4th of July Fashion Challenge

I love the 4th of July!  Essentially any holiday that occurs during the summer and gets me a day off from work is a winner, but I particularly enjoy the festivities surround the 4th; warm weather, bbqs, and fireworks are the best.  Both Hilary and I will be stateside for it but celebrating separately. 

I've seen quite a few bloggers post about 4th of July fashion, (which I didn't realize was a thing, although I guess any holiday presents it's own fashion necessities) and it got me to thinking...how can I dress patriotically without 1) spending any money, and 2) not look like a walking American flag? 

It would take some thought and creativity.  Challenge accepted.

Once again I've exchanged a purse for a bright and cheerful cocktail.

I gave myself a $0 budget so I began by shopping my own closet.  In the past I've been guilty of buying something new for each social occasion.  Wedding? New dress.  Job interview? New blazer.  Beginning of school? New shoes (and I'm not even in school anymore!).   Not this holiday season.  Lucky for me I've always been attracted to blues, particularly blue blouses, so I had a plethora to choose from, and last summer I picked up a pair of red chino shorts from J. Crew.  I had the requisite color scheme.

Avoiding the Uncle Sam look proved to be the more difficult of the two rules.  How could I style these pieces for the 4th in a way that I could repeat the outfit another day?  Neutral accessories.

What's more American than a white picket fence?

Last year I was all about black accessories but this year I've purchased accessories in a neutral dusty pink color that are both versatile and complimentary.  Typically, I don't wear dusty pink because it washes my skin out but wearing shoes, jewelry, and sunglasses in this color have been a nice contrast to my wardrobe. 

I paired my blue blouse and red shorts with Vince Camuto sandals and no brand sunglasses both of which were a neutral pink.  I also gave myself a pedi in a bright purple...after all what is purple but red and blue?

No Uncle Sam here!  I look forward to repeating this combination this summer.

Happy 4th of July from Micro-Closet!