Red mittens. Cowichan sweaters. Knit toques.

These were just some of the many pieces of Canadiana found on the massive crowds in Vancouver and all across the country as Canada played host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. For seventeen days we’ve seen (and felt) a surge of patriotic pride as our athletes landed on the podium again and again. For seventeen days it wasn’t strange to see a grown man wear a Canadian flag as a cape.

The Games may be over, but that doesn’t mean we have to tuck away our national pride. I’ve loved seeing the outburst of Canadian pride and celebration, but why should that end just because all of the medals have been handed out? You don’t have to wear a flag-cape or paint a maple leaf on your face every morning; there are some great ways to show your red and white pride with a little bit of style.

Made In Canada

Embracing Canadian designers is a great, subtle way to display your Canadian pride. Whether it’s a Mikhael Kale cocktail dress or a pair of DSquared denim, Canadian designers offer something for every occasion.

But for fashionistas on a budget, there are a slew of affordable, classically Canadian options. Roots Canada is the place to shop if you want a great leather bag, like a sophisticated Side Saddle bag or a slouchy Olivia Bag. And check out West-coast staples TNA and lululemon for the comfiest and coziest sweats for when you want to hit the gym with style.

Playing Dress Up

California is known for its blonde beach babes and Tokyo is known for the risk-taking Harajuku Girls, but what about Canada’s signature style. If you want a look that screams “I am Canadian” take a cue from the lumberjacks and throw on a plaid shirt and a pair of sturdy, yet stylish, boots. But leave the axe at home! Or go sporty like a snow bunny and wrap yourself in a chunky knit sweater and loads of layers for that perfect après ski look.

Red-y To Go

Perhaps the simplest way to show your Canadian colours is to add a dash of red to your wardrobe. But if you don’t want to go all the way with red, sometimes a little bit goes a long way. Go retro-glam with a glossy rouge pout or slick on a coat of cherry nail polish (my toes have been OPI’s Big Apple Red since the Opening Ceremonies).

What are your favourite ways to show your true patriot love?

Canada's Gold Medal Hockey Team (Photo: The Star)

Jeanne Beker with DSquared2 at Holt Renfrew's Vancouver flagship store to celebrate their D2 Limited Edition Fleece Hoodie. (Photo: WireImage)

Michael Buble carries the Olympic Flame during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. (Photo: WireImage)

The Roots flagship store on Bloor Street was buzzing with fashionistas, industry big wigs and Olympic athletes on Thursday all there to see the new Canada Collection by Roots. Roots, Canada’s most recognizable homegrown brand, paired up with MasterCard and Right To Play to make this collection a special one.

A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of the collection with go to Right To Play, a Canadian-based humanitarian organization that sets out to improve the lives of children in war-torn counties around the world.

President of MasterCard Canada, Kevin Stanton and world champion kayaker Adam Van Koeverden.

“Roots, MasterCard and Right To Play are perfect partners for this project because of our shared values, our understanding of the importance of play, and our desire to give back to others, especially to children living in disadvantaged areas around the world,” said Johann Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play.

You can find the Canada Collection by Roots all across Canada in Roots stores. With pieces like the Alberta Hoody or the Nunavut t-shirt, you can proudly represent Canada in these comfy clothes just in time for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The collection has everything from leather purses to watches and great sweats.

Modeling the clothing at the launch party were the athlete ambassadors that are involved with Right To Play, including figure skater Jamie Sale and world champion kayaker Adam Van Koeverden whose handsome looks make him a great canvas for the collection.

The athletes have spent time visiting children around the world who are suffering from war, poverty and disease and hope to be role models to each and every one of them, supporting their Right To Play.

“Given the added dimension of the Canada Collection by Roots, we’re particularly proud of it,” says Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman. “Our team rose to the occasion in producing such a winning collection. Their inspiration was even greater, knowing that this collection was going to benefit such an important cause…”

For more information on Right To Play, visit rightoplay.com.

To purchase the Canada Collection by Roots, visit Canada.roots.com.

Be sure to look out for the MasterCard TV ad campaign for the collection, which was filmed in Africa and highlights the organization’s work and how it will benefit from the sales of the clothing.