This week’s edition of “OOTW” is what I wore on July 4^th!

As you guys know, I have a yearly tradition every Independence Day. It’s the day I wear my boater hat!

I’ve written before about how it’s important to have clothing-related traditions, especially on holidays. At the moment, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are the days where I always wear something specific.

Now, a lot of guys would say that they can’t “pull-off” something like a boater hat. I get where they’re coming from. Boaters were super popular in the early 1900s but today they are anachronistic enough to look a bit costume-y.

But that’s the FUN of wearing a boater! I’m not wearing a boater to blend in. I’m wearing it because it makes people smile!

One of the keys to “pulling something off” is context. I wear my boater on the 4^th of July with a collared shirt and trousers. That makes sense. I wouldn’t wear it in the winter, or with a t-shirt and sneakers. That wouldn’t fit. That would look out-of-place.

Even though a boater is a little costume-y, it still doesn’t look out of place on a boardwalk on the 4^th of July.

Another key is practice. I sometimes pop things on in the house to get used to wearing them. Also, at this point, I have worn my boater on numerous Independence Days so it doesn’t really feel too foreign to me anymore.

The day actually didn’t go as planned. It was oppressively hot and the local parade got canceled. My boys were really bummed. Nevertheless, we had a lovely day, strolling around town and getting lunch. My wife and I had the whole day planned, but had to pivot to plan B and C once things shut down due to the heat.

To their credit, my boys took the change in schedule very well, which you dads know, doesn’t always happen with small children. When all else fails, take them for ice cream!

Along with my boater, I wore a seersucker shirt and khaki pants. I also wore my boat shoes and cheap sunglasses. I also wore my Lorier Zephyr watch. I was originally planning to wear my waterproof, steel Timex, since we planned on going to the beach, but that didn’t happen given how hot it was.

Weird day, but a happy one!

Next week will feature more seersucker (naturally)!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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