Where do you like to spend the 4th of July?  Growing up, my family went to our lake get-away near Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas.  We spent the day picnicking, and water skiing.  In the evening, everyone would take their boats out to watch the firework show over the lake.  Such great memories!  And because the lake is surrounded by 1,000 miles of shoreline in the middle of a national forest, the lake water is crystal-clear.

So my question for you is this:  Where are you planning to spend the 4th of July and do you have a “crystal-clear” idea about what to wear?  Could it possibly be at Possum Kingdom Lake or another lake-side resort?  Then of course you will want to wear a fashionable red, white, and blue ensemble when you watch the fireworks display.  Right?  Let’s be honest and admit it is hot in Texas and Arkansas in the summer.  So, I’m thinking shorts, cropped pants, and skirts.  And though you don’t have to wear a patriotic ensemble, I know you would look absolutely adorable in one.  

Back in the day, my “lake look” was overalls, short-shorts, cutoffs, and a really cute bikini. My look today is more modest and age appropriate, though you will still see the young gals sporting some of the same styles from years past.  If you have a daughter in her teens or twenties, be sure to show her some of the fun “lake looks” on our Pinterest board.  One way to give yourself patriotic style is with accessories and shoes.  What about sporting a pair of blue gingham converse sneakers with red shoe strings? Or think about wearing an American flag or Texas Ranger ball cap to complement one of your cute patriotic outfit.

And of course you will need a fun swimsuit and cover-up to wear on the party barge.  A red checked retro swimsuit with a big red sunhat, and sun glasses is a great look for laying out on the beach.  I have a feeling you will want to bring a large red and white striped Michael Kors tote to toss in your cover-up, sunscreen, beach towel, and a juicy summer novel. Another great substitute for a cover-up would be a bohemian style summer dress.   Wow…sounds like a holiday look that will transition from a day on the lake to an enjoyable evening watching a firework show!  

This year, we will be celebrating the 4th in Las Vegas! For a day time look, I’m crushing on the striped red, white, and blue striped maxi skirt on our Pinterest board.  And, a style that will transition from the plane to a day of shopping in Vegas is a white blazer, light blue jeans, t-shirt, and I plan to add a pop of color with my red Louis Vuitton twist handbag.  A bold red necklace can take you from the airport to a night out on the town. And a pair of red fringe heels say, “Hello Vegas…the party people have arrived!”  

One of our nights out on the town will include happy hour at the Sky Fall Lounge at The Delano (a non-gaming hotel).  There is outdoor seating at this fabulous 42nd story bar and since the interior is all-black, an all-white ensemble will be perfect contrast for this scene!  After happy hour, our next stop will be the Michael Jackson show by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay.  “Billie Jean” eat your heart out!  

Are you “too sexy for your shirt?” Really?  I figured that much….so I’m pretty sure you will want to check out The Chandelier bar at The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino…as featured in the June issue of Bazaar Magazine.

So what would Holley suggest you wear to such a posh bar during the 4th of July holiday? Something bold and red….like a red off the shoulder dress, or top, or possibly a daring red jumpsuit! Oh my goodness….I’m starting to think you really are “too sexy for your shirt!”

With your great taste and style, just be ready to “do a little turn on the catwalk” when you make your entrance into the Vegas lifestyle!    Because one thing I know for sure…..there will definitely be fireworks!!!

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation.  Contact Holley at [email protected].