American Beauty

A red-and-white striped straw bag is American summer at its best. Tailor-made for beach days but still city streets chic, this bag is spot on for a national celebration by the shore. Roomy enough to hold all your essentials—including a box of sparklers or two—this tote will be your go-to grab bag from now until Labor Day.

To buy: Gap Striped Tote, $60

Trade in your black or brown sunglasses for a pair that is sure to match the dawn’s early light. The brilliant white frames with red and blue accents give these super cool shades a slight retro vibe. Sport them all summer long, and bring them out again on the slopes this winter.

To buy: Marc by Marc Jacobs Two-Tone Flat, $140

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Nothing says American cool quite like a biker jacket and this one done in a bright cherry red is ripe for celebrating the birth of a nation. Toss this brilliant hued version over your shoulders to keep a summer breeze at bay while you watch the sparks fly in the sky. Come fall, this red-hot motorcycle style will rev up a pair of jeans and a T-shirt or add a touch of casual cool to a little black dress.

To buy: Mango Biker Jacket, $80

As luck would have it, fashion is having a love affair with stars this season, and J Brand’s light washed skinny jeans featuring a stellar print are made for parading around on the 4th of July. Play into the theme of the day by pairing them with a red-and-white striped T-shirt and a sandal. On other days this totally of-the-moment printed cropped jean will look super cool with a black tank top, and at night play into their a retro vibe by wearing them rolled with a pointy toe pump and a black leather biker jacket.

To buy: J Brand Aoki Star-Print Low-Rise Cropped Jeans, $200

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A lightweight scarf is a summer must-have and this oversized textured cotton version from LemLem is a worthy choice. The brainchild of supermodel Liya Kebede, this line of chic beach inspired clothing and accessories—handmade in Ethiopia by local artisans—has become a favorite among style setters and cool hunters alike. Bright white with an eye-pleasing pattern of blue and red stripes, this goes-with-everything scarf will be your constant companion throughout the season—not to mention a pitch-perfect finishing touch to any 4th of July festive look.

To buy: LemLem Classic Dolo Scarf, $125

They may be made in Spain, but Soludos's red, white and blue striped espadrilles are decidedly American in spirit. An essential for summer, these classic canvas and jute-soled shoes will be your go-to footwear all season long. Let them be the finishing touch to all your warm weather standbys from shorts and tees to flirty frocks and maxi dresses.

To buy: Soludos Espadrille, $36

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Complete any spirited look with this brilliant red silk thread bracelet accented with blue and metallic gold and finished with two tassels. For maximum impact you can pair this braided beauty with a matching blue version. Or, layer on other bangles for a wrist full of bling to rival any fireworks show.

To buy: Honorine Jewels Red Pom Pom Bracelet, $30

A T-shirt dress defines the ease of summer—easy to wear, easy to pack, easy to clean. Splendid’s blue-and-white stripe version may be a nod to nautical but this classic print also conjures up an Americana feel. Made from super soft cotton, this simple yet chic dress is certain to get lots of play this season. When paired with a red shoe—be it a sneaker, a sandal or a wedge—this frock is a perfect fit to fete the nation.

To buy: Splendid Striped Ballet Neck Dress, $105

Keep your patriotism close to the chest with this stars and stripes bra and briefs set. A navy-with-white-star pattern is mixed with red-and-white stripes—they cover the backside of the panties—for the perfect combination of kitsch and chic. When it comes to rallying for your country, this matched set goes above and beyond the call of duty.

To buy: Topshop Stars and Stripes Plunge Bra and Mini, $36

Patriotism reaches new heights with these red, blue and touch of blush straw wedges. The perfect shoe if your "4th" plans call for something fancier, these will up the spirited factor of any ensemble. Pair them with a red, white, blue or even black sundress, or let them have a pattern play with something in red or blue gingham print. They’ll also do justice to a pair of jeans and a dressy top for an effortlessly cool Independence Day look.

To buy: Zara Plaited Platform Wedge, $90

Pablo Picasso by way of Madonna (think her "Papa Don’t Preach" video) officially put the French sailor shirt on the fashion map, and this classic striped tee remains a chic choice today. Of course the nautical inspired hues also make it ideal for any Independence Day celebration. Go full tilt by pairing it with summer’s ubiquitous red denim, or keep it subtle by wearing it with a pair of classic summer white jeans.

To buy: J.Crew Saint James Minquiers Tee, $75