The Only Memorial Day Outfit Formulas You Need This Year

Memorial Day Weekend has always been my signal to officially switch into summer mode. It’s the first real chance to lean into warm-weather dressing without second-guessing it. The layers come off, breezy whites come out, and I start mentally planning every outfit around rooftop drinks, park hangs, and anywhere else that involves being in the sun.

This year, I’m staying local, and honestly, I’m excited about it. No flight delays, no packing stress—just me, my closet, and a weekend to play dress-up all in the name of summer.

Lately, I’ve been gravitating toward playful textures, statement jewelry, and pops of red (because fashion people everywhere have declared it the color of the season). If you’re also ready to retire your spring layers and lean into the ease of summer dressing, I put together five outfit formulas that require minimal effort but look like you really tried. I’ll be living in these all weekend—and probably all season.

Beachy Pants + a White Tank

When you’re beach-bound but still want to look put-together, start with a pair of flowy pants that feel like pajamas but read resort. Add the perfect white ribbed tank (a forever summer staple), and I’ll usually let a peek of my bikini top show for that effortless, I-just-threw-this-on vibe. Top it all off with some chunky jewelry that looks like it came from a beach boutique, even if it actually arrived via overnight shipping.

J.Crew

Beach Pant With Pom-Poms

Re/Done x Hanes

Ribbed Tank

Lack of Color

The Inca Bucket Hat

Loeffler Randall

Landon Red Mesh Ballet Flat

Juillet Swimwear

Lee Broderie Anglaise Bandeau Bikini Top

Casa Clara

Terada Necklace

LBD: Summer Edition

No matter the season, I always come back to a little black dress. This Memorial Day, I’ll be layering mine over a printed one-piece for a subtle peek of pattern and will ground the look with my Toga Pulla buckle sandals (the cool girl's Birkenstock). Between the bamboo-handle bag, turquoise necklace, and the striped raffia bucket hat, it’s giving beach picnic meets downtown cool—exactly the energy I want this weekend.

Dôen

Almadia Crochet-Trimmed Ramie Mini Dress

Toga Pulla

Black Buckle Sandals

Baben

Antoinette Printed One-Piece Swimsuit

Clare V

Black Pot De Miel Bag With Bamboo Handle

Chan Luu

Magnolia Beaded Turquoise Necklace

Hat Attack

Chic Crochet Bucket

Butter Yellow

Yellow, especially butter yellow, is basically everywhere on Instagram right now. It’s locked in a friendly rivalry with red for the season’s top spot, and honestly, I’m here for both. It's right on trend and easy to style with both neutrals and other bold hues.

Dôen

Anisa Alpaca-Blend Cardigan

Slvrlake

Mica Frayed Denim Shorts

Frame

The Eyelet Tank in White

Loewe

Anagram Striped Raffia Phone Pouch

Asos Design

Hammock Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals in Buttermilk

Poppy Lissiman

Mattie in Gold

Flowy Maxi + Paracord Sandals

If your Memorial Day plans are anything like mine and involve bottomless rosé and breezy patios, you’ll want something that feels just as effortless. Enter the crisp white maxi. It’s instantly polished but still breathable enough to survive a sweltering sidewalk brunch. I’m styling mine with red paracord sandals (very S/S 24 Miu Miu coded) and a bandana bag that gives just the right nod to Americana without feeling too on the nose.

Veronica Beard

Carmina Cord Sandal

Khaite x Oliver Peoples

Sleek Black Steel Butterfly Sunglasses

Julietta

Agnes Carnelian Earrings

Mini Shorts + a Cozy Sweater

Mini shorts and a cozy sweater may sound like a seasonal clash, but that’s exactly why it works. For sweltering days with breezy nights, it’s the perfect pairing. I’ll be coming back to my silk shorts all summer long. They’re the perfect flirty yet easy throw-on-and-go statement piece.

Jenni Kayne

Cashmere Amelia Crewneck Sweater

Dôen

Iona Short in Sea Salt

A.Emery

Jalen Slim Sandal

Mayamar

Bold Stone Beaded Necklace

Everlane

The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton

Ray-Ban

54mm Wayfarer Sunglasses