Patriotic chic

With Fourth of July right around the corner, you might be stressing over what to wear to all those BBQs, pool parties, and family gatherings. Remember, you can show some American spirit and still look sophisticated. To make it easier on you, we scoured RVA’s local malls and boutiques to find some great Independence Day looks.

June 25, 2010; 12:00 PM • by Courtney Skunda

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, your calendar is probably starting to go on overload with all the invites to BBQs, pool parties, and family gatherings for the big holiday weekend. If you’re anything like me, you might be thinking, “WHAT am I going to wear?” After all, it is our country’s birthday, so shouldn’t we dress up for the special occasion? I don’t recommend that you wrap yourself in the American flag, but I think adding a bit of red, white, and blue to your look is a fun way to get into the spirit of Independence Day. To make it easier on you, I scoured RVA’s local malls and boutiques to find some great Independence Day looks.

For the ladies

$25 and under

This light weight summery number from Forever 21 ($16.90) is sure to keep you cool as you hit up all your parties this holiday. Pair it with red flip flops from Old Navy ($3.50) to show your patriotic side.

Image courtesy of Forever 21

$25-$50

Nautical stripes are quintessential summer. Ever since Coco Chanel sported the timeless pattern on a boatneck shirt, it has become a popular summer choice for fashion-forward women all around the world. I happen to love this nautical pattern dress from Abercrombie & Fitch ($39.80). It’s summery, simple, and with just the right touch of “USA.”

$50-$75

Spending your 4th of July vacation at the “Rivah” or beach? These glossy red gladiators by Tory Burch ($64.90, available at Nordstrom) are perfect with a white or navy cotton cover-up. Just because you’re hanging by the water doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style, right?

Something to splurge on

This Milly Ruffled Cotton Wrap Dress from Saks Fifth Avenue ($350) is a great investment piece. Why? Because you can wear it to a party or wear it to work on a hot, summer day. Make it 4th of July festive by changing out the ribbon belt with red, white, and blue ribbon from your local Ben Franklin Craft store.

Image courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

For the men

$25 and under

I love these “critter” shorts from Old Navy ($25) with a white polo or button down already in your closet. They are a spitting image of some much pricier ones at a few top tier men’s stores in town. Also, it’s a way to be fun on the Fourth without going all out wearing stars and stripes.

Image courtesy of Old Navy

$25-$50

A belt is a nice accessory to add a little red, white and blue without going overboard. J. McLaughlin has some of the most unique ribbon belts in town. I especially love the skull and cross bones on this one! ($48)

$50-$75

There’s no reason you can’t celebrate the holiday while you’re lounging by the pool or swimming in the Ocean. This Quicksilver board short ($59.50, available at Nordstrom) is not only comfortable and quick to dry, but a perfect mix of red and blue!

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

Something to splurge on

This summer collection shirt from Ledbury ($125 and pictured above, courtesy of Ledbury) is the perfect way to dress it up this 4th of July. Gingham has been a staple fabric for years, but the navy color gives it a modern twist. Pair it with some khaki shorts and you are ready to hit up your BBQs.

June 25, 2010 12:00 PM 13