News & Politics

Wearing the Red-White-and-Blue

Even if you’ve got a stars-and-stripes bikini to wear on July 4, we’ve got ten more red-white-and-blue items that add instant patriotic pop to your outfit—and can be worn the rest of the summer with ease.

Flower Child
Petal Bandeau bathing suit; $80, jcrew.com.
Lucky for you, retro suits are trendy in a big way. Camouflage any trouble spots while still looking chic in this one-piece stunner.

High Heels and Pearls
Faux-pearl headband; $3.80, forever21.com.
Thanks to Gossip Girl, headbands are in vogue once again. But it’s pretty much impossible to pull off the gigantic-bow look when you’re over age 14. This subdued piece is still stylish and more wearable.

Perfect Pout
Perfect Rouge lipstick by Shiseido in Dragon; $25, nordstrom.com
Red lips are a great way to play up a simple outfit, and they pair perfectly with summer’s neutral makeup. Accentuate your great tan with a simple, slicked-back ponytail and precisely applied red lipstick. Our top pick is the Perfect Rouge collection from Shiseido, which goes on like a gloss but stays put like a stain.

American as Cherry Pie
Ulta nail polish in Cherries Jubilee; $5, ulta.com.
Can’t swing the red lips? Sport this all-American shade on your nails or toes for a look that matches the holiday. Even better? Ulta is running a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on its polish, so you can stock up on your favorite shades for less.

Fancy Feet
Mystique sandals; $135 at Wink (3109 M St., NW; 202-338-9465; shopwinkdc.com).
Barbecues and fireworks may call for casual apparel, but that doesn’t mean that a little bling isn’t appropriate—in moderation, of course. Sport these gold-and-turquoise flats by Mystique and you’re sure to be the best dressed at the party.

Gettin’ Leggy With It
Plastic Island linen cuff shorts; $67.20, southmoonunder.com.
Who wears short shorts? You do. Show off your tan in these linen shorts by Plastic Island, on sale at South Moon Under. Pair the linen bottoms with a billowy top—in a bright blue or red—and flats.

Statement Style
Kenneth Jay Lane bib nugget necklace; $29 per week, bagborroworsteal.com.
Play like a celebrity this weekend and borrow some big-time bling. If your July 4 plans call for a cocktail affair, we’d suggest this orange stunner. If you’d prefer to own it, 50 percent of your rental fees are considered equity toward your purchase. If you’re really in love, the coral version is on sale for $369.60 (down from $528) on shopbop.com.

Something Blue
Julianne Smith patriotic garter; $42, juliannesmith.com.
Taking advantage of the celebratory mood (and long weekend) to host your wedding? Embrace tradition with a twist—get in your “something blue” with this red-white-and-blue number from Julianne Smith, also known as Garter Girl. Way more fun than a skimpy lace piece—and much less embarrassing if a relative catches it.

Garden Girl
Anthropologie watercolor dress in raspberry; $148, anthropologie.com.
Should it rain on your parade this weekend, bring the sunshine indoors by sporting this floral dress, featuring bright blooms in shades of red and blue. The A-line style is very flattering, and the button detailing on the front keeps it from being too dressy for a daytime bash.

Romp Around
Ella Moss Charlotte’s Jumper in chambray; $247, revolveclothing.com.
If this season has a trend, it’s the onesie, or romper. The shorts-and-top combination made waves last season but hit the stores in wearable and affordable varieties this summer. This Ella Moss chambray jumpsuit—paired with chic wedges—is a stylish pick for a picnic or afternoon barbecue.

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