It’s that season once more; when the lager is streaming, the sky is loaded up with firecrackers, and no dinner is finished without a cut of crusty fruit-filled treat in the current style. With the fourth of July around the bend, the Americana style pattern is hot to jog. Without a moment’s delay ageless and nostalgic, it summons opportunity, idealism, and quality. Regardless of whether you were brought up in the place that is known for the free or basically needs to pursue your own (American) dreams, this look is sure to make you need to take an excursion in a beat-up Cadillac and become mixed up in the Wild West. Find all you need to know about The Modist here.
If you want to be a full-on American ambassador, there is no better place to start than with the iconic stars and stripes. Fly the flag proudly in a printed sweater with some distressed denim cutoffs, or pair some hot pants emblazoned with the Star Spangled Banner and an over-sized white or blue tank for casual yet coordinated cool. Round off with well-worn baseball shoes or an impressive pair of platforms depending on whether you’re headed to the sports stadium or the bar. Oh heck, the platforms will look fantastic anywhere. There are bonus points available for those who really commit to this look by wearing cowboy boots.
If you want to reference American culture in slightly less literal ways, look to Prada’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection for 1950s glamorous inspiration. The muscle-car print, mimicked elsewhere at ASOS and Primark, is cute and knowingly kitschy, while the leather pieces add a touch of sophistication to the fun. Make like a beauty school dropout with swing skirts in pretty pastels and prints, topped with bandeaus and gingham tie blouses. Add a headscarf and some cat-eye sunglasses for a vintage sex appeal that never gets old.
The Pink Ladies inspiration doesn’t need to stop there. Hunt for a leather bomber jacket and customize with your favorite badges and pins, and go for waist belts to accentuate your curves in those flattering and go-with-everything pencil skirts. Shop for a classic Birkin-esque oversized handbag to perfect a look that’s more Stepford Wives than Desperate Housewives. Include lady-like printed blouses on your wish list so that you can easily pair separates for a capsule wardrobe to die for. Perfect for a cross-country journey on the highway!
This isn’t a look that you need to wear from head to toe. In fact, only those feeling particularly patriotic may want to. You can quickly hint at your enthusiasm for all things Yankee by considering classic symbols such as Eagles, Uncle Sam, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty (among many, many more). Clothing and jewelry incorporating these motifs are comfortable to find and throw a subtler salute to the States, in case you’re worried about looking like a walking flagpole. For an all-American vibe that is significantly simpler, simply think preppiness and straightforwardness. Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren have been appearing world how it’s accomplished for a considerable length of time, and why should we contend with these American greats?