The New Red, White and Blue: 4th of July Fashion Picks

July 1, 2009 1:13 PM
by Emily Regenold

It’s safe to assume all women release one giant exhale turning their calendars from May to June –ah. Summer has arrived – which means tinted moisturizer as make-up, flip-flops as high-end footwear and pool-induced hair waves are not only acceptable, but praised as chic. But Fourth of July, the largest summer holiday in terms of importance and parties, is the time to step back up the style. Don’t freak out too much –it’s still not required to go glam head-to-toe. Think of heating up your look in terms of pre-heating the grill –you just want to cause a little spark. Here are the top tips for Fourth of July style that will keep you looking hot from your first mimosa until round two of fireworks.

Tip no. 1 for Fourth of July Style: Prepare for the Pool

One of the best things about the Fourth is the parties begin early and end late. But day-drinking and cookouts often take place poolside, and chlorine is never in-style. Make sure to pack your pool bag with the essential tools to upkeep your look.

If you have wavy or curly hair, grab a bottle of Sunsilk’s Waves of Envy, which you can snag for less than an Abe Lincoln at any drugstore. With a once-over and some scrunching, you’ll look like you just snagged a fresh, loose perm. If your hair tends to acquire grease after being outside for awhile, try Psssssst’s dry shampoo, also available at drugstores for only $5.49. Dry shampoo does all the work of a wash without the water (you can justify using this later when you’re too lazy to take a shower by saying it’s eco-friendly). However, its baby powder-like appearance can make you look desperate for some Head & Shoulders if you’re not careful. So if the possibility of white flakes gives you a scare, you can upgrade to Bumble and Bumble’s product (available in black, brown, blonde and red), but it’ll cost ya an extra Andrew Jackson.

Stock your make-up bag with Make Up For Ever’s eye products. Make Up For Ever is what the pros use for models during underwater photo shoots, so it’s sure to outlast your splashes and spilled drinks. Any waterproof mascara is a given. Then, for lips and cheeks, grab a stain (the same product works for both). Your skin will absorb its color for the long haul –Benefit’s Benetint is popular, but almost all brands make stains these days. Throw it all together with the aforementioned tinted moisturizer (with SPF, of course). With a touch-up every second cocktail or so, you’ll look like a pro.

Tip no. 2 for Fourth of July Style: Conquer the cannonball

Tie together your poolside look –and we mean this literally. Since nearly all bikinis require string assemblage, make sure to double or triple-knot before you partake in liquid celebration and gain the confidence to try some new moves off the high-board. Your everyday swimsuit will work for the Fourth, but if you’re looking for something new, Forever21 has a new line of swimwear out that gets you a top and bottom for $25, some of which have a nautical appeal that will make you want to belt out “Born in the USA.” Or, if you’re up for buying something a little more upscale, Orchardboutique.com offers great designer swimwear, including Sports Illustrated-featured suits, with free shipping on orders over $150. We’re fans of Betsey Johnson’s new line, which will make you look like a pin-up girl from the reigns of Harding to FDR.

Tip no. 3 for Fourth of July Style: Don’t go all out in red, white and blue for the night

While it may be tempting to wrap an American flag around your bod like a sari, nothing screams “get a life” more than the girl who looks like she’s intricately planned out her outfit. Instead, capture a bit of the day’s essence by taking a seasonal trend in red, white or blue and pairing it with strategic accessories.

Denim and neutral, sheer fabrics are huge this season. Pairing a denim dress or a white or off-white sheer top with a red accessory will make you appear effortless to the guys, while the ladies will applaud you for your coordination. Gladiators or sandals are great for the day, but slide on some open-toe pumps before you hit the club. We recommend Naughty Monkey’s, which come in for less than $100, and are the most comfortable 4-inch elevators you’ll find. The uniquely-designed footwear has many Fourth-appropriate patterns that will allow your understated outfit to stand out. But make sure to break these babies in a few weeks before –although they feel as good as Rainbow sandals after a few wears, they snag your feet for the first three or so.

When planning your outfit, be sure to keep other seasonal trends in mind, including big, bold belts, faux-reptile textures and structured blazers if weather suggests.

Tip no. 4 for Fourth of July Style: Leave high-end designer bags at home

If you’re looking for a bag to take from daytime to the club, grab your favorite color Le Pliage from Longchamp. Its water-resistant exterior will safeguard you for the day. And although it may not be your ideal clutch for the dance floor, we all know days of day-drinking can lead to the utmost debauchery, which makes it a good idea to leave Louis safely in your closet. Knowing someone who got so sick from drinking she ended up vomiting in her Longchamp, but was able to send it through the washer and restore it to its original glory, CoolJunkie cannot recommend this purse (available in all different sizes) enough.