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| Patriotic fashion options. |
According to the official Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777 which decreed: “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” During my research for this piece I wondered why we, as a new country, would adopt the same colors as the flag of the country we were rebelling against? Was it a tweak to the British Monarchy or was it because of the wonderful graphic quality these complementary tones invoke? Or both? Needless to say, 234 years later these colors have become a standard in fashion and style. In addition they illustrate patriotism in its most literal form. With Independence Day in the offing, I thought I’d seek out some patriotic style trends from that are still with us.
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| American flag-themed floral lapel pin. |
The flag of the United States has to be one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Here in America, flags are seen on public buildings, private residences, decals on car windows, and as a recurrent motif for summer clothing as well. Love it or leave it, the time has come to make some sort of peace with the “Old Glory” approach to dressing. Sure there are tacky incarnations that will be on display on the Fourth of July and beyond, but the tonal combination of red, white, and blue to various degrees, has always proven a fashion winner. Whether you want to admit it or not, these colors also represent a set of ideals. When people say “All American Style”, or other phrases such as this, how can you not think of these commonly used colors?
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| Patriotic hand-stitching on chambray. |
Bill Blass became well known in the ’60s for his traditional, yet fun approach to American Sportswear. What followed in the ’70s were all things bicentennial, and a glut of cheaply made, embellished flag-adorned togs appeared in stores everywhere in preparation for the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. By the ’80s we saw the homespun effect take hold, with phony hand sewn embroidery on chambray work shirts touting American values. Thank goodness, around that same time Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger brought preppy East Coast style back to the masses with their bright polos, plaids and tennis whites taking us back to the glory days of JFK’s “Camelot.”
I have assembled what means “American Sportswear” to me. You may have your own version of what those words hold dear to you, but here are my picks for celebrating our country, while keeping it South Hampton weekend hip.
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| Bjorn’s pick for guys. |
For guys, as if I were packing for a holiday weekend, I laid out a dark over-dyed denim jacket with silver buttons that I got at a vintage store. On it, I have placed a preppy Bill Blass silk ascot, Proenza Schouler square white sunglasses, Ralph Lauren classic Polo shirt in navy and crimson, a unique vintage short sleeved white sweatshirt from the ’70s with blue and red stripes, my favorite red leather Phat Farm deck shoes, white H&M straight legged jeans with black top stitching and a reversible nylon web belt. All of these items are a good bet for guys who want to show some American fashion spirit, but eschew the literal decal on a t-shirt approach.
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| Bjorn’s pick for the ladies. |
For the gals, I chose a vintage ’70s denim jacket with awesome knit cuffs and waistband in red, white, and blue! I love that the zipper is red also. Under that I have some classic Ralph Lauren white cotton tennis shorts, which are a must for summer wardrobes in general. Laid out is a Tommy Hilfiger boat neck top in black and white stripes, again not too literal, vintage Cacharel cotton headscarf, white faux “Ray Ban” sunglasses, vintage Bill Blass silk scarf and sweet vintage floral lapel pin in our team USA color palette. There are so many ways to put these classic pieces together without wearing something Betsy Ross wouldn’t approve of.
I squarely feel that the “flag-centric” items for sale year round in the summer are innocuous and if people like to wear them, so be it. After all it is a free country! So take my gentle advice here and do American sportswear the right way this summer. Especially on the Fourth of July when taking pride in our country shouldn’t require a Statue of Liberty costume, but instead some fun, wearable, red, white and blue pieces. Remember: being patriotic doesn’t mean looking idiotic!
