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 “Ralph Lauren created the iconic American flag cotton knit sweater, and while cute, it’s outdated and overdone,” says Elizabeth Kamm, assistant manager at Thomas Pink and owner of Boston lifestyle blog betsiemade.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
