HOW FASHION GIRLS DRESS ON JULY 4TH

How can you celebrate Independence Day without looking like an extra in a beer commercial? First, ditch your star-spangled bikini. Second, take inspiration from the fashion crowd: The style pros like to riff on the red, white and blue color palette—whether through an abstract print or a thoughtful accessory—in summer-appropriate silhouettes and fabrics. Here, three outfit ideas that won’t make you look like something out of the parade.



1. A color-block knit and breezy culottes work everywhere from a boat in Maine to a garden party in Connecticut.

2. Top a retro bikini with a lightweight cardigan and printed shorts for a beachside bash.

3. A more sophisticated celebration calls for a tweed minidress and refined accessories.

7 SWEATPROOF FABRICS TO WEAR THIS SUMMER

It’s officially hot out. While I can’t teach you how to stop perspiring all together, I can show you a few ways to stay cool and carefree this season. Start by swapping out garments made from bonded wool, silk and other non-breathable materials for pieces that are light, breezy and boast moisture-wicking properties. Here, 7 fabrics to slip into on a warm, summer day.

Stay Cool

Consider chambray a lighter, more breathable version of denim.

Swap out a jersey maxi dress for one made from an airy, gauze material. Minimal cutouts create ventilation without showing a lot of skin.

A printed rayon piece is feather light (and far more forgiving when it comes to sweat marks).

A thin seersucker skirt is a polished, work-appropriate alternative to your wool pencil skirt.

Thanks to its wider weave, a linen button-up doesn't trap heat like a standard silk shirt.

Heading on a bike ride or long drive? Switch denim cutoffs for this printed, tailored board short.

For date night trade an embellished tank for an eyelet style. The virtually weightless fabric looks just as flirty.

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SUMMER SLEEVE FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

Whether you want to show off your toned arms or prefer to have your shoulders covered, one thing is for sure: a sleeve can make or break the dress. Because every girl has different preferences, I tracked down my favorite, summer-appropriate floaty frocks with every sleeve imaginable—from three quarter to batwing to bell.

What Sleeve Suits You?

HOW TO WEAR SPRING’S MUST-HAVE BLOUSE, THREE WAYS

Emerging in demure frocks and blouses alike, the high-neck silhouette is making a serious comeback. Reminiscent of Edwardian-era fashion, the style is yet another example of retro references returning with a vengeance. Here, I'll show you how to sport the look three ways for a totally modern take on the trend.

The Inspiration: Cara Delevingne

Cara sports her retro-inspired blouse in a way that reads totally rocker chic.

Tie-Neck

The Prism Hat, Lack of Color $79

Frilled Tie-Neck Blouse, Zara $80

Aars Heel, AllSaints $450

Skinny Leather Trousers, Blk Dnm $876

Smocked

Suede Coat, Mango $249

Zabrina Slides, Dolce Vita $80

Silk Smocked Blouse, Tamara Mellon $670

Le Garcon Slim Boyfriend Jeans, Frame Denim $220

Sheer

Appliqued Silk-Blend Chiffon Blouse, Dolce & Gabbana $1495

Yvette Sandals, Joie $275

Small Black Scalloped Bag, Simone Rocha $880

Skirt with Fringe, H&M $35

WHY WEARING A MAXI SKIRT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BOHEMIAN

Modernizing The Maxi

A maxi skirt does not always have to read bohemian. In fact, this hippie staple can look extremely posh by trading its natural mate—a relaxed t-shirt—for a more formal top. Case in point: The Resort 2016 See by Chloe collection confidently styled a maxi skirt with a button-up, collar shirt. Since these pieces won’t be in stores until November, I'm stealing this styling trick effective immediately. The best news? You probably have everything you need already in your closet to reinvent your look.

See by Chloe, Resort, 2016

Pair With Feminine Silk Blouse

Pair With Chambray Shirt

Pair With Crisp Oxford

GUIDE TO WEDDING-ATTIRE ETIQUETTE

Wedding season is upon us, which means tears of happiness, boogying ’til your feet hurt and plenty of flutes of Champagne, but it also means endless stress over what to wear. From the politics of sporting white to the appropriateness of a short dress in a black-tie setting, wedding-season rules can be difficult to navigate. Here, I have styling advice for 5 perfect ensembles.

Can I wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding?

Absolutely. But if it’s short, it has to be tasteful. The lines for black-tie dressing are blurred, and there is a lot of gray area, but you don’t have to wear a long gown. If you go for a short dress, make sure it’s special and has a lot of bells and whistles—lots of glitz and glam.

Is it okay to wear white or cream as a wedding guest?

Since it’s the bride’s big day, I would veer on the side of extreme caution when it comes to wearing off-white, ivory or cream. Play it safe, and if you want to wear a light color, opt for blush pink or heather grey. If the color reads white, pick a different dress.

What shoes should I wear to a beach wedding?

A wedding on the sand is the perfect opportunity to wear gorgeous flat sandals with an ethereal caftan or bohemian dress. Even though you may end up barefoot, I would steer clear of flip-flops and go for a pretty slide or gladiator.

What does cocktail attire mean exactly?

Since cocktail attire is open to interpretation (you can wear a short or long dress), dramatic accessories are key. Something about your outfit needs to feel special, so if you wear a simple dress, be sure to dress it up with interesting statement jewelry and strappy heels.

What should I wear as a guest to a town-hall wedding?

Wear your version of a chic tailored suit—whether it’s a jumpsuit, trousers and a button-up, or a pencil skirt with a tailored jacket, you can’t go wrong with polished separates.

THE RIGHT WAY TO WEAR SEQUINS THIS SUMMER

If you thought sequins were only reserved for the holidays, think again—there’s a way to sport the festive look for summer, as evidenced by Natalie Portman’s recent ensemble. Selecting a sequined dress with a demure silhouette (read: shift or similar) allows you to play with louder colors and prints without seeming garish. Style your hero piece with simple strappy sandals and understated earrings to keep the effect chic (not clubby) and get ready to sparkle your way through the season.

The Inspiration: Natalie Portman

Alice & Olivia, $798

Needle & Thread $540

Goen.J $995

Emilio Pucci, $6900

THE BEST WEDDING-APPROPRIATE DRESSES UNDER $500

As fashion girls with a red carpet stylist as a boss, we love any excuse to get dressed up—and wedding season is one of the biggest. While we’ll often look to ready-to-wear collections and high street stores to deliver gorgeous, wedding-appropriate dresses, these niche online retailers are also a go-to for formal occasions. Looking for something special yourself? You’ll love the budget-conscious, statement-making frocks on offer here.

Find Your Dream Wedding Guest Dress

Designer Rental: Rent The Runway

With new stores in D.C. and Chicago and a host of great brands like Opening Ceremony, Proenza Schouler and Prabal Gurung on offer, this dress rental site is still a solid choice if you'd rather spend your money on shoes, bags (or college loans).

Pricing: $50 - $800 rental.

Custom-Fitted: Fame & Partners

This just-launched formal dress site let's you customize your frock or gown according to your body shape or personal style. Change the hemline, color, neckline and more with just the click of a button (and barely any up-charge).

Pricing: $199-$329 plus $10-$20 for customization charges.

Wear It Again: Reformation

With zero embellishments and barely any structure, these eco-friendly dresses would work for more than just weddings. Plus, the brand's direct-to-consumer model means you won't find them in every department store across the country.

Pricing: $218 - $598.

Bang For Your Buck: Asos

This trend-driven, online-only marketplace recently got into the weddings game with a new shop-in-shop geared towards bridesmaids and wedding guests. With prices well under $200 these unexpected dresses are a savvy option.

Pricing: $54-$544.

Off-Price Option: The Outnet

Net-a-Porter's off-price sister site is a great source for interesting designer pieces and their brand new weddings section (complete with lingerie, accessories and wedding-weekend garb) makes the search for a dance floor-worthy dress that much easier.

Pricing: $133 - $1,977.

HOW TO WEAR SNEAKERS WITH A DRESS

Looking to try something new (or get some more use out of that bridesmaid dress)? Time to repurpose your cocktail looks by pairing them with a summer sneaker. The styling trick is a fashion girl favorite and, more importantly, surprisingly easy to pull off. Simply pair a running shoe with a sheath dress or a midi frock with canvas kicks. The result is a devil-may-care approach to summer dressing. Master the casual trend with these suggestions.

Instantly dress down feminine dresses with flat sneakers. Finish with air-dried hair and a lip stain.

Midi Dress + Canvas Sneakers

Printed Dress, Zara $100

Love Cross Body Bag-Aloe, Rebecca Minkoff $295

Fe Lo Classic White, Feiyue $65

Suede A-Line Dress + Low Tops

Suede Shirt-Dress, Zara $199

The Runthrough Handbag, Joanna Maxham $530

Women's Low-Top Originals Gazelle Dove Suede Trainers, Adidas $110

Leather Shift + Running Shoes

Falco Black Leather Wrap Up Mini Dress, Isabel Marant $2315

Decorative Pandora Clutch, Charlotte Olympia $1325

Embellished Lace Covered Leather Sneakers, Rene Caovilla $1140

Frayed Tweed + High Tops

Striped Dress, Barrie $998

White Leather Bamboo Sac Backpack, Gucci $2395

2.12 High-Top Sneaker, Golden Goose $598