Why is the 4th of July so hard to dress for? It’s entirely too easy to put on red, white, and blue stars and stripes and immediately transform yourself into a human flag. So what can you wear on the Fourth that won’t make you look like you should be waving from a flagpole? Never fear—Her Campus has you covered. Now put down that Katy Perry dress right now and try these (subtler) looks instead!
Pay tribute to American designers with a fresh twist
What better way to celebrate America fashionably than to channel classic American fashion designers? “Ralph Lauren created the iconic American flag cotton knit sweater, and while cute, it’s outdated and overdone,” says Elizabeth Kamm, assistant manager at Thomas Pink and owner of Boston lifestyle blog betsiemade. “As an alternative, you can pay homage to the designer who pioneered the American style in high fashion by choosing denim and chambray.”
Kamm suggests wearing a chambray buttondown with rolled sleeves and tucking the shirt into high-waisted black, navy, or khaki shorts. “Just don’t knot your shirt, it will look too costumey,” she warns.
If you’re looking for a cute accessory for your chambray, Kamm suggests turquoise and coral jewelry—they exude classic American style.
Chambray shirt, Quiksilver, $54.50
Shorts, H&M, $24.95
Ring, H&M, $5.95
Just a touch of stars and stripes
Yes, it’s easy to get too literal with Fourth of July fashion, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid the flag altogether! Keep it simple yet patriotic by picking either subtle star details or stripes to Americanize your outfit. “To avoid the…‘I’m wearing a flag’ look, wear a great shoe that features a stripe in either red or white,” Kamm says.
Kamm also suggests picking one element of the flag to emphasize and keeping it simple with the rest of your outfit. “If your top is navy and white striped, don’t introduce the red on the bottom… it’s too literal,” she says.
Colin McDonald, a New York-based stylist, suggests incorporating the nautical trend to make your look more subtly patriotic. “(It’s) a great way to stay chic while not overdoing it,” he says.
As for the stars, a metallic star-shaped earring is the perfect way to subtly show off the flag in your outfit.
Earrings, Gorjana, $45.00
Tee, Urban Outfitters, $44.00
Pumps, Michael Kors, $68.00
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Color blocking is key
Color blocking is huge this season, and what better time to try out the new trend than on the Fourth of July? “Red, white and blue are actually perfect colors to color block with,” says Wemi Opakunle, stylist and designer of Rue de Chic. “For a dressy night out, try a red romper with a pair of cobalt blue peep toes.”
McDonald suggests keeping the shape of your garment simple when you color block. “Don’t overdo (it) with a lot of detailing,” he says. “Choose just one color like red or blue, and opt for the color to be more of a neutral tone to balance out the entire look.”
Color blocking a bit intimidating? “If you’re not sure how to coordinate a seamless look with these colors, opt for a pre-blocked piece,” Opakunle suggests.
Top, Fushia Love, $28.00
Top, Forever 21, $13.80
Shorts, H&M, $12.95
Oh say can you LWD?
Never underestimate the power of a LWD (little white dress). This summer staple is the ultimate blank canvas to add some American accents to without overdoing it. “A LWD is a perfect choice for those who just want to keep it simple,” McDonald says. “If you want to add detailing, pleating and lace are very chic and appropriate for the season right now.”
As far as adding color to your outfit, McDonald suggests a neon belt or bright jewelry. HC Love Editor Kate Moriarty, a rising junior at Skidmore College, likes to pair her LWD with coral or turquoise accessories for an updated Fourth of July look.
“The colors are close enough to mimic the more patriotic blue and red but are subtle enough to keep the outfit fresh (and to make it clear that you don’t belong in the parade),” she says.
Dress, Urban Outfitters, $49
Red, White, and Beauty
Want another way to show off your national pride? Flaunt it on your fingers! “Have fun with a really fresh nail color in a nice poppy red, like 5th Avenue by Essie if you want to feel summery, patriotic, and fun,” says Kamm.
Makena Sage, a 2012 Bryant University graduate, likes to wear all white and paint her nails with red and blue stars and stripes. “(It’s a) great way to be patriotic without going over the top,” she says.
If you’re feeling a little daring, HC High School Editor and NYU rising sophomore Hannah Orenstein suggests trying out an ombre manicure or a water marbled manicure with patriotic colors.
Another perfect beauty accessory for your LWD or nautical dress is a classic red lip. “It’s super chic and nobody will question you,” says HC contributing writer Kelsey Mulvey, a rising junior at Boston University.
Fifth Avenue nail polish, Essie, $8.00
Ruby Woo lipstick, M·A·C, $14.50
What’s your foolproof Fourth look? Let us know in the comments below!