How to look festive yet chic for all of your Fourth of July festivities

Dressing for the Fourth of July can be tricky. How much red, white and blue can I wear before I start to look like I'm wearing an Uncle Sam costume? If I wear stars and stripes, will the patterns clash?

Stylist Melissa Garcia says the key is to think simple. You don't have to overstate your patriotism to look both chic and festive this Independence Day. Taking the subtle route and adding the right accessories with layers and prints. will be the perfect mix.

White maxi dresses

One of the easiest July Fourth outfits to pull from your closet is a simple white maxi dress. Pair it with a denim jacket, one of the most "Americana" pieces of clothing, and complete the look with a bold red lip and a pair of denim slides.

Apron halter midi dress, $74.99, Gap

Pinafore Midi Dress, $44.95, JustFab

Classic Denim Jacket, $88, Abercrombie

Women's Fringe Slide Sandals, $54.99, Lands' End

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $8.49, Ulta

Gingham

Another great choice is to try gingham. It's the perfect print for the Fourth of July — and the summer, too! Pair it with comfy sneakers to keep it casual and you'll be all set for cookouts and outdoor games.

Gingham Mini Dress, $35.99, Zara

Rawlins3 (Women's), $75, Tretorn

Nike Cortez (Men's), $79.99, Foot Locker

Makeup

Makeup is another great way to subtly incorporate patriotic colors into your outfit. A red lip is an easy option, but blue eye makeup can also be a fun look to try. It's on-trend and still coordinates with the holiday colors. A little goes a long way, and you can easily find these items at your local drugstore.

Eye Shadow Trio, $21.50, ElizabethArden.com

Sneakers

Most people wouldn't think that shoes can be festive for the Fourth of July, but they absolutely can! Nike or Tretorn sneakers with red, white and blue accents are perfect for the holiday but not too colorful; you can still wear them all year-round!

Don't want to purchase another pair of sneakers? Swap out your standard white laces for fun red or blue ones. You can also go for sneakers with stars or other embellishments for a fun twist. For the guys, silly socks are trending big and a great way to have a little footwear fun without going overboard.

DG2 by Diane Gilman Star Spangled Sneaker, $59.90, HSN

Alexi Black Studded Star Sandals, $23, Lulus

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top, $55, Nike

Hickory Brands Wide Shoe Laces, $4.60, Walmart

The Fourth, $12, Stance

Bags and bandanas

Bags are another great way to add in some red, white and blue. If a boldly colored bag isn't for you, try tying a colorful bandana around the strap of your regular handbag. As the bandana trend continues to grow bigger, consider making a choker or tying one around your wrist.

Women's Pebbled Leather Small Tote, $96.99, Lands' End

Women's Pebbled Leather Crossbody Saddle Bag, $61.99, Lands' End

Novelty Rope Tote, $60, Lands' End

Small Solid Color Open Top Canvas Tote Bag, $28, Lands' End

Lulus Exclusive Jet Setter Cream and Black Striped Weekender, $48, Lulus

Jewelry

Statement tassel earrings and star-shaped jewelry add subtle hints of color without being too much.

Lola Tassel Earrings, $58, Etsy

Red White and Blue Stacked Tassel Earrings, $48, Etsy

The "Jane" Earrings, $32, Etsy

Paint the Town Red Tassel Earrings, $15, Lulus

Well-Known Gold Star Earrings, $10, Lulus

Well-Known Silver Star Earrings, $10, Lulus

Pizzazz Silver Star Earrings, $10, Lulus

Top of the Class Gold Star Earrings, $10, Lulus

Star Time Blue Lace-Up Star Choker Necklace, $14, Lulus

Gabriela Ombre Fringe Drops, $38, Bauble Bar

Mini Pinata Tassel Earrings, $32, Bauble Bar

Hats and sunglasses

Hats and sunglasses are both subtle and unexpected ways to add some Fourth of July fun to your ensemble. For men, a basic baseball cap in red, white or blue works perfectly, while women can use the bandana trend here to make a hat more patriotic.

Colored sunglasses are another great option. Investing in a pair is worth it since they'll look great long past the holiday weekend.

Mafia Moderne, $89, Le Specs

The King, $89, Le Specs

Spitfire Trip Hop Blue Mirrored Sunglasses, $45, Lulus

Style Radar Blue Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses, $12, Lulus

Disco Queen White and Black Sunglasses, $18, Lulus

Perverse Buh Bye Paparazzi White Sunglasses, $48, Lulus

Classic Red Palma '47 Clean Up, $25, 47 Brand

Classic Royal '47 Clean Up Kids, $22, 47 Brand

This Independence Day, don't stress about how to look festive. Instead, think simple, subtle and patriotic. You'll look on-trend instead of over-the-top!