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Are you ready to show your love for your country in style? In many Nations, it’s tradition to dress in patriotic attire on national holidays. Therefore, look no further than this post for a patriotic outfit that will make a statement wherever you go. Whether you celebrate the event with sports games, parades, a party, or other festivities, it’s important to represent your country with style, comfort, and confidence in one stunning package. This post offers sophisticated outfit inspirations, ranging from patriotic jersey dress outfit ideas to combinations of separates that you can create from pieces in your closet, regardless of your national colors. Patriotic attire can be stylish without classic flag designs or prints inspired by national symbols. So why wait? Get ready to turn heads and make a patriotic statement without spending money on a fast-fashion patriotic jersey dress outfit that you can only wear one day a year. Embrace your love for your country and look fabulous while doing it! Read what to wear for a stylish patriotic outfit.

 

patriotic jersey dress outfit and separates in red white and blue showcasing what to wear on a National Holiday
Examples of how to dress in a sophisticated and stylish manner, using red, white, and blue as an example.

 

Use Your National Colors to Create a Stylish Patriotic Outfit

Although my outfit inspirations are in red, white, and blue, this post is meant to be inclusive for all my readers. You, for sure, have enough fantasy to replace those colors with your National colors.

 

Nicole in her national colors in a high-low tulip hem dress
The benefits of wearing a patriotic jersey dress outfit include the breathability of the fabric and a wrinkle-free appearance, even after sitting for a long time. The outfit above works well for a brunch or luncheon in a casual place.

 

British inspired effortlessly stylish outfit idea for a National Holiday
This blue and white dress paired with a matching hat, red bag, and heels works at a conservative restaurant, or when attending a horse or dog race.

 

How to Dress for a National Day

You can use the colors of the flag or colors that are close enough to show the intent to dress with the theme. The collage below shows two inspirations that substitute red with pink, and one using light blue instead of blue. The color combinations are close enough for a stylish patriotic outfit.

 

stylist featuring 3 stylish patriotic outfit ideas created with colors similar to her Nation's
Examples of staying close to the National colors and going with the vibe only. Left: red is substituted with pink. Middle: Stripes and dots come close to stars and stripes. The look is also an example of how to leave out a color.  Right: a red, white, and blue outfit idea with a lighter blue than the flag.

 

There is no need to just wear the National Colors. In the stylish patriotic outfit inspiration below, for instance, the leopard shoes add a touch of brown, tan, and black.

Tip: Adding another color reduces the risk to look costumed.

 

mature woman in casual red-white and blue outfit for Independence Day
Outfit inspiration with an added color: These looks work when you have to go to work on a National Holiday.

 

Try an element of your flag, like the stars or stripes of the star-sprinkled banner, or the cross(es) of the United Kingdom, Greek, Danish, Finnish, Georgian, and Icelandic flags, to give some examples.

 

3 national day outfit ideas featuring the stripes of the flag
Left: Red-white and-blue, stripes, and substituting the stars with polka-dots. Middle: keep people guessing whether this is an outfit in your (gamine) style or styled for the holiday. Right: separates featuring the colors of your Nation, like this red skirt with a striped blue and white top, can make a casual look suitable for watching the parade or celebrating with a BBQ party.

 

Accessories to Complement Your Patriotic Outfit

Whether you wear a patriotic jersey dress outfit or separates, complement your attire with accessories. To elevate its overall appeal, consider adding statement jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Here flag motifs or patriotic colors are a fun option a cohesive and stylish look that exudes patriotism. However, for a sophisticated look, try accessories in gold, silver, or even pearls.

Complete your national-inspired outfit with shoes that match the color scheme or are a neutral color, such as leopard, black, or metallic. What shoes to wear with a patriotic jersey dress outfit or separates depends on your plans. Flats like ballerinas, or old-school sneakers, are comfortable when you stand for a long time. When you expect to walk on grass or uneven terrain and your dress or separates require heels, wedges are a good alternative.

Pair a patriotic jersey dress outfit with a stylish handbag or clutch in neutral or patriotic colors. Opt for a sleek leather bag in red, white, or blue for a classic, elegant vibe. Of course, coordinate your bag with your attire, shoes, and jewelry for a cohesive and polished look showcasing your love for your Nation.

 

accessories over 40 necklaces and belt buckle
Zoom-in on the look to show details of the DIY necklace and belt

 

fashion blogger in a polka dot dress on Independence Day
Karina polka dot dress, Gucci belt, Hilfinger wedges, agate necklace (made by me), JORD watch, and sunglasses c/o Winkwood.

 

mature fashion blogger Nicole in red trousers, pumps, gingham shirt and denim jacket sitting on a bumper on July 4th
Great Northwest cropped denim jacket, red lew magram trousers, ethnic belt, Prada bag, Gloria VanderBilt heels, and gingham button-down shirt c/o Whistle River.

 

midlife woman in dress over pants awaiting no Independence Day fireworks in Fairbanks, Alaska
Shein striped dress, Orvis seersuckers, Moshino belt, Dr. Scholl striped wedge sandals, Celine tote, T-shirt c/o Onno, and wooden sport watch c/o Jord.

 

 

How to Get Patriotic Dressing Right at Any Age

  • Riot your closet for items in your national colors. If you plan to attend a parade or dress for a BBQ with friends, create a casual outfit using these items, just as you would on a normal weekend.
  • An alternative is to go with the spirit and use colors in the same hue for a casual look that suits your style. You may even add another color to your national colors or swap just one color with a color in the same family but a different hue. But let the spirit still be obvious. For example, when your nation has just one color, such as orange for the Netherlands, salmon pink or peach are great options. You may even add another color in small doses and still get a patriotic look. If you style a monochromatic look in just your nation’s color, add interest by different texture or shine.
  • Leave one color out.
  • Create a stylish patriotic outfit that includes the colors.

 

French inspired stylish patriotic outfit with striped sailor top and trench coat
French Woman inspired red-white and blue outfit.

 

Ways to Avoid Looking Costumed in Patriotic Colors

Here is a list of what not to wear when dressing for National Day.

  • Ruffles are an element of costumes and Romantic Style, but not for a serious event like a National Day.
  • Avoid wearing bikinis, shorts, socks, T-shirts, dresses, shoes, sunglasses, hats, shirts, etc. with flag prints. It’s plain tasteless.
  • Don’t cut an old flag and make it into an apron or other attire.

 

 

 

Stylish Patriotic Outfit Ideas for Women over 50

The following photos illustrate the above-discussed concepts applied in red, white, and blue, national-inspired looks for women over 40.

 

influencer in 3 patriotic inspired outfit inspirations
Looks in red, white, and blue. Left: patriotic jersey dress outfit. Middle: Casual separates for a grill party or watching the parade. Rolling up your sleeves creates instant style. Given the current jeans trend, a jean jacket is a trendy and stylish option for staying warm and comfortable during the fireworks. Right: fake or real twinsets provide a cover-up when it gets chilly in the evening. Knot the cardigan around your waist or neck for style when it is still warm enough.

 

Try outfits that would also work on a normal weekend, but change the colors. Here are some visual and stylish patriotic outfit inspirations that incorporate the colors, but can also be worn on a weekend.

 

4 red white and blue outfits for Independence Day
Left and middle left: separates in your national colors. Middle right: example of adding another color. Neutrals work best to showcase the national colors. Right: patriotic jersey dress outfit.

 

When you liked the outfit recipes of this post, and want recipes for all kind of dressing situation in midlife, buy my book How to Dress for Success in Midlife.

 

 

Why Avoid Meant to Be “Funny” Independence Day Attire

Many people died for their country’s Independence. Therefore, even non-extreme Independence Day Attire, Such< as the young lady in the photo below, may be perceived as disrespectful. Moreover, these items are never stylish at any age.   [caption id="attachment_13206" align="alignnone" width="625"]outfits what not to wear on Independence Day over 40 Example of what not to wear on Independence Day. A bikini or shorts in the colors of your flag are a guaranteed ticket to end up on the worst-dressed list. Other examples are baseball hats, sunglasses or socks with national symbols.[/caption]

 

Wrapping Up: How to Dress for Independence Day

Regardless of your nationality, when it comes to dressing in national colors, one may end up looking like a costume. To avoid looking ridiculous in patriotic attire.

  1. Stay away from anything ruffled.
  2. Avoid wearing clothes with flag prints.
  3. Pick items in the national colors from your closet and create a casual, tasteful weekend outfit.
  4. When you like a twist or only want to go with the vibe, add another color or leave one out.
  5. Substitute one color with a color that is close to your national colors.

 

 

Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans.

 

 

Photos of me: G. Kramm

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