High Camp
“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.”
Jean Cocteau, 1889 - 1963
Camped Out
Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re out barbequing, watching a parade and waiting for fireworks. These low-key, day-long festivities are always tricky fashion-wise. On the one hand, it’s a casual event. On the other hand, it’s a party and you want to dress up.
My advice? Take a cue from summer camps of long ago and grab a camp shirt. The classic American style button down with short sleeves plays equally well with pants or skirts and can be as dressy as you’d like. And no, you don’t have to camp to wear it. Here are three options and three different styles.
Pam
My friend Pam thinks ‘roughing it’ is drinking non-vintage champagne. She also has pretty streamlined, Lauren Bacall-esque sense of style. Silk twill with ½ sleeves is refined enough for her tastes, but not too stuffy for afternoon beers. She’ll wear it with dark chinos and ballet flats.
Ann
For my sister, Ann, camping is when you don’t wear jewelry. She is also addicted to accessories and has a strong sense of adventure. French cuffs mean she’ll never be camping and the short sleeves leave her ready for anything. She’ll pair it with an a-line skirt, hoop earrings and a slew of bracelets.
Kathryn
My sweetheart is very outdoorsy and, by default, so am