The most patriotic day of the entire American year — and a sweet, sweet long weekend — is nigh. While we shamelessly indulge in our favorite American pastimes (cheeseburgers, light beer, gratuitous explosions), it’s basically mandated that we wear red, white and blue. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with our 4th of July outfits.
We get it. Not everyone feels comfortable donning stripes and stars. (Personally, we believe flag-printed shorts should be outlawed.) Generally speaking, we like our Old Glory references loose and nearly indecipherable (much like our sitting president’s Twitter rants).
Still, whether you’re celebrating our wacky and wonderful country’s birth by slow roasting on a beach, kicking it in a backyard with friends or sipping bourbon-based cocktails at some swanky rooftop bar, chances are that, as a human, you want to look good and, as an American, you want to at the very least nod at the day’s theme.
Searching for inspiration? Look no further than the slideshow above. In it, 15 of our favorite Instagram stalks model 4th of July outfits you’ll want to wear all summer long.
[ Next: 30 Genius Outfit Ideas for Every Day of June ]
4th of July Outfits
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4th of July Outfits #1
Nothing says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness like a cotton halter maxi dress. Complement your breezy look with geometric accessories — edgy red cat eyes, bold blue earrings.
Image: @tamumcpherson
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4th of July Outfits #2
Hold the stars, bust out the stripes. Pair leg-lengthening (because vertical stripes) blue and white trousers with a crimson-tinged tee. Polish things off with knotted golden mules and weighty pendant earrings.
Image: @slipintostyle
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4th of July Outfits #3
Planning on swilling cocktails at a fancy rooftop soirée? A silky baby blue wrap dress worn with embellished red heels makes for a patriotic yet posh day-to-night lewk.
Image: @maria_bernad
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4th of July Outfits #4
4th of July outfit planning is all about location, location, location. Spending the holiday at sea? Enjoy your daytime sail in a modest blue bikini top (zip-up styles look subtly sporty and provide great support), an A-line wrap skirt (in cotton or linen, naturally) and satin slides. Cap off the sporty yet feminine look with a pair of boxer braids.
Image: @asos_paloma
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4th of July Outfits #5
Do your fellow Americans a civil service — show 'em how proportion play is done. This outfit works for the 4th of July because you're wearing white up top and red down below. Of course, a slimming sleeveless wrap dress (top?) worn with wide-leg trousers will set off fashion fireworks any day of the week. (Leandra Medine's top is by Khaite, her pants are Rosie Assoulin.)
Image: @manrepeller
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4th of July Outfits #6
When we think "Americana," we think plaid. Slip a longline, short-sleeve blazer over high-waisted white shorts and a red and white message tee for an easy, on-theme 4th of July outfit.
Image: @double3xposure
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4th of July Outfits #7
Spending the night on the beach, bonfire adjacent? Reference the umbrellas of Marseille and our wonderful and bizarre country's flag at the same darn time. Slip on a ruffle-sleeve robe after you've finished tanning/sea bathing. Finish off the look with a straw bag and espadrille slides — no need to be too literal.
Image: @louloudesaison
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4th of July Outfits #8
Celebrate the anniversary of America's independence and pay homage to our Revolutionary War allies. A flirty ruffled cocktail dress looks très chic topped with a cherry red beret. Add a touch of interest with cutesy fruit motif earrings in the mandated color palette.
Image: @taylorlashae
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4th of July Outfits #9
Have some fun with your look. Cinch a ruffled off-the-shoulder number with a coordinating corset. Finish off the look with reflective sunnies and strappy red sandals. Side note: Don't let that corset impede your cheeseburger and hot dog consumption.
Image: @shhtephs
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4th of July Outfits #10
For more casual affairs, make like a modern-day Jane Birkin. Team a white wrap top dotted in red with true blue cropped denim flares and Jane's requisite straw bag (dyed merlot because patriotism).
Image: @jeannedamas
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4th of July Outfits #11
Presenting a 4th of July outfit that's both modest and modern. A gridded A-line maxi dress topped with a tweed blazer looks very Chanel Fall 2017 when paired with metallic loafers and D-frame sunnies. The marble-effect orange purse adds another (welcome) dose of friction.
Image: @aoifejudithturner
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4th of July Outfits #12
For a firework-sparking silhouette, rock a casual ribbed tank with a side-button pencil skirt and strappy sandals (all in the requisite color scheme). An outsize floral pin adds a charming, summery touch.
Image: @emilisindlev
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4th of July Outfits #13
Again, it's all about the accessories. Find a summer dress in a patriotic hue that flatters, belt it with white leather, grab a Budweiser bottle, snap an excessively color-coordinated pic.
Image: @doina
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4th of July Outfits #14
A classic wrap dress-mules combo works well for any semiformal occasion, including our great(-ish) nation's birthday. For a dose of playful patriotism, sub that plain white clutch for one that's star embellished.
Image: @jennatilemile
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4th of July Outfits #15
Steer clear of flag print shorts, but feel free to surreptitiously reference Old Glory by way of your jacket lining. Americanize the Canadian tux — pair your patriotic topper (Pandora Sykes wears Tommy Hilfiger) with a front-button sleeveless dress and red-lensed sunnies.
Image: @pandorasykes
