Effortlessly chic – that was the theme of the comments remarking on this look when I shared it to Instagram. I was inspired by these shoes to create a classic, effortless, dressed down, patriotic look that would work as a festive outfit for the 4th of July, Labor Day or Memorial Day, and not be overtly flag-like in appearance. I know you can picture exactly what I mean! This outfit is incredibly chic, I agree, but it’s also deceptively easy to wear with each piece being so comfortable. Keep reading to see why I reach for each of these pieces on a weekly basis!
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I’ll begin with the shoes as they are the newest item in the photo – in a word: swoon. In these photos you’d think I’m 5’5″ or more thanks to the sleek pointed toe and v-shaped vamp working their leg lengthening magic. They have a little bit of an arch support along with a padded insole for maximum comfort, and are handmade in Italy using gorgeous, buttery soft leather. The Natalie flat comes in a variety of colors and fabrics but after seeing this exact pair worn so effortlessly on Meghan Markle, I had to have the saddle vachetta leather! Full review coming soon but in the meantime, if you’ve been dying to get your hands on a pair of these blogger and celebrity favorite flats, you can use code SARAHFLINT-BAMIAM for $50 off your first shoe purchase!
On top I’ve chosen to pair my new and instant favorite striped sweater with a perennial favorite, the Ralph Lauren relaxed fit linen shirt. For me, the most simple items always end up being my favorites and most reached for items in my closet. This shirt is a fine example of that; the linen is so soft and the fit could not be better. Loose enough to not restrict any movement, yet tailored enough to tuck in without too much overhang, and can even be worn as a swim cover-up. I always wear the sleeves rolled up for an all-American, effortless chic-casual look. I sized up to a size small as RL shirts do tend to run small in my experience. I’m currently hoping to add another white and perhaps blue to my closet if I can snag one before they sell out, as this blouse gets worn weekly even in the hottest temperatures!
Shop my outfit: Hat | Sunglasses | Sweater | Linen shirt | Shorts | Shoes
I bought this unique striped sweater from a French label at the end of spring, and have only had one or two days cool enough to wear as it is a nice medium-heavy weight, but I am just too excited to pack it away until the end of October! I’ve styled it here over the shoulders ideally for chilly summer evenings watching fireworks or roasting marshmallows seaside, where it’s available if needed but also makes a classic preppy fashion statement as is. The material is organic cotton, which was the tipping point for me to finally hit purchase, and the fit is the perfect, slightly oversized, statement sleeve silhouette that I love. The neckline is unique in that it has a henley collar – something I hadn’t before and still have yet to see in any other striped sweater! On a side note, I also love buying from this brand for their exciting packaging and they usually include a gift in the box. This time I got two little zip pouches, one which I gave to my mom.
Would you believe me if I told you this is the only pair of denim shorts I have in my wardrobe? It’s true! These are SO GOOD that I’ve gradually gotten rid of all my other denim shorts as I only wear these. The color is flawless – I always gravitate toward light-wash denim even throughout the winter, and they have plenty of stretch which is necessary. I know Agolde non-stretch denim is on trend right now but if you have even the slightest curve, they are going to pinch, squeeze and cut off circulation with every movement; I know because those are one of the pairs I got rid of recently. With even just a small amount of stretch, the denim holds it’s shape and rebounds (doesn’t wrinkle and stay wrinkled) 100% better than denim with zero stretch. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Agolde jeans as they are made with organic cotton and become soft and wear very comfortably, but the shorts just did not do the same. Anyway, back to the best shorts on the market – these are also half the cost of trendy brands and while I wish the button fly was concealed, the comfort and ease of wear of these shorts allows me to completely overlook that one detail that isn’t *perfect* about them. (The new season version that I am linking does have a concealed fly, yay!)
Keeping with my neutral palette I’ve accessorized with a hat that I wish I would have skipped and just bought the designer version I initially wanted, as I wear this one constantly and it’s not up to scratch quality-wise. Remember, being frugal isn’t about spending as little as possible, it’s about cost-per-wear and resale value; example: the designer hat is a few hundred dollars but will hold up to me wearing it constantly, will still look new years on and I can pass it down or re-sell it when I’m done with it, whereas this one was under $40 and looks like it’s on it’s last leg just two years after buying it and of course has zero resale value.
Whatever plans you may have this 4th of July, this outfit will take you there in style and unlike overtly patriotic flag-like pieces, won’t get packed away until the next holiday! Timeless pieces like the perfect ballet flats in a color that works for every season, and literally every outfit are a need for every wardrobe, much in the same way everyone needs a classic linen button-down for the summer season. Stripes never go out of style, nor does denim, so be sure to grab a striped sweater – organic cotton is best – and comfortable, stretchy pair of denim that you will actually want to wear that can each be worn on more days than just patriotic holidays. Always consider cost-per-wear and resale value when deliberating between a designer item and a dupe. It’s also not a bad idea to try out the dupe to see if the designer item will actually make sense as an investment; spoiler alert: a boater hat will always make sense as an investment piece!
Have a wonderful time celebrating our nation’s birth this 4th of July!
xo, Mia
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