to tone down the palette with solids and neutrals. This polo shirt is pretty bold and pretty dark, so pairing it with lighter pants keeps it seasonally appropriate and can lead the white to look like grey. The darker solid linen cardigan gives the outfit balance and really deemphasizes the shirt.
July 4th is the weekend to celebrate all things American, and to me that means hot dogs, hamburgers and red, white and blue. No matter what you have planned, find a place to showoff your pride in style.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards 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.
