Nautical-themed clothes are great for spring, summer and holiday wear.

To me, the Fourth of July has always meant homemade ice cream, barbecue and beer, corn on the cob, family and friends, swimming at the lake and sparklers. (I’m a total sissy when it comes to lighting off fireworks.)

Show your pride for the good ol’ U.S. of A. in one more way — with the hottest patriotic fashions.

Stars and stripes are the new American chic.

The color palette of the American flag is already in style; still, feel free to get creative and find a unique look. After all, it is Independence Day! These fashions can easily be subtle outfits or taken to the next level with accessories, hats and shoes. For example, if you feel like a flag in red, white and blue, just pair your favorite pair of blue jeans with a white top. But, if you do want to go all-out, add a red belt, red and gold bangles, blue gingham espadrilles, a basket purse with a fun scarf attached and a white sunhat (with a red, white or blue ribbon, of course).

Here are some more excellent Americana items (with a nautical hint) to get you going:

• Denim

• Navy and white stripes

• Yellow accents

• Sailor pants

• Wide leg trousers

• Broad-rimmed sunhats — red, white or blue will do (accent with a ribbon in one of the other colors)

• Canvas espadrilles

• Gilt accessories

• Sailor collars

• Matelot buttons

• Retro bathing suits

• Yacht/dinghy prints

• White pearls

• White sunglasses

• Rope-ties

• Gold braids/tassels

• Red lipstick

• Flag brooches

• Bold flag stripes

• Star-studded bracelets, earrings, belts and bags

• Jumpsuits

• Beach pajamas

• Straw hats

Top designs

For ideas from designers, check out a few of my favorites that tout American fashion with pride:

• Hilary & Co for its fun, nautical looks.

• D&G (Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s younger, “cheaper” line) features great tunics, jumpers and beach pajamas with hints of red, white and blue.

• Antoni & Alison has great little details, like monogrammed leotards and sailor collars.

• Brooks Brothers provides excellent menswear (and has a great straw hat).

• Coach, specifically for its star-studded red, white and blue bracelets.

• Chanel is always a Parisian designer that provides proper American style. My favorite comes from their spring 2008 show: a tweed jacket with ropelike, gold-plated chains and fringed seams, and their fabulous navy crepe de Chine pants with beautifully ethereal stars.

• Tommy Hilfiger (obviously) for his everything American style.