British Belles - Going Patriotic with Red White and Blue (From Worcester News)

British Belles - Going Patriotic with Red White and Blue

11:30am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Fashion

INSTEAD of channelling maritime themes, it's time to celebrate all things British - and the high street's awash with red, white and blue.

This summer is a joint celebration of the Jubilee and Olympics, but you don't have to go down the tacky souvenir route to flaunt your patriotic side.

Thankfully the style world has come up trumps with a wardrobe that's fit for a queen.

Jump for joy and embrace the 'Jubilympics' fashion mood this season.

FLY THE FLAG

The best thing about playing dress-up for the Jubilee and/or Olympics is that you can be as stylishly subtle or flamboyantly OTT as you wish.

For those in the wear-heart-on-sleeve camp, you can't beat some Union Jack chic.

Put your pins firmly on parade with House of Holland for Pretty Polly's Rule Britannia statement flag tights, £15 (www.prettypolly.co.uk).

Jubilympics 2012 meets Geri Halliwell circa 1997 with Simmi's patriotic Union Jack platform boots, £38 (www.simmishoes.com).

For evening glamour, pop your royal trinkets in Lulu Guinness' Felicity sequinned Union Jack oversized clutch, £275 (www.luluguinness.com).

To give a refined nod to the summer occasions, adopt a nautical approach with an all red, white and blue palette. Boden, Joules, and The White Stuff are British heritage brands with just the right take on celebration style.

PLAYFUL PATRIOTIC

No need to look super-serious with a long Bank Holiday looming on the calendar.

Adopt some humour into your wardrobe with a playful take on the Diamond Jubilee - there are recurring themes playing tribute to Her Majesty this summer, including dogs and crowns.

Go down the patriotic route with a British Bulldog. Dorothy Perkins has perched a glitzy crown and necklace on their dog motif top, £16 (0845 121 4515).

We all know the Queen loves her Corgis so try Louche's strokeable Windsor Corgi jumper, £45 (www.joythestore.com). Ted Baker has also gone Corgi crazy with a red, white and blue print scarf, £85 (exclusive to Selfridges).

You don't have to marry a prince to wear a crown - try a top instead, like M&Co's crown print blouse, £25, available mid-May (0800 0317 200/www.mandco.com).

And if you're planning to put your feet up for the Jubilee period, pamper your regal feet in Damart's Jubilee midnight blue slippers, £15 (www.damart.co.uk).

CROWN JEWELS

If top-to-toe Jubilympic gear isn't your style, try the jewellery box approach.

OK, so your bling is never going to compare to the Queen's historic pieces but a flash of patriotic accessories will always be a crowd pleaser.

Pretend you're sitting pretty on the throne in Tatty Devine's crystal crown earrings in gold, £54 (www.tattydevine.com).

Perfect for street party chic, Tatty Devine also has a red, white and blue Bunting Necklace, £29, to celebrate the occasion (and re-use for Olympics cheering).

Practice your royal wave to show off Tresor Paris's Jubilee bracelet wrist candy with its crystal spheres of red, white and blue, £149 (www.tresorparis.com).

Keep track of the Queen's speech or Olympic sporting times with Goldsmiths' Old England Union Jack watch, £90 (www.goldsmiths.co.uk).