Happy Birthday America // red + blue + polka dots

Time to break out your fave red/white/blue combos to celebrate America's birthday in true patriotic style! But of course, while staying spirited is essential, avoiding the whole gaudy, over-the-top thing is ALSO essential. So consider this your guide to staying festively fashionable...without looking cheesy! 

Sophisticated chic, meet effortless comfort! This matching two-piece set is ideal for hot days and long nights. It's truly a no-brainer look that's certainly eye-catching and totally ideal for the season. Even better, the navy coloring with nude polka dots echoes the stars on our beloved flag! 

No patriotic ensemble is complete without a dash of red! And to keep things from looking TOO planned and coordinated, bringing along a crimson bag is the perfect way to subtly introduce the bold hue. Paint your nails white for bonus points! 

And of course - the red lip. You all must know by now how I feel about a red lip. Here I chose a light shade that matches my clutch. And while mattes and creams are great, I opted for a sheer lipstick to give my look a more laid-back, summery vibe. Sheer lipsticks are great for this time of year because they give you color while keeping your look effortless and carefree - the idea: not too much, not too little. 

Not wanting to take anything away from my polka dotted ensemble, I decided to pick très casual sandals that are virtually invisible. I think these guys did the trick! Plus, they make roaming around the city OR the beach a total breeze! 

Sunglasses are a must during these sunny months, and this pair is a go-to for me. I have a very small face so it's a challenge to find sunnies that don't completely overwhelm me, but these pretty much look custom-made! 

I didn't want to overcrowd my look with a statement necklace, but I also felt a little bare without ANY necklace on. So I chose a dainty gold choker. Just like my flip flops, this piece blends in perfectly and is pretty much invisible from afar. Mission accomplished! 

A sneaky way to inject some white into your 4th of July outfit is to add pearl earrings. Especially teamed with a red lip, you'll be completely on theme while avoiding the dreaded I-tried-too-hard look. 

It's a bit hard to tell here, but my watch is actually polka dotted - just like my shorts and top. It's another one of those barely-there pieces that kind of blends in with the rest of my look. 

The polka dots here are definitely the focal point of my look, which is why I stayed clear of statement accessories and wild colors. And while I certainly love to go bold, sometimes simpler is better! 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[top: Ann Taylor // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Sam Edelman // clutch: BCBG Max Azria // sunglasses: Anthropologie (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade // earrings: Ann Taylor (similar here) // necklace: fine jewelry (similar here) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipstick: Slowburn by Urban Decay] 

For the 4th I just love the idea of rocking an adorable shorts suit rather than a fussy sundress, which can be a bit risky during weekend adventuring. In fact, I've already sported this exact outfit on TWO separate occasions since I bought it - talk about getting enough bang for your buck, right? 

I wore this for a day out in Brooklyn that was filled with Smorgasburg food, flea markets, bars, and LOTS of walking. I've also worn this out shopping on 5th Ave. followed by an Italian-themed date night. See? The possibilities are endless! 

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