Red, White & Gingham // off-the-shoulder dress + bandana

Thursday, July 6, 2017

New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in gingham off-the-shoulder Anthropologie dress
While the 4th of July has come and gone - meaning summer is officially in FULL swing - a fave warm-weather trend that's not going anywhere any time soon, is gingham! Not only an American classic (although it's thought to have originated in France,) gingham is universally fun, flattering, and oh-so "summer."
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in gingham off-the-shoulder Anthropologie dress
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing off summer street style
Every summer, I see a whole lot of gingham. This summer is no different, BUT, designers have been incorporating the print in super gorgeous and feminine ways, creating pieces with off-the-shoulder detailing, romantic ruffles, and even asymmetrical hemlines. This Anthropologie frock, which sadly sold out in an instant, became an immediate sundress favorite of mine. I love how girly yet quintessentially retro it is. 
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in gingham off-the-shoulder dress
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on the Williamsburg Bridge in gingham dress
A pop of red has never been easier to incorporate into your wardrobe! Folding my cherry red bandana into a headband, this unexpectedly stylish accessory literally MAKES my outfit. Is anyone else getting modern-day Rosie the Riveter vibes? Even better, these ever-popular scarves can be picked up at Party City on the cheap. 
Fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in red bandana headband and off-the-shoulder dress
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in 4th of July outfit
Adding a dash of red to my OTHER half, I knew I had to bust out these fabulous platform sandals for this look. They just scream patriotism, no? Plus, their old-school vibes flow perfectly with my dress and kerchief. 
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in red platform sandals
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in summer outfit
Both primary colors, red and yellow make a truly handsome pair. This summery clutch by Trina Turk is both fun and classy, and I love the sunny brightness it exudes. If there are two colors that can make me smile, it's either A.) millennial pink, or B.) Sunshiney canary. Also, doesn't it totally remind you of a minion
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper with yellow Trina Turk clutch
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in gingham off-the-shoulder Anthropologie dress
Lately I've been living by the philosophy that no outfit is complete without a look-at-me pair of sunnies. Here, I chose my beloved nude pair from Banana Republic. While black frames would have worked, I found them a bit harsh for a summer daytime look - especially with so much black & red, which can come off as moody. 
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in nude Banana Republic sunglasses
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in gingham off-the-shoulder Anthropologie dress
Not much bling is needed for this look. I just thew on my current favorite pair of silver studs and my go-to silver bangles. I added a black leather cuff for a spark of edge. 
New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper showing how to wear a red bandana as a headband
A matte red lip is exactly what this ensemble needed. This particular product is perfect for summer as it's "swim" proof, sweat proof, and glides on like a dream. New York fashion blogger Kathleen Harper in neutral eye makeup and red matte lipstick
I love how most off-the-shoulder tops can be worn either completely off your shoulders or just off one. This look is easy to throw on when it's too hot to think, but it still looks perfectly polished and pretty. I added my own cloth belt because I wanted to give my frock more shape, but depending on the look you're going for, a shift dress works well without one too. 
Photos by Antonio Owens 

THIS is my kind of summer look - works just well at a family barbecue as it does on a picnic or city day date. I wore this outfit during the later, as Antonio and I explored Manhattan and ate our weight in brunch. After all, that's what summer-weekend dreams are made of, right?
 // SHOP //


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