Happy 4th of July! I’m really excited this week because the 4th of July is my favorite holiday to celebrate. I love the parades, the barbecues, the fireworks and of course the fashion! Red, white and blue is definitely one of my favorite looks. It has all the best components: red is a hot accent, white is a crisp neutral and blue is as easy as wearing your favorite denim. Remember when you were a kid and you had a American flag T-shirt from Old Navy every year? That was honestly the highlight of my summer; getting my 4th of July outfit, and spending the whole day getting ice cream and ketchup all over it. I like to think I’ve gotten a little more refined since then. Some people might see getting all patriotic on the 4th as being “campy,” but this Fashionisto shows how wearing your colors proudly can be stylish too! Your attire doesn’t have to be dripping in stars and stripes to be patriotic. By incorporating each of the colors with a few different pieces, you can be star-spangled all day long, without looking like Uncle Sam!
Name: Jose Paz
Major: Elementary Education and Psychology
Year: Junior
CollegeFashionista: What are your top three summer wardrobe staples?
Jose Paz: So far, this summer, I have worn these items EVERYDAY, so I guess I can’t leave home without them. Colored shorts, sunglasses and of course, my G-shock.
CF: How would you describe your style?
JP: I’m not really sure. I’m always wearing different things that I think would look good on me. I don’t have a definite style, but I pretty much look like a 19-year-old dude living in 2013. To sum it up, I just do me and wear whatever looks good.
CF: What are your favorite places to shop at?
JP: I never leave a place without buying anything, so when I go out, I’m always on a mission to find something new and hip. My closet mostly resembles the inside of an American Eagle and H&M store. I completely love their style because it’s modern and you can pretty much wears the items in those stores everywhere. But, I also enjoy finding new places to shop at and exploring undiscovered stores by Fashionistos/as.
CF: You’re heading abroad this fall, to Spain. How do you plan to adjust your style to international trends?
JP: How I look is my ultimate item on my “things that are important” while I go abroad to Spain. I’m planning to spend this summer catching up on blogs and different magazines that exemplify the culture and style of the European countries I will be visiting. But, I’m not worried, if I look good here, I’ll look good anywhere!
How To: My favorite part about this particular outfit is the TOMS. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a One-for-One purchase. When you buy a pair, another pair goes to a child in need of shoes in Africa. They’re super cute and they help out someone less fortunate at the same time! You can’t get more awesome than that. As for the rest of the outfit, remember to keep most of the pieces basic. A striped polo on top mimics the flag, but will work with other looks when the holiday is over. And keep your bottoms simple, like these tailored blue shorts. Don’t forget, denim is basically blue and makes a great alternative in a pinch. Happy flag waving!