As much as we love our great country — and a good Fourth of July party celebrating said country — let's be honest with ourselves here: American flag prints are very hit or miss, especially when worn in excess. This becomes a particular problem around this time of year, when sales of USA sunglasses and other patriotic paraphernalia spike. Skinny teens at music festivals can pull off an objectively cute crop top of the stars-and-stripes variety, but for the rest of us who can't, the kitschy socks and bandanas scream "I just came out of the New York City gift store around the corner!" But fear not, patriotic partygoers: There are plenty of stylish ways to rock the red, white, and blue.
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1. BOBS from Skechers Women's Plush Lil Americana Flat ($29.96)
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The key to not looking like a gaudy mess this July 4 weekend is subtlety. Little splashes of U.S. pride, such as these cute star-covered sneakers, added to an otherwise neutral or neatly color-blocked outfit make for a clean, modish take on the national holiday. Buy them at Amazon.
2. USA Flag Sweatshirt ($15.99)
Go even more minimal with this simple, stylish rendering of our nation's symbol from Zara. The back-to-basics crewneck can be thrown over just about anything — shorts, skirts, dresses (we suggest red or blue solids) — for a casual, youthful look at your next outdoor festivity. Buy it at Zara.
3. Flag dresses ($40, approx.)
If you're looking for something a little more festive, try a full piece inspired by the country's colors, like one of these flowy summer dresses. This company offers a ton of different cuts and patterns to choose from, and all of them leave you looking mature and polished. Plus, no one would think twice if you walked out in an outfit like this again on a regular picnic afternoon. Buy it at Amazon.
4. Vintage 50s High Waist Bikini Swimsuit ($20, approx.)
This suit's got all the right colors, but swaps stars for polka-dots, which when paired with a pear-shaped silhouette makes for a colorfully retro feel — classic American beauty rather than decked-out tourist. Plus, although technically a bikini, the high-waist bottom piece covers the stomach and any other soft spots you may be (unnecessarily) worried about, while still showing just enough midriff to keep it fun and flirty. Buy it at Amazon.
5. Captain America Varsity Football Tee ($20.50)
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Your favorite Marvel hero is your ticket to staying thematic while adding a boyish, culturally relevant flavor to your look. This oversized tee sports some major all-American spunk, keeps you looking breezy and carefree ("oh, this ol' thing? I just had it lying around!"), and provides a terrific excuse to bring up your main man Chris Evans. Buy it at Amazon.
6. U.S. Flag Denim High-Waist Cuff Shorts ($64)
It's a universally agreed upon fact that the stars and stripes pressed into denim look, as the kids say, dope as hell. The high-waist cut keeps this pair chic and fashionable. Balance the ensemble with a plain white tee and matching sneakers. Buy it at American Apparel.
7. "I Voted" Oversized Tee ($77)
What's more patriotic than doing your civic duty? This piece is a bit pricey, but the slouchy jersey look and open declaration of personal investment in the betterment of American society say "I'm a pretty cool person." Buy it at Amazon.
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