Ask Belle: Outfits for Independence Day
Jul 1, 2015
I received more than a few requests from readers about what to wear on the Fourth of July. For a day of parades, barbecues, and beach vacations, it’s best to keep it casual. If you plan to be outside, wear as many natural fibers as possible; polyester becomes unbearable after an hour in the sun.
As for what to wear, that depends on what you’ll be doing. Below, I featured two outfits, one for a casual barbecue and one for a nicer dinner while on vacation.
Barbecue, left: Tory Burch Tunic ($140) // Factory 4″ Chino Short ($22) // Marc Jacobs Tortoise Sunglasses ($120) // Goldtone Hoop Earrings ($30) // Merona Straw Bag ($32) // Gentle Souls Break My Heart Sandal ($130)
Vacation Dinner, right: Mango Open Work Dress ($65) // Sanibel Pendant Necklace ($79) // See by Chloe Bucket Bag ($395) // Aerosoles Flat Sandals ($39)
For the barbecue outfit, I wanted something totally functional. And washable. You never know when a grass stain, a spilled soda, or an errant bit of ketchup will find its way onto your clothes.
I like this Tory Burch tunic, but even the sale price is a bit high for a casual top. This Bloomingdale’s number suits me a bit better.
As for the shorts, many women buy neutral shorts and wear colored tops. In my opinion, a bright short with a neutral top looks more current. These jacquard shorts from Ann Taylor are cute. I also like these eyelet shorts from LOFT. Plus-size? Try these twill shorts from Sejour.
The dress has a pretty pattern that the photo isn’t doing justice. It looks a bit like crochet. The texture gives it a nice lightness. Other white dresses I considered, this Topshop sundress with an open back and this Adrianne Papell eyelet dress.
If you’re going to wear white, I like to add a colored piece of jewelry for pop. This Sanibel pendant is a good option. I also like this Kenneth Jay Lane pendant in a bold green.
Bucket bags are still everywhere I turn. This blush bag is lovely. For something less expensive, try this navy bucket from Urban Outfitters or this bright pink bag from Sole Society.
In my experience it’s hard to know how much standing you’ll do at a barbecue. There are just never enough chairs at a group event. Both pair of sandals are built for comfort but also have style. I own the Gentle Souls pair, and I love them. And the Aerosoles pair have a great mix of texture and metallic.
Love that Mango dress. Have you ever ordered from them online? I see cute things but am put off by what Google tells me is an onerous return process.
Also, does anyone know how their sizing is? I’ve seen so much cute stuff but don’t know if its generally true to size, or runs large or small. Thanks!
I’ve ordered from Mango several times and have been to their brick and mortar stores – their clothing runs small and straight, i.e. not curve-friendly. And their returns are horrid – if I didn’t live near a store at which I can easily return things (they allow in-store returns), I wouldn’t shop online from them. Trying to return something online is painstakingly slow and frustrating.
Perhaps I am more of a southerner but if you go to Fourth of July Celebrations in Fairfax, you will see quite a few people in dresses. It can be incredibly hot watching parades so dresses and sunhats can help keep you cool! I have a few 4th of July favorites of my own in red, white, and blue of course.