13 Things You Can Wear to That 4th of July BBQ

Love barbecues and days off work? Loathe novelty sunglasses and buying things you'll wear only once? Same—so let's all take a moment to appreciate how many of this summer's key H&M pieces are primed for effortless style come July 4. Below, you'll find our shopping shortlist: We're thinking red, white, and blue with just a hint of the '90s. (Can we all just agree now that the '90s were the heyday of both Americana style and Friends-era summer fashion? Great.)

This week, I caught up with Francis Lola to make some holiday-related puns (she's one of us) and talk low-key Fourth of July outfit ideas. Her qualifications? That flawless, eternally-off-duty look (that's earned her 300k+ style stalkers), her covetable collection of accessories (shop that oversize basket bag here), and the handy fact that she already has her Independence Day outfit picked out.

Francis's trademark casual-cool style is perfectly teamed with the kind of plans we can get on board with. "The Fourth of July is always crazy everywhere, I prefer to avoid crowds and lines—I'll be at my place cooking up some barbecue, making fresh guac, and getting (fireworks) lit with my favorite people." As for her look? It's really just a slight "Go USA!" take on her standard summer uniform of crop tops, shorts, and sneakers. Francis is particularly feeling what she calls "that '90s baby tank," to which we say: add to cart.

Important: Francis's fave racerback tank also comes in black. (Pretty sure Rachel Greene wore this circa Season 2. Please DM us evidence if you happen to find it.)

Tell me this tank isn't simultaneously something you possibly wore as a child, and also something you'll most definitely wear in the future.

It's totally okay if you want to spend your holiday celebrating Baywatch, one of the finest American-made television shows to ever grace our screens. And do not feel bad about dressing accordingly.

Also, did you notice that somewhere along the way, one-pieces went from novelty item to wardrobe staple? 

Okay, they may call it the Canadian tuxedo, but we'd argue it's un-American to miss an opportunity for double denim. Layer accordingly.

A big fat yes to tie-front tanks. (Worth noting that this also comes in red.)

You know those brightly colored (or maybe pastel, or maybe white) wide-leg trousers that came with the spring suit you bought not so long ago? Wear this with those pants.

Honestly, Fourth of July menus usually call for elastic-waist shorts. Be prepared.

Pick denim that's really perfect in that "throw them on over your bikini, add elevated accessories, maybe you're in a girl band" kind of way.

FYI, Francis is all about the light-wash denim shorts. Belt them with a T-shirt for maximum '90s vibes (and a nod to this Western trend we're really getting on board with).

We'd make a case for these all-American, light, bright, Pepsi commercial worthy jeans, but they're making a pretty good case for themselves.

Oh, and this off-the-shoulder top is the perfect topper to all denim. Always. Add lawn-friendly red shoes as required.

If you were thinking, Man, I really liked that little American flag tank, but I'm also really on board with the idea of wearing a onesie that will stay perfectly tucked from my high-waist denim shorts, this one's for you. (As if we'd ever make you choose between these two perfect things.)