Edgy American Prep

ALL IMAGES KIMBERLY J.

I’m just going to be honest…deep down inside…I consider myself a bit of a prep. But not like a regular prep, because I think my preppiness has a bit more edginess. I think it’s that little hint of edgy that makes my preppy-esque looks a bit more interesting and not so expected. As you may be thinking, a striped button down and denim shorts are standard prep pieces and you are indeed right. However, to give this 4th of July look a bit of flare, I decided to do two things: show a little skin and add a fun printed belt.

I’ve always loved a good front knot. I am personally convinced that it’s one of the easiest ways to create a point of interest on a button down top. If this is a little something you are fond of, I encourage you to size up when purchasing your button downs so you have excess fabric to actually create a knot. This particular button down is from C. Wonder {which is BACK y’all}; however, per my research, they are not currently offering this style, so I’ve linked a suitable selection down below. A classic front knot is just one of the ways you can create a point of interest. You can also do a crisscross tucked, a one-sided knot or possibly even wear it backwards. Lots of options!

Yet another way to add interest to a more traditional combo is by adding a little something with an opposing print or a different texture. For this look, I managed to do both. Also, I promise this belt actually fits me! For some reason, whenever I shoot this belt, it does the craziest things in photos. I’m thinking it may be because I’m always moving around and such. Any who, in most cases, the anticipated belt expectation would be a brown or tan colored belt of some sort. With hues of brown still visible, the cheetah print gives it that extra bit of pop! And speaking of pop, I completed this look with a popped collar. Call it cheesy, but I love a popped collar and have been doing it since my high school dayz. haha.

I hope this look inspires you to be a bit more adventurous with your 4th of July look! I’m getting all kinds of excited for canned coke and grilled hot dogs! Nom nom : )

P.S. I’ll be hanging out at Madewell of Polaris Fashion Place tonight from 6PM to 8PM! If you are in Columbus, OH and can make it, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE. Oh, and did I mention the killer discount? woot woot.