Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer—and while we honor the meaning behind the day, it’s also a time when many of us gather with loved ones, fire up the grill, and step into sunshine. When it comes to Memorial Day style, I like to strike a balance between festive and refined. You won’t find stars and stripes head-to-toe here, but subtle nods to red, white, and blue? Absolutely.
Memorial Day Style
Outfit Idea 1: Talbots Americana-Inspired with a Polished Twist
Of course, Talbots’ Americana Collection is always a great place to start if you’re looking for festive separates or dresses for our cherished American holidays. You can go full-on Stars & Stripes with the Star & Stripe Boatneck Sweater, or you can take a more subtle route with a dress that incorporates our Red, White, & Blue with the Tiered Swing Dress. I really love the collection of separates because they will give me more bang for my buck, such as the Band Collar Button Front Top, and the Washed Linen Scallop Hem Shorts.
Pleated Linen Shorts – Lined | Similar Flag Tee | Gingham Blazer | White Sneakers | Similar Web Belt | Similar Wicker Handbag here and here
For a look that nods to tradition but still feels modern, I started with a pair of white pleated linen shorts from Talbots—lined for coverage and tailored for structure. I paired them with a flag-print tee tucked in and layered a blue gingham blazer over the top for a fresh, preppy finish. White sneakers keep the outfit grounded and casual, while a wicker handbag adds a hint of summer texture. It’s a playful mix of pattern and patriotism—perfect for parades, picnics, or anything in between.
Outfit Idea 2: Crisp Color Blocking with a Patriotic Twist
Talbots Perfect Crops Pants in Red | Britt Linen Shirt in French Blue | Ravena Gold Hoop Earrings
Bright red pants make a confident statement, and the Perfect Crops Pants in Red from Talbots are polished yet comfortable—ideal for warm-weather gatherings. I paired them with the Britt Linen Shirt in French Blue from J.McLaughlin, worn slightly unbuttoned and tucked in for a relaxed look. Simple gold hoop earrings, like the Ravena Hoops, finish the outfit with timeless shine. It’s bold color blocking at its best—fresh, festive, and perfectly put together.
Outfit Idea 3: Linen Dress with Red Accents
European Linen Tank Mini Dress | Similar Red Slide Sandals | Alternative Red Handbag | Similar Red Beaded Layered Necklace
The European Linen Tank Mini Dress from Quince is a perfect base for effortless Memorial Day style. It’s lightweight, easy to wear, and offers that relaxed polish linen does so well. I styled it with red slide sandals, a red handbag, and a layered red beaded necklace for bold but balanced contrast. The accessories do the work here, adding patriotic flair without overwhelming the look.
Style Tip:
If you’re looking to wear red, white, and blue together, choose one color to lead and use the others as accents. It keeps the outfit balanced and modern. Or wear a neutral outfit and accessorize with Red, White, and Blue accessories.
- Scarlet Woven Careen Earrings 2. Printed Scarf 3. Colored Tile Stretch Bracelets 4. Bead and Pearl Necklaces Set of 2 5. Red Poppy Scarf 6. Verdant Botanical Silk Square Scarf 7. Summer Charm Bracelet 8. No Droop Beaded Earrings 9. Beaded Layering Necklace 10. Floral Print Square Scarf 11. Americana Bead Wrap Earrings 12. Tropical Oversized Silk Scarf 13. Americana Pinwheel Brooch 14. Giselle Scarf
For more Memorial Day Style inspiration, check out:
Fridays with Oscar: Weekend Style in Full Bloom
Denim on Denim Style Uniform for Spring and Summer
The Right to Bare Arms Over 50
Outfit Ideas 4+5+6: Relaxed & Beachy with a Classic Coastal Feel
Memorial Day weekend often means beach walks, breezy patios, and casual gatherings—and these two looks are perfect for all of the above. Frank & Eileen is the epitome of casual coastal cool, so I started with a white linen blouse paired with Navy Waterford Performance Linen Walking Short from Frank & Eileen for an easy, cool combination.
White Linen Blouse | Navy Waterford Performance Linen Walking Short | White Platform Sandals
Later in the day, when the breeze picks up, I love swapping in the Stonewashed Indigo Blouse with the Galway White Dream Denim for a slightly elevated but still laid-back vibe. White platform sandals add just the right amount of lift without sacrificing comfort. This is the kind of outfit that’s relaxed, coastal, and completely effortless.
White Linen Blouse | Stonewashed Indigo Blouse | Galway White Dream Denim | White Platform Sandals
Outfit Idea 7: Sporty Casual with a Coastal Twist
Navy Waterford Performance Linen Walking Short | Stonewashed Indigo Blouse | White Sneakers
For a look that’s equal parts comfortable and pulled together, start with the Navy Waterford Performance Linen Walking Short, a warm-weather favorite thanks to their breathable feel and tailored shape. Pair them with the Stonewashed Indigo Blouse, which brings in that easy, lived-in look while still feeling crisp. To keep things grounded and functional, finish the look with White Sneakers, perfect for walks along the boardwalk or a casual afternoon cookout. It’s an unfussy, sporty take on Memorial Day style that still nods to classic Americana.
Closing Thoughts
Memorial Day Style
Memorial Day style doesn’t have to be loud to be patriotic. Sometimes, it’s the quiet nods—a red accessory, a navy stripe, a white blouse—that say the most. However you spend the holiday, I hope it’s full of sunshine, gratitude, and a little time to relax in something that makes you feel your best.
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