Ever wonder how to wear red, white and blue without looking like a walking embodiment of an American Flag? I have! How in the world can you spin wearing red, white and blue without looking like an advertisement for the Tea Party? The answer is to take it to the next level with color blocking and adding gorgeous and fun, mixed prints. Again, my go to is stripes on stripes (one of things at which I’m awesome).

This vintage silk skirt is a color blocked pencil skirt with red and navy. But the red is sparing and kind of expertly placed. The result isn’t American-Flaggy.

Instead of stark white, wear creme/ivory/off-white and wear prints on top. It’ll give visual interest and detract from the patriotic color scheme. This red and white cardigan with vertical stripes has a slimming effect, while the horizontal creme stripes of the tank in a different toned red plays up the print opposition and downplays the blue. Instead of a blatant red, white and blue scheme, it’s more of a dark skirt with a playful red mix on top.

Because everything’s so busy, don’t bother with a belt or fussy shoes. Stick with nude shoes or something plain like creme pumps or navy pumps. Don’t go too crazy with shoes. I’m wearing my go-to nude strappy Dolce Vita Jade wedge heels, because well, it’s better to be subtle to counter-balance the mixed prints on top.

The last thing to add to this is to have good posture and a smile. Nothing makes an outfit worse than bad posture and a sulky expression.

Stripes on stripes mixed prints and color blocking: THAT, is how to wear red, white and blue!

Any questions?

{Outfit architecture}
Creme and red peppermint drape cardigan, Spotted Moth
Vintage navy and red color block silk skirt (similar options)
Red and creme cotton sateen tank, Forever 21 (similar options)
Lace nude tank, Express
Nude strap suede wedge heels, Dolce Vita Jade
Earring: Rockit Boutique
Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch

PS. On a personal note, I’ve been having a lot of stress in my personal life. If I’ve been a bit more volatile (Twitter) or missing in action lately, it’s due to stress. I’m sure things will clear up soon. Thanks for all your well-wishing.

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