(all text in burgundy is clickable)
This month’s GQ has a feature called, “Raise The Flag”, which displays about five different shirt and tie combos of red, white & blue. With Independence Day just two days away, I thought it would be most appropriate to show some more ways to incorporate the colors of Old Glory into your wardrobe.
Red, white & blue is a relatively easy combo to pull-off. Most guys feel comfortable wearing a white dress shirt with a blue and red tie, or, a white t-shirt with blue jeans and a red hat. While those looks are classic, they are also safe/expected. Here are some suggestions to help you think outside the box/push the limits when putting together your patriotic look.
Tips for styling Red, White & Blue:
- Don’t overlook your accessories. A pocket square or watch strap can be the perfect finishing touch.
- Don’t fall into the trap of only wearing red, white & blue shirt and tie combos.
- Explorer the different shades all of these colors. You don’t have to stick to navy, bright red and stark white.
- Explore patterns like stripes, plaids and gingham to work the three colors into your look
- It’s summer time. Make your white trousers the base of your red, white
1. Short Sleeves For Work:
Red, White & Navy Gingham Shirt by H&M – Waist Coat & Trousers from 3 Piece Essential Custom Suit by Indochino – Cabarris Penny Loafers by Johnston & Murphy – Rose Gold Watch by Michael Kors
2. Rock The Polo
Bermuda Polo by Psycho Bunny – White Chinos by Bonobos – Suede Blue Driving Moccasins by Aldo
Some Quick Tips About Fit:
- The sleeves of a polo shirt should stop at the middle of your biceps (if your sleeves hit your elbow your shirt is too long or too large).
- A polo shirt should hug your shoulders
- If you decide to wear a polo as a part of your red, white & blue outfit, go with a pattern. Solid colors polos can be a bit boring and can often mask your physique.
Watch strap by CheapestNatoStraps.com
3. Linen On Linen:
Spread Collar Linen Shirt by Psycho Bunny – Linen Double-breasted blazer by Andres Valesco – Red Cotton/Silk Pocket Square by Psycho Bunny – Double Monk Strap Shoes by Mercanti Fiorentini
It’s been hot as hell out so far this summer, but, there are still times that you may need to throw on a blazer. Reach for your summer fabrics like cotton or in the case of this outfit, linen on linen (shirt and blazer are linen). Putting together a look with different shades of blue adds a bit of depth and keeps the summer aesthetic. Also, don’t freak out if you see wrinkles in your linen because wrinkles and linen go hand-in-hand.
Red Nato Watch Strap by Cheapest Nato Straps
4. Invested
Red & White Spread Collar Shirt by Frank & Oak – Vintage Navy Waist Coat – Leather Navy Blue Belt by J.Fold – Double Monk Strap Shoes by Mercanti Fiorentini
Blue Pocket Square by Psycho Bunny
Blue & White Watch Strap by Cheapest Nato Straps
Photo Credit: Marina T. Peele
Best,
Sabir
Great looks, love the polo and the linen on linen.
Hi Ria,
Thanks for dropping in and for the kind words.
– Sabir
I’m really liking these styles (Specially the invested one), but I’d like to know which watch is that with the NATO strap? Looks like a Timex, but I’m not too sure.
Hi Georges,
The watch is the Timex Easy Reader 18mm.
– Sabir
Great post!
Is there a post on the double monks somewhere? I am seriously liking those at that price!
Did you have to size down?
Is that the dk. Brown or or the lighter you are wearing?
Hi Joey,
I haven’t done an exclusive feature on these particular monks. I didn’t size down at all. The color I am wearing are the ones listed as brown, but, I changed the color of them recently with a cordovan polish (want to give them a slightly red hue).
_ – Sabir
Love the strap watch! Great looks as always.
How do you find the fit of the Frank and Oak shirt? Nice looks
Hi Dom,
The fit of the shirt is great. Hugs the shoulders well and is trim in the waist (but not tight). I’m wearing a medium if that serves as a frame of reference for you.
– Sabir
wow, i absouletely love the look of the double breasted linen blazer, will definitely try that soon.
and thanks for the lead on the nato straps i have searched high and low everywhere in canada for those.
Hi Mr. Crowne,
I’m happy that you like the look. The watch straps were a great find. If you order any, tell Sofie that Men’s Style Pro sent you!
– Sabir
Hi Sabir,
This look with the vintage waist coat has really inspired me. I think I’ll rock it for the holiday! Fantastic job. Thanks Sabir.
Hi Ranell,
I am happy that this look inspired you! Enjoy the 4th of July!
– Sabir
Awesome pairings, Sabir. I always try to bring some red-white-blue style to a 4th golf tourney I play each year. Thanks for the tips on the nato straps, too. Have a great holiday!
Hi Sabir,
I’d like to ask you an advice: I’ve been invited to a wedding in august :S and i’m not a fan of suits even if i know that bon ton says a suit is needed for men for a wedding. But i was thinking if i could go in a blazer and slacks, not much difference between blazer and trouser, but just mixing different tones of blue for example, maybe avio trousers and royal blue blazer or even darker, then a white shirt and a mint tie: the wedding wont be in the city and as i said, will be in august: Do you think i could break the rule of ( suit for men at wedding) ? meaning do you know for ur experience about well dressed gentlemen going in blazer and slacks to a wedding?
hope in your answer, would be very appreciated.
thank Sabir
Peter