Summer has arrived and it’s already July 1st on Wednesday. I feel like the days are long but then the weeks just fly by – anyone else feel this way? I can’t believe that July 4th is almost here, but I am excited to celebrate. I always associate stripes with this time of year and the nearing holiday encourages the pairing even more. I think of a striped shirt and denim shorts, days at the beach, the smell of sunscreen, and the smell of food on the grill. It’s a quintessential and classic summer look and vibe. I’m all about the beach-casual-look living in Santa Barbara. The dress I’m wearing in these photos could easily be dressed up for dinner or thrown on over a swimsuit. That is Santa Barbara living at its finest – just switch up your sandals for some heels or flats and you are good to go.
I’m a sucker for holiday flair, but I tend to like wearing items I can use year-long instead of buying something that only works for one day. In this case, I already owned most of these clothing items, and the ones that I have bought recently are pieces that could work whenever. Since I did find a cute striped shirt and shorts not too long ago, I wanted to highlight this 4th-of-July-approved pattern. Whether it’s a t-shirt, shorts, a long sleeve top, dress, or hair accessory, it’s easy to add in some stripes (and it may already be in your closet).
When I’m wearing a button-down, I like tucking the shirt in or unbuttoning the last couple of buttons and tying the shirt into a bow or knot. Or you can always keep it unbuttoned and throw it on with a swimsuit – it’s so versatile. For the shorts, a cami tucked in or a crop top are my go-tos. I just did a quick, put-my-hair-up-on-the-go tie with the hair scarf and it dresses up a casual ponytail nicely. I like using scarves for a bun, or a braid, or even tied to the handle of a purse. I have the dress tied with the belt it came with, but I often pair a different belt with a dress to mix up the look and potentially make it more formal or formfitting.
Whether you are hitting the beach or pool, going to a socially-distant hang out, or celebrating in the comfort of your own home, wearing stripes can be a fun way to spice up your outfit, add a pattern that’s not too overwhelming, and show some holiday spirit. Or, if you’re like me, just a different pattern than non-stop cheetah or leopard print – it’s in, what can I say. As for me, I’m already thinking of potato chips and how I *won’t* wipe my hands on my denim shorts after I eat them ;). Happy (early) July and I hope you all have a safe and joyful Independence Day!
