Look to your best in patriotic attire High Latitude Style

#fashionover40 mature woman in sailor's sweater and trench coat

National Day attire

In many nations it is the custom to dress in patriotic attire, on the National Day. Since Independence Day is just around the corner, I devoted this post of the Ageless Style Series to patriotic outfits. Even though my outfit inspirations are in red-white-and-blue, i.e. it is a post for all my readers. You, for sure, have enough fantasy to replace those colors with the colors of your nation.

#fashionover50 mature woman in posh patriotic look — London boyfriend jeans with a Isaac Mizrahi pink cashmere sweater and Fossil white denim jacket, DIY statement necklace, Hermes H-bangle, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Festina watch, and a LV multi-color studded bag for an example of creating a patriotic vibe while substituting red with pink

Avoid meant to be “funny clothes” with the flag all over

Ever since the week of Father’s Day ads are popping up about sales for Independence Day Attire. Even when one buys something not so extreme as the young lady in the photo below these items are never stylish at any age. Do I have to mention that they are cheap for a reason and that you will not get a lot of wear from them? Thus, the cost-per-wear ratio is not in your favor in addition that you don’t look chic.

#advancedstyle patriotic outfits what not to wear over 40 — What not to wear

Avoid looking costumed in patriotic colors

A bikini or shorts in the colors of your flag are a guaranteed ticket to end up on the worst dressed list. Who wants to be there to begin with? Here are some tips to avoid looking ridiculous when wearing patriotic attire.

Ruffles are an element of costumes. Thus, avoid them like the plague.
Stay away from bikini’s, shorts, socks, T-shirts, dresses, shoes, sunglasses, hats, shirts, etc. with flag prints.
Don’t cut an old flag and make it into an apron.

Vionic patriotic inspired outfit — Oliveo leather pencil skirt with white and blue Carhartt gingham button-down shirt, Ray Ban sunglasses, Jaeger tote, Tissot rock watch, Hermes collier de chien bangle, (all own) and red wedge slides c/o Vionic as an example of a color added (taupe for the bag)

How to get patriotic dressing right

Riot your closet for items in your national colors. If you plan to go to a parade or BBQ, create a casual outfit with these items like you would wear at a normal weekend.
An alternative is to just go with the spirit and use colors that are in the same hue. Again create a casual look in 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 like orange for the Netherlands, salmon pink or peach are great options. You even may add another color in small doses and still get a patriotic look. If you go monochromatic in just your nation’s color add interest by different texture or shine.
Leave one color out.

#styleover40 woman over 40 in red, white and blue patriotic look — Red-white and blue outfit style with Oliveo denim skirt, GNW cardigan, August Silk top, Constance shoulder bag, coin bracelet, Hermes collier de chien leather bangle, and BP espadrilles (all own)

Further patriotic outfit inspirations

Substituting red with pink. Striped Notation T-shirt with Ralph Lauren polka dot pleat skirt, Kieselstein Cord belt, Hermes collier de chien bangle, and Chanel bag (all own) Patriotic outfit with Oliveo maxi leather skirt, Dr. Scholl wedge sandals, Festina sport watch (all own), striped T-shirt c/o Marine Layer, and wooden watch c/o Jord. Here white is substituted by winter white

#fashionover50 mature Independence Day outfit

Example for substituting white with the beige in the hat. Karina navy with red floral dress with sun hat, Gloria Vanderbilt open-toe pumps, Hermes collier de chien bracelets, and Chanel quilted bag (all own)

#fashionover40 lady over 40 in posh casual outfit in patriotic colors

The Limited polo shirt with London Jean boyfriend jeans, Kieselstein Cord belt and buckle, Constance bag, Keds (all own), and sunglasses c/o ShopGlasses

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.

What are your plans for Independence Day? Will you wear a patriotic outfit? What are your style challenges? Let me know by email, so I can help you.

P.S. When you liked this post you may also be interested in reading about what to wear to an outdoor concert, or a summer BBQ.

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Photos: G. Kramm

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Look to your best in patriotic attire

National Day attire

Avoid meant to be “funny clothes” with the flag all over