Red, white and blue colour combinations are often viewed as American, yet I perceive this combination to be French (perhaps because I lived in France before coming to the United States). In fact, red, white and blue hues are also representative of the British, Dutch and Australian flags.

Sometimes the colour I associate with a country is the national colour. I’m Dutch by nationality, and although the flag is red, white and blue, orange is the Dutch national colour. The Netherlands is a monarchy that is governed by members of the House of Oranje-Nassau (where Oranje is Dutch for orange). Of course, the fact that Dutch national sports teams wear orange is probably what keeps the association alive.

Sometimes the country-colour association is a combination of these factors, or something else completely. I associate Kelly green with Ireland, antique pink with England, earth tones with Africa and red with China.

In honour of Independence Day, I‘ll be wearing a red, white and blue ensemble, feeling sporty and American instead of classic and French. Enjoy the holiday!

I was so impressed with the comfort level, price and look of these 8-hour wedge heels that I went back and bought a second pair. They are a dream! The elasticized top is extremely soft, forgiving to both wide and narrow feet, and bunion-friendly. Their two inch, imitation cork wedge heel gives you a current fashion look, and height if you need it. I’ve put them through their paces (many 8-hour shopping days with clients) without a blister in sight. Unless you need arch support, these shoes are worth a try.

They’re perfect with jeans, shorts and casual skirts/dresses. Kick the look up a notch by painting your toenails a fun colour. What’s not to love for $49.95.

Lia Bijou wedge heels are available in an assortment of colours. I’ve only seen them at Nordstrom.

Of course they can. Nicole Kidman was breathtaking wearing red in “Moulin Rouge” and more recently in her flaming red couture gown at the Oscars. Redheads like Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore often wear red and look absolutely sensational. 

In reality “red” hair is more orange than red and these two colours (red and orange) work beautifully together. It’s much like mixing red and orange tulips in the same vase, (one of my favourite floral combinations). Redheads are not created equally. It’s a question of finding the shade that compliments your red hair in the best possible way. It is also a matter of individual taste. I personally love the striking effect of redheads in bright red.

There’s no getting away from the fact that this is an incredibly eye-catching combination. So if you’re a redhead and you love red, wear it with conviction and expect to be noticed.

Dresses don’t need to be “dressy”. While frocks are my first choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of casual, comfortable and practical dresses that can be worn to work and play every day.

Day dresses are best…

• in durable, casual fabrications like thick cottons, jersey knits and viscose blends
• in A-line silhouettes because they allow you to stride feely. Straighter styles restrict your movement. 
• when they cover up enough of your upper body that you don’t feel exposed.

The best thing about a dress is that you can slip it on with a pair of shoes and possibly one accessory and you’re done. You don’t need to worry about layering, mixing-and-matching or pulling clothing straight. If you can get your head around the fact that dresses needn’t be saved for special occasions, you’ll enjoy them as another practical daily ensemble (especially when it’s hot). Pretty pear body types look particularly good in A-line frocks and should make the most of our dress season this Summer.

An assortment of A-line day dresses in jersey and cotton from Macy’s and Dillard’s.