Violet Revolution

For the 4th next weekend, some of you may be heading out of town to a friend’s lake house in Wisconsin, Indiana, or north or west in Illinois (Galena, Round Lake).  That’s what I usually do for the 4th, and despite that it’s a low-key weekend; I still struggle with what to bring with me to accomplish that casual, effortlessly put together yet not overdone look.  Even thought I like fashion, I don’t personally like showing up looking too over the top.  You’re there to relax, so do just that!  Here’s my tips on what to wear for a perfect 4th of July (or any) weekend getaway.

1) Casual Denim — I’d generally recommend a slightly lighter jean color in a loose, relaxed fit.  Wearing a dark, trouser jean is too formal for such a weekend, plus your trouser jeans are probably hemmed for heel length, so they’ll be dragging all over the floor.  I like these hybrid skinny boyfriend jeans by David Kahn as you still get a laid back look without a baggy fit.  Cropped jeans with a distressed look like these by AG are cute too.  I also like these slim jeans by Red Engine, as they look great with flats for a casual weekend, but you could also dress them up with heels and wear them out at home.

2) Minimal, inexpensive jewelry.  I’m not a fan of bringing expensive jewelry to a lake house.  Outside of maybe your engagement/wedding ring(s), you really shouldn’t have the need to accessorize with the good stuff.  Plus, A) you might lose it in the water or B) you might misplace or leave it at the house.  I’d bring a pair of larger earrings, like these swirl tiered earrings or plain large hoops and opt out of bringing a necklace so as I don’t want tan lines and to play around taking it on and off.  Then I’d maybe add some bracelets like these thin, wrap studded bracelets or these interwound multi-bangle bracelets.

3) Cover-up.  By now you might have seen the best swimwear picks (according to me!) and hottest swim color this season.  But you certainly will need a cover-up being on a boat.  Riding around makes it quite windy, and if the weather is on the cusp of being warm enough; you might be too cold sitting there in just your swimsuit.  Plus most women I know prefer to walk or sit around in a cover-up.  This 3/4 sleeve cotton lace cover up is a perfect choice if it’s a tad bit cooler.  If it’s a little warmer but you still want coverage on your arms, this bohemian tunic is a good choice.  I also love this traditional strapless candy striped cover up by Betsey Johnson.

4) Comfy, stylish flip-flops.  This is not the place to break out your 4″ wedges or stilettos.  You can wear platform flip-flops like this sparkly rhinstone pair, or be stylish and functional with this grey and purple slim little birds pair by Havaianas with little crystal accents.

5) Cute, casual tops.  I’m still a fan of cute t-shirts like this Champ de Mars tee with the Eiffel Tower on it; but you can also wear something a little more in between like this Antiquarian Blossom tee or this Madras purple flower top.