Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

By Olivia Jaber

Here at The Conservateur, we’ll take any opportunity to put our pride in America on display. Our closet is no exception. We have found it exciting to incorporate our patriotism into our style in some subtle and obvious ways. I’ve gathered a few closet must-haves along the way that will never go out of style and will always show that you’re proud to be an American. Thanks to some classic brands, there are so many ways to show your support without compromising your style. From a cool vintage tee to a preppy Ralph Lauren Sweater you’ll wear for ages, there truly isn’t something more iconic and classic than celebrating America and looking good while doing it. Below are a few classics as well as some eccentric pieces that will elevate any look and serve as sources of inspiration for any girl working towards that all-American style. After all, it’s never out of style to be patriotic!

It Bag, Who? 

Most of the time, advice will tell you to stay safe when choosing a bag. Usually, I’d agree. However, if you’re on the hunt for revamping your wardrobe, elevating your style could be as simple as incorporating a more eccentric, themed purse. Eddie Parker allows you to do a more expensive take by giving the option to customize your dream clutch. If that seems a bit too out there for you, opting for a bag in a bold, true American blue or red is a great alternative. Having a fun piece in your collection is a way to make a statement and elevate an outfit that would otherwise be safe. While there isn’t anything wrong with a classic, having a bag that expresses your personality’s fun side, i.e., high fashion and pride for our country, is a win-win. Whether you’re grabbing cocktails with your girlfriends or spending the weekend roaming your city’s streets sipping a cappuccino, this bag will transcend from daytime, all the way to that party you’ve been dying to make an appearance at. 

When in Doubt, Levis

There is little that is more American than authentic denim. Just wearing a well-fitted pair of Levi’s can do the trick and give you that all-American style. A good pair of 501’s will never lead you astray. If you want to take it one step further, give your jeans your own personal flair by embroidering the back pocket with a little American flag. Apart from thrift shops, a few great options we go to for achieving the ultimate denim look, include EB Denim, Re/DONE, and Reformation. Keep in mind, I’ve found my favorite jeans at denim thrift shops. It will take you some time, as Camille Rowe displays in a Vogue video, but it will be completely worth it! After you find your perfect fit, you can either customize them yourself or take them to a trusty tailor to revamp them with some red accents. After all, there truly isn’t anything more American than a pair of jeans that look like they were made for you. If you’re over denim and in need of really elevating your look, a leather pant will do the trick and can be paired with a vintage-inspired t-shirt. 

A Sweater is Never a Bad Idea

When I think classic American, my mind instantly pictures the Ralph Lauren sweater with an embroidered American flag. Images of Jackie Kennedy on vacation with her family flash through my head, alongside an iconic Kate Middleton moment, where she’s wearing cable-knit and riding boots. Some designers, such as Ted Baker, have put their own twists on nautical-inspired looks. There are so many different versions of this sweater that it’ll be just individual enough for you. I find that pairing your sweater with a white tennis skirt, or some vintage Levi’s, or over a slip dress are fun ways to bring the sweater into different occasions. If you’re looking for something cozy and less preppy, a cool sweatshirt will do the trick. 

The Utility and Tradition of a Baseball Hat

Baseball caps bring me back to my youth when my dad would take me to an Angels baseball game, and we’d get hot dogs right after we’d stand while singing, “take me out to the ball game…” The baseball hat has traded its functional reputation in the ballpark, for the fashion world— off duty models are often seen touting around town with their favorite sports team baseball hat. If you love a good hat moment, you should definitely consider adding a baseball hat or two to your wardrobe. For one, they go with any outfit and have the ability to bring a certain relaxed ease to whatever ensemble you’ve picked for your day. A few of my favorites are linked that will both shield your face from the hot summer sun while serving as a homage to the classic American game we all love. A fun way to customize your hat is by throwing a little American flag pin on the side.

Good-bye Leather, Hello Pinstripe  

There is a reason that everyone I know owns a denim jacket. Aside from being a wardrobe staple, denim jackets are some of the best and easiest pieces to customize. Ralph Lauren’s version of an American Flag denim jacket is iconic. If you want to create your own version, I suggest getting creative by either ironing on a patch, embroidering some gold stars as a homage to the fifty states on our American flag, or getting it painted. The fun thing about jean jackets is that the older and more worn out they get, the better they look and feel. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, pinstripe is a pattern that you should consider. 

These Boots Were Made for Walkin’

Cowboy boots are all the rage these days, and frankly, I don’t know a day when they won’t be. And while boots might not be your thing, everyone needs a tennis shoe in their life. If you’re in need of a statement shoe, there are a few pairs of tennis shoes that are worth considering. An alternative to the boot and the sneaker is adding a pump to your denim ensemble. If you’re looking for that true American pop, get some pumps with some cute stripes and stars (Manolo Blahnik makes a great one). Then again, you can never go wrong with a classic white pump for a more elegant and tone. 

Classic, With a Twist

If you’re looking to add some oomph to your look, consider adding a silk scarf to your bag, or sporting either an American flag pin or the First Lady’s Eagle pin on your crisp white button-down, giving your classic look a little twist. Kate Middleton is an excellent example of someone who often plays with brooches on her outfits. 

The Power of a Bold Color

If being literal isn’t quite your thing, that’s okay! Some of the best style moments of our times have been in choosing bold monochrome looks that immediately demand attention. Picking a bold color such as a red, American blue, white, or even gold, conveys confidence, and also subconsciously hints that you love the colors that represent America. 

Shopping Custom 

Shopping custom doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. The pricier items I’ve mentioned in this article are intended to serve as inspiration for you to get creative with what you currently have in your closet and what you might need. In fact, the easiest way to add a level of American pride into your wardrobe is to do it yourself (or have someone you trust to take up the task). Having something “custom” gives you the excuse to have a fun, eccentric piece that will quickly become a staple in your closet. If you haven’t noticed, I am a big fan of taking your favorite classic pieces and spicing them up a bit. Making the pieces that everyone has just a little more personal and emblematic of your love for your country is bound to have girls asking where you got your items from! More than that, it’s such a creative and cost-effective way to make your things truly individual. From scrolling through your favorite online shops for inspiration to checking out Etsy for unique ways to customize your looks or even purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece, to hitting the thrift store, or your local craft store for embroidery kits; finding one-of-a-kind, eccentric, staple pieces to add to your wardrobe is a fun and rewarding adventure. Sporting your pride can be chic and adds levels of tradition and sophistication to your wardrobe. Without a doubt, American staples are also closet essentials.

Photos via Pinterest