When I was a kid, my mom used to dress my three younger brothers and me in matching American flag shirts for the Fourth of July each year. Sure, it was cute and definitely patriotic, but now that I’m older, twinning with the bros in basic T-shirts isn’t exactly my idea of fashion. However, as a lover of the Fourth (it’s the best day of the year, IMHO) I’m not going to let my 4OJ ‘fit be any less festive. There are so many ways to rock red, white, and blue without looking like Uncle Sam himself—and chances are you already have the pieces you need in your closet. Still not convinced? Here are 11 fashion-forward outfit ideas that’ll take you from a picnic to fireworks and everywhere in between. Â
Make Your Patriotic Look Trendy With Striped Pants and a Pop of Red
Willing to pull inspiration from the flag but make it trendy? Mimic the striped half with these on-trend patterned jeans and nod to the color scheme with a white graphic tee and red denim jacket. Who would’ve thought a patriotic outfit could look this cool?
Get This Look: ASOS DESIGN Pencil Straight Leg Jeans ($51), Uniqlo Peanuts Short Sleeve Graphic Tee ($10), H&M Denim Jacket ($35)
Channel Old-School Americana Vibes in Blue and White Gingham
Gingham has been everywhere the past two summers, and it’s clearly not going away soon. While this print already gives off vintage Americana vibes, opt for a royal blue shade on the Fourth. Pair with denim shorts and voila—your 4OJ look just got an old-school upgrade.
Get This Look: ASOS Lost Ink Bandeau Top With Frill ($24), Revolve Dr. Denim Vega Shorts ($68)
Double-Up on America's Favorite Fabric for the Best BBQ Look
Is there anything more American than denim? I’m loving this ease of this Community Member’s blue jean crop top and white mom jeans—it’s the perfect look for laid-back festivities like hitting up a bonfire or barbeque.
Get This Look: Madewell Denim Button-Front Crop Top ($72), Mango Mom Relaxed Jeans ($60)
Grab Red, White, and Blue Basics for a Fourth of July Outfit You Already Own
Remember when I said you probably have the most pieces needed to create these outfits in your closet? Well, you definitely already own this look. Dig through your closet to find white jeans, a red tank, and an oversize denim jacket and there you have it—festive and fashionable without dropping a dime. Â
Get This Look: Urban Outfitters Silence + Noise Sky Satin Tank Top ($20), Vince Camuto Frayed Skinny Jeans ($79), Mango Oversize Denim Jacket ($80)
Stay Chic In a Striped Blouse and Denim Culottes
Just because it’s the Fourth of July doesn’t mean you have to pass on a polished outfit. A red and white striped blouse is so chic but still looks on-theme. Pair with white denim culottes and mules for a sophisticated look that works for any holiday occasion.
Get This Look: Express Striped One Shoulder Blouse ($30), H&M Denim Culottes High Waist ($30)
Pair a Floral Midi with a Denim Jacket for a Softer Take on Independence Day Style
Florals for Fourth of July? Groundbreaking (but actually though). I never see flower print at the 4OJ potluck I attend every year, but this Community Member is proving just how festive it can look. Offset the dressiness of a floral midi with white kicks and a denim jacket for a sweet and chill #OOTD.
Get This Look: Band of Gypsies Blue-Moon Floral Print Wrap Dress ($98), Topshop Oversized Denim Jacket ($85), Kendall + Kylie James Espadrille Sneakers ($98)
Match Festive Statement Earrings To Your ‘Fit
Bold primary colors are already your BFF on the Fourth so wearing a bright bodysuit and candy-striped skirt is a fantastic idea. For a cherry on top, grab a matching pair of tassel earrings!
Get This Look: Forever 21 Contrast Cami Bodysuit ($22), Express Stripe Wrap Front Maxi Skirt ($70), Kendra Scott Denise Tiered Tassel Drop Earrings ($125)
Stay Cozy While Watching the Fireworks in Dressed Up Sweats
Even if the only thing on your holiday agenda is a cozy night spent watching fireworks, there’s still plenty of room to kill it in the Fourth of July outfit department. Wear your favorite white joggers but take note of this Community Member’s ‘fit and style them with a red crop top and coordinating sunnies.
Get This Look: Everlane Classic French Terry Sweatpant ($55), ASOS Nobody’s Child Twist Front Long Sleeve Crop Top ($23( Topshop Point Polly Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($35)
Colorblock a Casual Red, White, and Blue ‘Fit
Here’s another look I’m sure you’ve got in your wardrobe. Wear your favorite denim shorts with a crop top—especially one with a fun detail like bell sleeves—and white sneakers with crew socks to really colorblock your ‘fit. And don’t be afraid to go all-out with accessories—I’m living for this Community Member’s leopard print accents. Her matching hat and belt add a fashion-forward twist to this patriotic color scheme.
Get This Look: ASOS Off-the-Shoulder Shirred Crop Top with Flared Sleeves ($26), Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts ($72), ASOS Leopard Double Circle Waist and Hip Belt ($21)
Wear a Two-Piece Set to Your 4OJ Picnic
I’m a big believer in two-piece sets. The versatility of a good set is unreal—you can wear it with anything, anywhere, including a holiday picnic. For a Fourth of July outfit that literally could not be easier grab a cherry red matching set and you’re good to go.
Get This Look: Forever 21 Floral Eyelet Off-the-Shoulder Peasant Crop Top ($23), Forever 21 Floral Eyelet Shorts ($23)
Outshine the Fireworks in Head-to-Toe Stars
Yeah, the fireworks are gorgeous but all eyes will be on you when you roll up to a 4OJ party in this look. Star print everything is having a major moment RN so a dramatic, celestial dress is the move. Add a wide brim hat and a swipe of bold red lipstick and you’ll be ready to dance the night away.
Get This Look: ASOS DESIGN Bardot Sundress With Tie Front ($40), Banana Republic Wide-Brim Panama Hat ($48), NARS Audacious Lipstick in shade Rita ($34)
What are you wearing for the Fourth of July? Show us your festive style on Instagram by tagging @cfashionista!
Opening image by Rahma Ly.
