Ask the Editor: 4th of July Attire

What are your best styling recommendations for a business-casual fourth of july celebration. Generally speaking, i prefer to reference acknowledge the holiday without looking like i just decided to wear a flag. Thanks! Jessica

Fourth of July has three dress codes: lake attire, backyard games attire, and fancy barbecue attire. You’re either swimming, playing volleyball, or sipping cocktails on a patio somewhere. But for what you’re describing, a business casual look, I think we are solidly in category three — fancy patio drinking. So let’s look at some outfits that fit that vibe.

For Fourth of July, the temptation is red, white and blue. That’s fine. Be festive. Drink in the patriotism. But I don’t mix those colors, or else it feels a bit like a costume to me. Instead, I keep the outfit a monochromatic production involving just one of the holiday’s traditional colors. Also, if you order the outfit from the same retailer, odds are the shades of red or navy will match perfectly.

One. Boden Eyelet Trim Top // Boden Linen Shorts // Talbot’s Navy Belt // BR Factory Sandal // Monica Vinader Alta Hoops // WMP Eyewear Tortoise Frame Sunnies

This is a remake of one of my favorite outfits that I wore last summer — navy linen shorts and a light, eyelet top. I own these BlankNYC belted shorts, but they’re sold out in many locations, so I chose these Boden shorts instead. If you prefer a flat front, try these BR Factory shorts. Plus-size? Try Land’s End.

This outfit is classic, so let’s not complicate it with too many accessories. I added a belt because I think it pulls the look together, but I wanted a bit of woven texture. A raffia belt in navy would also work, and play up the summery vibe. Complement that with a simple hoop earring in a unique shape, a gold, minimal sandal, and a white tortoise sunglasses built on a light wire frame.

Styling for this for me is hair up in a low bun, because it’s hot and I need the breeze on my neck. I would also add a lip color in your favorite non-nude shade to give the outfit some pop.

Two. Veronica Beard White Halter Dress // Tuckernuck Raffia and Acrylic Clutch // Adina Eden Wrap Snake Bracelet // Marc Fisher Raelyn Sandal // J.Crew Factory Sunglasses

I almost never share halter style dresses, because the first question I get is, “How do I wear a bra?” I get it, we all need varying levels of support. Some can get by with nipple covers, others need an underwire. This dress, while a halter, offers enough material coverage in the back that you can wear a real bra. To do so, you need either a narrow racerback style or a clip that can turn any bra into a racerback. No strapless required.

I also found this maxi-length traditional halter dress at Tuckernuck that I thought was incredible. Plus size? WalMart has a pretty eyelet dress in plus and misses, up to 4x, that is just $30.

The accessories for this are things you probably own already, with the exception of the clutch, so let’s start there. The Tuckernuck clutch is an extremely cool, neutral statement piece. So you get all that “cool bag” goodness with a versatile color palette. You will carry this to summer events for a decade.

I own this bracelet. It’s light, easy to wear and impactful. Worth every cent. Additionally, I added a simple, big pair of sunglasses — but a pair I knew would be light. I hate heavy shades. And the shoes are just a simple, comfortable block heel sandal.

For styling, I would wear my hair down, because hair up feels too formal. I would also paint my nails an give my cheeks a little pop of blush.

Three. LOFT Striped Linen Shell // LOFT Red Linen Pants // Boden Multi-Strap Sandals // Ray Ban Aviators // Pavoi Chunky Half-Hoops

This is my favorite outfit of the bunch. I love this top from LOFT so hard. And if the red pants aren’t your vibe, it has a coordinating midi skirt with a slightly different stripe pattern. The entire outfit, regardless of whether you choose pants or skirt, can be had for under-$100. The pieces also come in petite.

For this look, I wanted a shoe that wasn’t a traditional, open toe sandal. These Boden flats are perfect. A huarache would also work.

Add in a great pair of classic aviators and a cool earring, and you’re done. Speaking of the earrings — I know I’ve shown these before, but let me plead their case. They are special without being sparkly or too heavy or too big. They are easy every day or great for occasions. They’re also $13. They’re awesome.

For the styling, I would say it’s time for some tanning drops because red can wash people out. I use these ones from Isle of Paradise, they mix into lotion. I would also recommend a red nail, because why not go all in?

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}