Fashion Friday: Stars and Stripes Forever, Part 2

I’m back with the second installment of Fashion Friday’s Stars and Stripes Forever!!

Two weeks ago I introduced a trend I’m seeing – stripes and red, white and blue. 

It’s in all the store windows. 

I’m a huge fan of stripes, as we discussed with all the cute trends last Fashion Friday.

But I’m a little more skeptical of red and blue together.  It can feel a little too Fourth-of-July-y.

Until it doesn’t. 

There are some fun, bright ways to wear it that make it feel more classic and less holiday-ish. 

I first spotted the trend in the Michael Kors shop windows. 

You all know my ongoing debate with jumpsuits, but they are here to stay, and they’re blue at MK.  Dresses are red and pencil skirts are blue and “scarlet.”  They even have fabulous oversized red sunglasses.  (These are all on-line.)

He manages to make it feel less campy (except for the print tee) by selecting the blue or red as a primary and only accenting with the alternating color.

Next, I popped over to Macy’s to pick up my eyeliner. 

More red and blue.

Not just for fun weekend wear, but it’s gala dresses and work clothes.  This blue and white striped blazer from Tommy Hilfiger sucked me in because of its super cute elbow patches. They had paired it with a super “American-y” red, white and blue floral shell which I actually liked because the blazer toned down the bottom layers bold color mash.  Of course dresses were red and blue everywhere – from this gorgeous evening number from Jessica Howard to a fun red, white, and teal dress for a summer weekend (clever twist throwing teal in that palette!). 

Head anywhere.  Drop by Loft’s website.  This is the first picture that pops up on the screen.  Red skirt.  Shell with red and blue.  Red espadrilles.  Red tee.  They have red and blue in stripes and florals and solids.  I could spend all my money on their blouses. 

So what does this tell us about the red and blue trend?  Do it.  But don’t overdo it.  No red and blue all together without cutting through it with a topper.  Or opt for one of these bold colors on its own and accessorize with the alternating accent – shoes, handbags, scarves… 

It’s a fresh look for a bright spring.  And as an added bonus, you’ll be ready for the 4^th of July and Memorial Day in advance.