Ukraine's Independence Day is a reason not just to wear a national symbol, but to present it in a fresh, festive interpretation. RBC-Ukraine's Styler project has gathered looks from homegrown celebrities that prove: an embroidered shirt and ethnic motifs can look celebratory, feminine and far from ordinary. The roundup features both classic options and bold styling choices that are easy to recreate in your own wardrobe for August 24.
The Vyshyvanka as an Accent, Not a Full Outfit
The key principle of a modern festive look is that you don't have to buy an entire set of traditional clothing. A single expressive detail is enough: an embroidered shirt, a scarf, a piece of jewelry or even a bag with a Ukrainian ornament. It is precisely this "pinpoint" strategy that allows national aesthetics to be woven into an urban wardrobe without excessive ornamentation, keeping the look light and current.
Jamala: Ornament as the Star of the Look
The singer Jamala has repeatedly appeared in public wearing clothes with Ukrainian motifs — her wardrobe, according to Styler, includes more than 40 traditional embroidered shirts. She focuses on a clean silhouette and lets the ornament become the central accent. Recently, the performer showcased a look with palazzo pants and a short vest adorned with bright embroidery featuring floral and geometric patterns in red, green and white shades — the decor references traditional motifs but fits organically into an urban context.
Lilia Rebrik and Lesia Nikityuk: From Everyday to Bold Choices
Lilia Rebrik shows that the vyshyvanka can be both everyday and festive: the host pairs embroidered shirts with shorts, skirts, jeans and trousers, complementing ethnic pieces with minimalist accessories so that the intricate ornament doesn't get "lost." Lesia Nikityuk, for her part, is not afraid of experiments: instead of a classic shirt, she opts for a black mini dress with embroidery — featuring a V-neckline, a defined waist, voluminous sleeves and a contrasting golden ornament in the form of wheat ears. Against the backdrop of the Kyiv landscape with the "Motherland Monument," such an outfit takes on a special patriotic resonance.
Katya Osadchaya and Olena Zelenska: The Elegance of Tradition
Katya Osadchaya often chooses pieces in which Ukrainian aesthetics combine with elegance: embroidered shirts, dresses and accessories with ethnic details become the foundation of a festive look without overloading it. The first option is especially suitable for those who don't want to switch entirely to a traditional outfit — a single expressive detail is enough. Olena Zelenska, in turn, has repeatedly chosen vyshyvankas and clothing with Ukrainian ornaments for important public events, demonstrating how traditional motifs fit into a restrained modern wardrobe. Black-and-white ensembles look especially striking, where the ethnic ornament becomes the main focal point.
Practical Tips for August 24
Styler highlights several ready-made scenarios: a simple option for a walk and a family celebration, a more restrained one for an official event, a feminine one with understated jewelry, and a self-sufficient one that needs no extra accessories. The key rule of balance: if the embroidery is bright and voluminous, the rest of the pieces should be as simple as possible; with a basic shirt, by contrast, you can allow yourself more expressive jewelry or interesting footwear. This is exactly how Ukrainian motifs fit organically into modern fashion — tradition remains the main thing, while the look still appears current and effortless.
