Summer Stylist

If only I weren't scheduled to work July 4th, I would be buried in my closet searching for the perfect summer outfit to wear for tomorrow's patriotic festivities. To lessen the blow of not celebrating the holiday for the second year in a row, I created some faux-outfits that I would wear IF I had the day off and IF I even owned these items! I would say I have a very eclectic style, so the following four outfits have a little something for everyone and for every occasion. Happy holidays!

1. For a casual pool party, throw an eye-catching tee over a sexy string bikini. Keep the jewelry to a minimum with a beautiful ring that won't get ruined if you get thrown into the deep end.

Shop: T-shirt, Rodebjer, $100, lagarçonne.com; Denim Shorts, Sass & Bide, $163,bunnyhug.co.uk; Triangle String Bikini, Missoni, $365, net-a-porter.com; Clear Ice Cream Tote, Mulberry, $150, viecouture.com; Black buckle sandals, Fendi, $605, net-a-porter.com; Vintage lace ring, Carlee Santarelli, $115, brownsfashion.com; Tortoise shell Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban, $193, my-wardrobe.com.

2. For a day-time BBQ, show your patriotism with a subtle nautical flair á la AKA New York's striped long-sleeve top with embellished shoulders. Throw on a pair of glasses and some patent lace-up sandals and you'll add sex appeal to your outfit instantly.

Shop: Mini Pocket Tank, T by Alexander Wang, $74, lagarçonne.com; Denim Shorts, Sass & Bide, $195, net-a-porter.com; Striped top, AKA New York, $268, intermixonline.com; Patent Leather sandals, Opening Ceremony, $171, farfetch.com; Turquoise Leather Messenger Tote, Coach, $358, amazon.com; Metal Frame Clip-On Earrings, Forever 21, $4.80, forever21.com; Glasses, Comme Des Garçonnes, $246, collette.fr.

3. For a slightly dressier fête, pick one standout colorful item that screams summer and then build your outfit from there. With simple shapes like this Tory Burch high-waisted skirt and Marc Jacobs tank, play up the accessories (as long as you're on dry land).

Shop: Silk Golden Heart Tank, Marc Jacobs, $676, mytheresa.com; Green Skirt, Tory Burch, $265, toryburch.com; Shoulder Bag with Charms, Chloé, $500, farfetch.com; Gold T-strap Sandals, Prada, $149.25, barneys.com; Brown Tassel Bracelet, Vita, $99, chickdowntown.com; Tribal Bead Earrings, Sequin, $78, henribendel.com.

4. A simple shift in muted yet beautiful hues is perfect for a soirée by the sand. Keep the dress light, and work in exquisite accessories inspired by summer like this shell ring by Lena Bernard or Derek Lam's earth-toned ribbon heels with an added pop of color.

Shop: Button Back Shift Dress, Elizabeth and James, $365, chickdowntown.com; Geometric-Print Clutch, Aldo, $35, aldoshoes.com; Shell Ring, Lena Bernard, $110, chickdowntown.com; "Solar Gathering" earrings, Anthropologie, $128, anthropologie.com; Ribbon Sandal Heels, Derek Lam, $312, net-a-porter.com.