Memorial Day is in a couple of weeks. It’s the unofficial start to summer. The calendar says summer starts on June 21, but who’s counting?
Memorial Day kicks off all the summer grilling, pool parties, school is ending and the weather is too good to wait until June to claim summer. Along with all of these summer activities and patriotic holidays comes the question- what should I wear? I’ve got 10 red, white and blue outfit ideas for ladies to answer that question.
And I’ll let you know which body types these looks work best for.
If you are like me, you love a good theme outfit and in particular, a patriotic theme. But you want a patriotic outfit that’s classy and well put together, not cheesy. We aren’t looking to wear the flag head to toe as an outfit, but to show patriotism in our country’s colors.
In fact, it really bothers my husband to see the flag or a flag print on clothing. He says the flag should be displayed appropriately and honored, not worn. You will see a couple of pieces here with the flag on them, but I think they are tasteful pieces.
You also want something that’s a little more exciting than just a red tshirt and blue pants for Memorial Day or Fourth of July. These red, white and blue women’s outfits combine colors and patterns that are everything but boring.
Casual Backyard BBQ Outfits
Red, White and Blue Outfit Idea Number 1
I could wear red, white and blue all summer. It’s such a good color palette and just shouts summer vibes every day, not just for patriotic holidays.
This floral print top from Belk is a good piece for wearing all summer. Not only does it sport red, white and blue, it has some pink and coral mixed in. With neutral sandals this outfit could be worn every day.
This red, white, and blue floral print top is such a fun and feminine way to wear patriotic colors without looking overly themed. The floral print gives the outfit a soft, summery feel, while the ruffle sleeves add movement and a touch of romantic detail. Paired with classic denim shorts and red slide sandals, the outfit feels casual, cheerful, and perfect for warm-weather holiday celebrations. Tie a navy and white striped scarf in your hair to elevate the look
Who this works for: The soft drapey top will skim over the midsection of apples and the ruffle sleeves will help pear shapes draw the eye up. The ruffle sleeves will also create some dimension for rectangle shape bodies.
Top- Belk; shorts- Nordstrom; sandals- Old Navy; purse-Target; Scarf- Gap; Earrings- Belk
Outfit Number Two: Red, White and Blue Kimono Outfit
What’s a summer outfit without a kimono?
The kimono is the ultimate summer layering piece and this one has all the colors for getting in the patriotic vibes without saying “Look this is my Memorial Day outfit.”
I’ve worn this kimono several ways in the past and the ideas just keep coming. It’s that good and so versatile. I purchased mine four years ago and I’m wearing a small. It’s petite friendly and doesn’t hang to my knees or drown me in fabric.
I also purchased the earrings two years ago and seem to reach for them every time I wear this kimono. The tee is from Old Navy. I’m a sucker for their Every Wear, Luxe and linen blend tees and tanks. (This post isn’t sponsored by Old Navy. I just like to shop there.)
It’s easy to pattern mix with a blue or red striped tee.
Who this works for: The kimono creates vertical lines and adds a light layer for apple shapes and the patterns draw the eye up for pear shapes. Since the kimono is lightweight and flowy, it’s not adding any extra weight at the shoulders, so this works for inverted triangle shapes too. The hourglass shape can still flaunt curves in this outfit too.
Kimono- Amazon; striped tee- Old Navy; shorts- DIY; sandals- Steve Madden; similar; earrings- Amazon
Outfit Number 3: Red Striped Button Up Shirt + Tank + Denim Shorts + Sneakers or Mule Sneakers
For a casual BBQ gathering, rely on your classic denim shorts and a red striped shirt for visual interest and a classic Americana feel that works for patriotic holidays without being overly themed. Complete the look with a straw tote, raffia earrings, and sneakers. Woven sneakers give the look a little more texture and provide comfort for standing or playing games at a BBQ.
Who this works for: Apples and Pears benefit from the striped shirt and raffia earrings drawing the eye upward and away from problem areas like the midsection or wider hips. The button up is a lightweight layer that gives coverage for apples and for those who want arm coverage without feeling too hot or bulky.
Shirt- Land’s End; tank-Loft; JCPenney; sneakers- Target; Tote-JCrewFactory; Earrings- Belk
Patriotic Outfit Idea Number Four: Tank top and white denim shorts
Given how much I love Old Navy luxe tees and tanks, I could not resist this star print tank. I snagged it at $10. The cute print is patriotic but not over the top and still appropriate to wear all summer. With white shorts, it gives a nautical vibe. It’s sold out now but I’ve linked a similar one.
This outfit is perfect for patriotic weekends, beach trips and cookouts.
Who it works for: The tank skims the midsection instead a clinging for apples, and the tank and hat draw attention upwards for pear shapes. Inverted triangles could switch up the earrings for smaller ones and let the white shorts and red sandals draw attention downward.
The hat is one of my Amazon favorites and comes in multiple colors. Think you can’t wear a hat? Check out my post on How to Look Good in a Hat.
Tank- similar; shorts – DIY; option; sandals- Steve Madden; similar; hat- Amazon; earrings- Amazon
Memorial Day Brunch or Dinner Outfits
Cute Red, White and Blue Outfit Number 5
For those who might be experiencing cooler temperatures or cooler nights, or those who just don’t wear shorts, pairing white jeans, a red striped tee, and a denim jacket is a great option for Memorial Day. Gold sandals keep the summer vibes going.
Who this works for: The boatneck neckline visually widens the shoulder area, helping balance fuller hips beautifully for the pear shape body. The open denim jacket can create slimming vertical lines for the apple shape, just make sure the jacket is longer than your widest part. White jeans can create balance and draw the eye downward for the inverted triangle.
Jacket- Amazon; top – Amazon; jeans- Loft; shoes; sandals- Amazon; earrings- Amazon
Americana Outfit Number 5
Because I’m a firm believer in remixing and rewearing items, and because the star tank and kimono look so good together, I created an outfit repeating these pieces from above. I paired the kimono and tank with a white skirt, but feel free to pair them with shorts or jeans.
Who this works for: This outfit is especially flattering for apple, pear, rectangle, and hourglass body shapes because it creates balance while keeping the silhouette soft and relaxed. The kimono is the key piece that makes this outfit so universally wearable. For apple shapes, the open-front layering effect creates long vertical lines that visually elongate the torso and provide comfortable coverage through the midsection. Pear shapes benefit from the added movement and visual interest on top, which helps balance fuller hips and thighs. Rectangle body shapes gain softness and dimension from the flowy kimono layered over the tank and skirt, helping create the appearance of curves and shape. Hourglass figures also wear this look beautifully because the tank top keeps the outfit from looking too oversized while still allowing the natural waistline and curves to show through.
Kimono; tank-option; skirt- JCrew Factory-option; slides- Kohls similar
Navy short sleeve sweater + red cropped pants + brown sandals
This look is the perfect mix of patriotic, polished and comfortable without being overly themed. You could wear this one all summer for any casual occasion. The navy sweater with thin white stripes has a coastal feel, while the cropped pants create a silhouette that works for cookouts, neighborhood gatherings, or watching fireworks.
Who this works for: The sweater skims rather than clings so it’s great for an apple shape and the red pants bring the focus down from the middle. It works for the inverted triangle for the same reason- focus on bottom rather than top.
Casual Weekend Errands Outfit
White flag sweatshirt + Red Skort + Navy Ball cap+ white sneakers
This is the perfect sporty chic look, perfect for weekend errands, the holiday parade or laid back gatherings. The sweatshirt and skort combine to give youthful American vibes. The navy ball cap keeps it casual and the low profile sneakers add a modern vibe.
Who this works for: The apple benefits from attention to the legs while the sweatshirt skims the middle of the body. The graphic sweatshirt draws the eye up for pear shapes and the skort gives some definition to rectangle shapes.
Sweatshirt- Old Navy; skort- Walmart; skirt option; ball cap- Loft; purse-Amazon; sneakers; earrings JCrewFactory
Beach Weekend Outfits
Blue flag sweater + white wide leg linen pants + red slides
A coastal chic look that’s effortless, relaxed and elevated all at the same time. It’s not overly themed and the white linen pants keep it light, airy and sophisticated. The striped crochet purse adds a beachy vibe. It’s an easy coastal outfit that’s perfect for a waterfront lunch or Memorial Day gathering, to an evening by the marina.
Who this works for: Apple shapes benefit from the sweater that skims instead of clings and the flowy pants help elongate legs. Pear benefit from the sweater drawing the eye upward. The pants create some volume for the rectangle body shape.
Sweater- Old Navy; Pants- Old Navy; sandals- Old Navy; Purse- Gap; Earrings- Amazon
Blue Palm Print Romper + Red Sandals + Red purse
This blue and white romper is the perfect blend of polished and playful. Add pops of red to make it holiday ready. It’s the perfect one and done look for your weekend at the beach.
Who this works for: The elastic waist can help define the waist for the apple and the rectangle body shape and the button front can visually lengthen the torso for the apple. It’s a natural fit for the hourglass who wants to show off her waist.
Romper- Land’s End; sandals- JCPenney; bag Nordstrom; earrings – Amazon
Be sure to pin these because you will want to refer back to the for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and all summer long.
