What To Wear: Fourth Of July Style (It's Already In Your Closet!)

Tina, here.

Time to shop your closet, dolls! Because why would you buy an outfit solely dedicated to the Fourth of July? It's one day of the year (one of my favorite days, I might add) and you already have what you need inside your closet. Whether it's a bike parade, a picnic, a greased watermelon contest (don't know what that is? you must not have spent your summers in Monteagle Assembly), or a lake day, and finally fireworks at night...here's what to wear to any Fourth of July festivity you may have.

What To Wear: Fourth Of July Style

First rule, is no hokey red, white and blue sparkly outfits that are the equivalent of the ugly Christmas sweater. Unless you are sacrificing your personal style to entertain your very young children or grandchildren. Once these babes reach about age 9 or 10, everyone thinks you're wearing those ridiculous looking clothes because you have no taste. Dress up your dog instead.

Indulge your love of the ridiculous by making your dog look it instead. So much cuter and a better conversation starter. Image by Randy Robertson.

Let's go ahead and plan what you'll wear this Saturday. Open your closet, find that white denim skirt I keep insisting you buy (wait, what? you still haven't bought it?), and then find a red t-shirt or a blue t-shirt and then some fun accessories.

Ok, ok my t-shirt has USA on it, but I promise you I bought it at TJ Maxx about 3 years ago because I have this patriotic thing in me that needs to be expressed, and this is a kitschy (not tacky) way to do that. Just be sure to foil your blue Fourth of July statement with a backdrop of white, not red. I added some wedges and a fringe bag (Vault members: link to buy fringe handbag inside the June Vault, June Style Notes.)

I love a skirt instead of shorts because it's cooler and slightly more pulled together. Vault members, the white denim skirt is on sale. Sign in and shop here in the June Vault.

You can also do a white-on-white look and add turquoise jewelry, or even a fun red bead necklace. Basically you want to add a pop against the all white. I chose turquoise because it still signals that all-American style, and plus I heart it.

If it's a bit cooler where you live, add a button down blouse and be sure to cuff the sleeves to show some wrist. If it's warmer, push those sleeves up to above your elbows. Remember that gingham blouse you bought last year because they were so trendy? They still look good, especially on the Fourth because gingham is another all-American style. Either tuck it in or tie it at the waist in a knot, Daisy Duke style.

Another white denim skirt alternative is white shorts, or our trusty white jeans.

Ok, so we all know how I will shop anywhere. Wal Mart, Good Will, Chanel, and even the men's section. I bought this men's button down at Target last summer after one of my surgeries when I couldn't pull anything over my head. It's linen. Any oversize button down will work, but I just wanted to show you another way to do a patriotic outfit without wearing red, white and blue ribbons and sparkles.

On a hot summer day, if you're wearing white jeans, cuff them to show some ankle so it feels and looks cooler. I found the cutest men's button down on sale for $19.99 and put it on the June Vault, Style Notes section. Members login here.

Can women wear tank tops? Yes absolutely, if they are not wife-beaters and do not show your bra straps. I like a tank that is more blousy, like this grey one. Shop my favorite grey blousy tank and the gauzy sweater you can wear over it in the June Style Vault - the grey tank has been hugely popular with our Vault members all across the country. Vault members, sign in and shop here. Not a member? Check out what you're missing here.

My beaded clutch is one I found on consignment years ago...you never know what you'll find! Inside the July Style Vault - going live in 2 days - I do an entire feature on how to shop consignment stores. It's so fun.

**We have a few more spots for Nashville and Williamson County peeps to get VIP shopping privileges with us for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale next week.

You don't have to be present to participate. All-access comes with the purchase of a Shop & Style package. (Vault members get limited special access. Deets coming in the July Vault.)

The July Style Vault drops in 2 days! It's jam-packed with affordable summer styles (I'll show you how to carry them over into Fall, too). You can still shop the June Vault and items featured in blogs in the Style Notes Section, updated weekly.