Your Stylist: Patriotic chic pieces for the 4th of July

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Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column

If you’re gearing up for the 4th of July weekend, you might want to think about packing or putting on an item or two that are a sartorial expression of the holiday. Red, white and blue are the obvious choices, and those colors as a combo or solid will always work. But here are a few items that are fun, whimsical and definitely patriotic-chic.

This kicky Lucca Couture sundress ($79 at Urban Outfitters, right) isn’t technically red, white or blue. It’s got a little pop of red running through it, but mostly it’s the bright and explosive design festooning the back and front of the dress that reminds me of fireworks. It feels celebratory and totally summery.

For something more modest and traditional, this red, white and blue circular print top from Boden ($80 at www.boden.com, above left) would look good paired with denim cut-offs or cuffed white jeans and brown leather sandals. With something this busy and bright, you’ve met your color quota. Don’t try to pair it with red or blue pants, stick to something neutral.

Whether you’re planning a beach trip or just want to switch up your current carryall for something much more suited for warmer weather, this blue striped straw tote from Michael Stars ($80, piperlime.com, above right) is roomy enough for a towel and bottled water and light enough for running around on weekend errands.

To add a little bit of patriotic pop to your look, dainty star-shaped jewelry always works, and makes perfect sense to wear at other times of the year. These bright green starfish earrings from Betsey Johnson ($23.99, piperlime.com, above right) look patriotic and beachy and give some nice neon color to summer whites. The gold star pendant from Lisa Stewart ($80, maxandchloe.com, left) is a nice addition to a simple sun dress or would look great layered with heftier necklaces. And for a real rich pop of red, try the red and gold chain necklace from Missoni ($655 at netaporter.com, right)

Don’t forget the sun protection this weekend, especially if you’re planning something poolside, or well, just outdoors in general. You can’t go wrong with classic red Ray Bans ($129, sunglasshut.com, above left) they provide a perfect pop of bold color that livens up even the simplest of outfits.

Same goes for the Max raffia fedora from Eugenia Kim ($192.50, netaporter.com, above left). The bold red and blue striped band makes this preppy and summery at the same time.

For the skin, make sure to pack sunscreen and a little self tanner, because your tan might need a little boost in case this June gloom keeps up. (Shiseido self tan, $30, left, and Shiseido sunscreen, $35, at Bloomingdales)

Send your style queries to melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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