Independence Day is almost upon us! Many of you may be dusting off your Old Navy American Flag graphic tee, but what if I told you there was an alternative? Your wardrobe likely has many elements to give off the patriotic spirit. The American aesthetic to me is basic essentials such as blue jeans and clothes that you would wear to a backyard BBQ. That said, if you’re looking to add a few elements to this year’s fireworks show, here are my patriotic recommendations that can be worn all year round.
Red
Red is the ultimate cool girl color. On its own, it serves as a pop of color to any outfit, instantly making an effortless look appear detailed. What makes red though, is its versatility. From Christmas to Valentine’s Day (see my Valentines Day Outfit Ideas) you’ll be on theme by adding fun red items to your capsule wardrobe.
To add even more detail to your Fourth of July outfit, look for shades of patriotic red in fun textures, patterns, and shapes. I love this bouclé halter top from J. Crew. This is a great example of playing with texture, while the halter top screams a vintage American look. Other details you may want to consider are red stripes, either achieved through the weave of the fabric, or red and white stripes. Vertical lines elongate and look great as a base for bold outfits on any occasion.
Another idea for a Fourth of July print is gingham. The print pulls me into images of a Fourth of July backyard BBQ. This set from Lisa Says Gah is a great pick to beat the heat, but casual enough to run around with sparklers. The asymmetrical top breaks up the print with the side ruching and split, elevating it from a basic tank top. If skirts aren’t your thing, try a skort!
White
A classic piece of a summer edit is anything white. It is the perfect color for reflecting light to keep you cool. Materials such as cotton and linen are breathable enough to keep the sweat whisked away while still looking fashionable. There are many summer edits from many different brands that feature these characteristics. Check out this linen shirt from J. Crew as a timeless piece that can easily be elevated. If you’re looking for a more girlish look, turn to white dresses in 100% cotton or linen.
Denim is an American classic as well. We often think of the light wash and the medium wash denim for that classic American look, but try out some white denim to switch things up. Keeping up with the skort theme, check out a white denim skort from Pull&Bear. I love the crossover detailing as this is another way to switch up your basic skirt and add something different. Whatever you choose, white is a classic that will never leave, it’s not just for Memorial Day and Independence Day. But if you’re going with white to capture the patriotic spirit, white denim is a must for your 4th of July outfits.
& Blue
If red isn’t your ideal pop of color, look no further than blue. As mentioned above, blue denim is oh-so American. But what if we looked outside the box? Look no further than blue dresses! This staple I feature is an indigo blue dress from J. Crew. It comes in a breathable linen fabric, perfect for a summer backyard barbecue. The seams are what does it for me. The diamond pattern of the seams is reminiscent of the pockets on a pair of dark-wash denim jeans. The seam lines take your eye through the entire length of the dress. A tied strap or a short sleeve is a must for a flowy summer dress.
If a cutesy outfit isn’t your thing and you’re looking for something more casual, look for a hoodie or oversized polo! I am obsessed with this oversized sweatshirt from We The Free (even the brand name matches the patriotic spirit of the 4th of July). Although not the same, the paisley print reminds me of bandanas and the imagery associated with Rosie the Riveter, the symbol of American pride. A hoodie will last the test of time and be useful for a variety of occasions and later summer nights outside of Independence Day. If you’re looking for something still oversized but a bit more polished, look for oversized polo sweaters as well.
You probably didn't think of this.
The number one thing guys from other countries have told me is that their idea of American culture is riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Riding motorcycles on the open road with nothing but boots, jeans, and a T-shirt is classic imagery of American freedom.
I think I would be wearing graphic tees from Harley Davidson with American flags and eagles in a Lana Del Rey way, but you do you! There are about a million of these graphic tees in thrift stores and second-hand offline. The options are endless!
USA Swimming Team x J.Crew
Apart from Fourth of July outfits this year, the summer Olympics are also something to be celebrated this year. To show your support and American pride for the Olympics, J. Crew launched a collection for this summer with the USA swimming team and pumped out some classics. The trick with USA-themed graphics is a timeless or vintage look. The collection has a variety of clothes, but here are some of my favorites!
What would be a USA swim team collection without a swimsuit? I love this red suit they dropped because of the patriotic red color and the cross straps in the back. The logo for this collection is also featured on the side of the suit to show your support!
Another piece I love is this jacket as part of the women’s collection. What makes this jacket work beyond the patriotic holidays and for the Olympics is the overall shape and drape of the jacket. The timeless design and font of the lettering make for a timeless staple.
Of course, it’s hard to flaunt your summer outfit outside all day without a hat. These are my favorite graphic hats for the USA swim team collection. I love the vintage red color of the baseball cap. I also love the bucket hat as the string detailing makes it unique!
Final thoughts
Regardless of what you wear for your Fourth of July outfit, hopefully, you find some of these timeless pieces helpful as you look for clothes to wear throughout the year. Additionally, there’s also a lot of Independence Day sales surrounding the holiday! This is a great opportunity to jump on a piece that you’ve been eyeing for some time. Try branching out for something new. Thrifting for graphic tees such as the Harley Davidson examples or loved USA memorabilia is also a great option to look for pieces that you can wear throughout the year.
