Our Top 10 Picks for Casual 4th of July Dressing

2. The Shorts.

Shorts and summer holiday weekends go together like hamburgers and buns. J.Crew is a master at well-priced, and good-looking cotton shorts. Their Club Shorts are one of our favorites. They have a longer, modern length and silhouette that takes you from day into evening in style. There are 8 versatile colors to choose from, and we especially like this dark graphite – a little twist from the basic stone and khaki’s, but just as essential.

2. The Shorts.

If you are looking for something with a bit more novelty, these linen reversible shorts from Tailor Vintage offer an indigo plaid on one side and a solid stone linen on the other. If you are packing for the long weekend, this is the perfect pair of shorts. All events are covered - wear the plaid for your daytime needs with a basic t-shirt, and switch to the solid side with a plaid button-down shirt for the evening.

3. The Polo Shirt.

This classic pique polo with tipped collar and sleeves is all you need for the weekend. Of course, it works in any casual setting, with any shorts or pants or jeans, but it also has a polished look that allows you to dress it up a bit. Since the Fred Perry line gained it’s initial popularity on the tennis courts, it will be the perfect shirt for watching the Wimbledon finals over the 4th of July weekend – especially in this navy with red and white tipping. (We really do like the black and the red, too.)

4. The Perfect Basic T-shirt.

T-shirts have become an essential for weekend wardrobes and we really like this Supima cotton jersey version from Agave. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and comes in some key basic colors. We like the dark slate as shown - the color showcases the enzyme wash finish, so it has that lived-in appeal and some attitude, which we mean in the best possible way. This is a quality t-shirt that will serve you well for many years.

5. The Casual Sport Shirt.

Another favorite of ours from J.Crew’s Thomas Mason collection, this contemporary fit gingham check short sleeve sport shirt with a button down collar is a new classic. Thomas Mason has been producing awesome fabrics since 1796, so this is sure to be a summer staple you'll enjoy for years.

5. The Casual Sport Shirt.

Even though it’s summer, sometimes we need a long sleeve - it can get cool sitting on the deck having drinks, right? This Michael Kors modern fit blue check plaid in a summer weight cotton can be a “go to” shirt for all occasions. Roll up the sleeves for a more casual look with shorts. For evening events, pair it with darker washed jeans or your favorite khaki’s.

6. The Easy Pants.

Linen is a wonderful summer fabric. This 100% linen elastic waist beach pant from Tommy Bahama is perfect for a seaside weekend or a casual backyard summer party. Don’t shy away from them just because they are white. They are still masculine – and they are still sensible. You’re a grown up! You can handle a pair of white pants. Throw on your favorite cotton t-shirt or polo and you are set to go.

6. The Easy Pants.

For a more modern fit, these AG’s will satisfy all your summer needs. The blend of linen and cotton creates a soft, comfortable fabric that has the texture of linen but without all the wrinkles. They are an incredibly comfortable pair of pants for the golf course, if the club decorum dictates long pants, and are stylish enough to transition straight into an evening out. Perfect for a holiday weekend.

7. The Sweater.

Even though it is early July, the evenings can be cool, especially while you sit outside waiting for the fireworks to begin. So, it’s great to have a versatile sweater on hand that will go with whatever you are wearing. This washed denim blue cotton pullover with a stand collar from carbon2colbalt is perfect for those evenings. It’s a practical item with lots of rugged attitude.

8. The Tote.

Sometimes the guy is in charge of hauling the beach stuff or the food and wine for the picnic – like it or not. This cotton canvas tote from Kaufman Mercantile accomplishes the mission in style. The heavy duty 18oz cotton canvas fabric and reinforced seams holds everything and anything. We like the terracotta color as shown but it's also available in a more neutral navy or olive.

9. The Hat.

It’s 4th of July, a time to show our patriotism…and keep the sun out of our eyes, and maybe protect our heads from some sunburn if you know what we mean. (Believe us, we know how it feels.) This customizable hat from Ralph Lauren is iconic, so you’ll wear it well past the weekend.

10. The Flip Flops.

A flip flop is a must have for summer’s official first holiday weekend. This classic from Havaianas will serve you well all summer long. Perfect for the beach and looks great with shorts. Made in Brazil - just what you need for World Cup watching.