It’s National Flag Day, which doesn’t mean you should wear that matching American flag shorts and tee-shirt set your Great Aunt Betty decided you’d look SO adorable in from last Fourth of July. Flag Day celebrates the day in 1777 that the Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the what we know today as the American Flag as their fledgling country’s standard.

Flag Day itself, according to the National Flag Day Foundation, has been celebrated since 1885. Bernard Cigrand, a nineteen-year-old teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, is credited with starting the tradition by putting a flag on his desk and asking students to write essays on its significance. Two presidents and an act of Congress later, Flag Day became a nationally recognized day of celebration. Before you clear out your desk and run for the beach, no, Flag Day is not a national holiday – you still have to work.  Many cities have parades today, however, in celebration of our nation’s flag.

If you want to celebrate without breaking out the novelty outfits, consider pairing bright red flats with a royal blue shirt and jeans, or a white dress with blue espadrilles and red jewelry. Red, white and blue is a great color combination – a little creativity will allow you to strut your stuff in this patriotic pallet without feeling too costumey.

(Photo via: ShopBop)