I'm Proud To Be An American (And A Fashionista)

By Amanda Cohen on July 1, 2016

The time before the 4th of July is no longer a time of learning about our country’s history and why we are so proud to be all about the red, white, and blue. The couple of weeks before the great day of July 4th is about scrambling to put the perfect outfit together.

Whether you are going to the beach, going to a barbecue, or just playing some beer pong in your backyard, you want to look presentable; after all, this magical day in the year 1776 stimulated the 13 colonies to grow into the United States of America. Here are my suggestions on various items you might want to add to your wardrobe before this day sneaks up on us!

Overalls

I know what you’re thinking, overalls are the velvet things you wore with a white long-sleeve shirt when you were younger, but I promise that this is not the case. Overalls are the perfect article of clothing to wear for the 4th. Since overalls are considered vintage, you can literally find them at any store and in any pattern/color.

If you are attending a BBQ, wear a pair of star-studded denim overalls with a red, white, and/or blue shirt underneath. Make sure the shirt does not have a high neck-line because that would overpower the summery overalls. You can even go for a white-denim pair of overalls and pair it with a bright blue and/or red top … the opportunities are seriously endless!

Over-sized American flag t-shirt

If you are spending July 4th with your toes in the sand, you definitely want to go for a more casual outfit that you can wear easily over your swimsuit. Instead of going with the generic jean shorts and top, you can pack lighter if you just buy an over-sized American flag t-shirt and wear it as a dress. You can find a shirt like this just about anywhere (even at CVS).

Since your t-shirt will be the first thing people see, you don’t really have to wear a red, white, and/or blue swimsuit (unless you really want to). Finish off your look with an American flag coozie to hold your beer and you’re golden!

Photo via. http://picture-cdn.wheretoget.it/o87gsq-l.jpg

Bandana-tied headband

Ladies, it is time to take some notes from our fellow hipsters, because they have a killer sense of fashion. I’ve attempted to pull off the headband look on holidays like the 4th, but I end up with a large crease on the top of my head and wild and crazy hair, instead of the ideal adorable pushed-back hairstyle that I was aiming for.

The bandana headband look is perfect because it is not too tight, so you won’t get a crease and it won’t make you look bald. All you do is buy a desired American-themed bandana, tie it around your head, and knot it at the top of your scalp! If you’re like me and have a difficult time styling hair, there are plenty of tutorials online that will help you get your desired look!

Photo via. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

Face Tattoos

I know none of us will be ringing in the 4th at a college football tailgate, but face tattoos are acceptable nonetheless. If you don’t want to spend the money buying something that bears the American Flag, buy a face tattoo at your local drug store to jazz up your white jeans or blue dress that you already have hanging in your closet! If you’re an artist, buy some face paint and deck out your face in some abstract red, white, and blue design! If you are looking to get super jazzy with it, buy some rhinestones to outline your eyes with. You can really embrace your inner music-festival goer if you opt to enhance your accessories rather than your outfit!

Even though I focused on the fashion aspect of the 4th of July, don’t forget the historical importance of this holiday and don’t forget about the troops who risk their lives to preserve the country we love to celebrate. Ensure that your words and outfit are respectful and mindful of those who are fighting on behalf of the entire population.

With that being said, I don’t recommend wearing anything that has the American Flag on it and is also ripped. I also don’t recommend wearing a swimsuit that has the American Flag on it. Obviously we all want to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful summer’s day with our friends and family, but there is a way to balance a fun celebration with respect and courtesy to others.

So, ladies and gentleman, wear your red, white, and blue with pride and remember that the 4th of July is all about celebrating the day where we transitioned to being “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!”

Happy 4th of July everyone, and thank you to those who risk their lives every day to ensure that we are able to celebrate this historical day.

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