Obviously, there's more to America than this. We find ourselves in an ever increasingly diverse country. More and more citizens are non-European. More and more are not Christian. More and more are not comfortable being blue or red.
I'll leave the politics and religion alone as I wish we'd all adopt a more "live and let live" philosophy. People should keep their faith to themselves. Politics should be fair and be about helping everyone. Yes, I have pie-in-the-sky dreams; let's call them apple pie-in-the-sky dreams.
But when it comes to style, many Americans adopt a similar look: Traditional. Preppy. Classic.
This is not about snobbery or anything Ivy League. It's more about working hard and enjoying life. It's about being practical not pushy. It's about bucking trends and buying and wearing things that are made to last. Some will say that bucking trends is trendy, but that's usually stated by those that have a closet and home full of things that they wish they'd never purchased.
Katharine Hepburn was the queen of this. She was practical and hardworking and classic beyond words. She often bought her clothes at hardware stores and thrift shops. Her home was full of found-objects and comforting collections. Her wardrobe wasn't all thrift but it was practical. Formal wear was black and went with about everything else in her closet.
My college buddy Matt M. embodies this style. His wardrobe is timeless as are his tastes in food, decor, and music. He doesn't follow trends but rather honors history and the sturdiness of well-made objects and attire. Matt always looks good even when he's schlepping around town running errands. He rides a bicycle and not a scooter. He's about value over vanity. I admire that.
American style is not about being "in." It's about being comfortable and being able to switch from work to play in an easy manner.
That's at least one thing many Americans can agree with while people fight over being red or blue. As for me, I don't care for solid reds or blues. Give me tartan, a Cubs game, apple pie, memories of mom and let me be. I'll grant you the same courtesy. With style, of course.
