Memorial Day outfits 2022—style ideas for the long weekend
Memorial Day outfits—from BBQs to pool parties, picnics to loungewear looks, enjoy the long weekend in style
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Memorial Day is fast approaching and if you're in the throws of planning your Memorial Day outfits but aren't sure what to wear, have no fear, we have you covered.
The first long weekend of summer is finally in sight and with a weekend full of plans to celebrate, you'll want to ensure you've got your Memorial Day outfits sorted too. Whether you’re planning on spending the time lounging by the pool in your best bathing suits, heading to brunch, or attending a Memorial Day party, the long weekend is the perfect time to recharge, relax and enjoy time with friends and family.
Memorial Day outfits traditionally offer the first glimpse of your summer wardrobe. The main signaller that summer is here, there is no better way to celebrate the new season than with a wardrobe update. While you should have your summer capsule wardrobe from previous seasons, now is the ideal time to inject some of the fashion trends 2022 to update your look. If you're heading to a party or picnic, then the best dresses offer an instant refresh, ushering in the summer with a pool party? The swimwear trends 2022, will ensure you're swimwear look is a winner.
Falling on the last Monday of the month of May, Memorial Day is a time to reflect and honor fallen US military men and women. This year, Memorial Day takes place on Monday 30th May. A federal holiday since 1971, it is considered by many to be the unofficial start of the summer season. Some like to use the theme of the weekend as a vehicle for their outfit by wearing chic versions of the national flag with outfit elements of red, white and blue.
Memorial day outfits 2022
They say you shouldn’t wear white denim before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, so now’s the time to dust off your favorite white jeans and your best sunglasses for a stylish long weekend to kick off the summer season.
Renee Cafaro (opens in new tab), founder of RCA Public Label (opens in new tab) and proud New Yorker, offers this advice when it comes to picking an outfit for the long weekend’s celebrations:
“As we look forward to Memorial Day Barbecues, it’s time to get out your favorite sandals and summerwear. The go-to for most occasions is a sundress, but since it’s only just the beginning of summer fun, be sure to always have a classic jean jacket on hand to layer up. Obviously, we tend to hit the patriotic red, white and blue palate, but instead of going for overt flag prints, try an on-trend bandana print or gingham. Red and blue gingham always evokes a picnic for me”.
Memorial Day Outfits for a BBQ
Sofia Vergara/Emilie Joseph
If you’re off to a Memorial Day barbecue why not swap your dress for a flattering jumpsuit? Wide leg styles are the ideal outfit for low key glamour by the grill. Look for jumpsuits in cotton or linen to keep you from overheating when temperatures rise—team with block heel sandals and gold hoop earrings from any of the best jewelry brands, for super cool summer style.
RRP: $148 / £165 | The shirred panel on this J. Crew jumpsuit means it’ll hug you in all of the right places before flaring out to a gentle wide leg. The on-trend square neckline and linen fabric make it a stylish summer outfit choice.
RRP: $79.95 (US only) | Not only will the neutral shade of these sandals work with multiple outfits but the small block heel will give you a gentle boost without sacrificing on comfort. The plaited and padded front bar gives a nod to the shoe trends 2022 too.
RRP: $79.95 / £54.95 | Early summer evenings can still carry a chill in the air so make sure you’ve got an extra layer once the sun sets—Gap makes some of the best denim jackets, they're an iconic summer style staple to throw on over your outfit.
Memorial Day Outfits for a Pool Party
Jennifer Lopez/Nina Agdal
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to a pool party this Memorial Day weekend, make sure to pick one of your best swimsuits for the day. This season's swim trends cover all bases. From mood-boosting brights—hello dopamine dressing—to crochet and embellishment detailing, there are plenty of styles that will help get the party started. Need some swimwear help? Check out our guides to the best sustainable swimwear and the best plus size swimwear too.
If you're looking for a Memorial Day outfit that stands out, opt for bright colors, metallics or eye-catching prints. The best beach cover-ups in a coordinating print or hue will also ensure you look chic and put together. Finish your look off with a pair of sunnies that reflect the sunglasses trends 2022 for a look that feels directional.
RRP: $177 / £125 | Handwoven by artisans, it’s the perfect summer carry-all bag. The natural hues mean it’ll work with a variety of outfits and the soft cotton jacquard straps elevate it beyond one of the best beach bags.
Memorial Day Outfits for a Picnic
Kerry Washington/Rachel Weisz
Looking for a stylish Memorial Day outfit for a picnic? Why not take inspiration from traditional picnic prints and opt for a laidback gingham check dress. The trick with this look is to keep everything else neutral and let the print do the talking. A fit and flare shape is a stylish yet practical option, as are the best midi dresses—you can still look chic while reclining on a picnic blanket without tugging on any short hemlines. Team with sunglasses and your best white trainers for a cute but casual look.
RRP: $310 / £225 | Ganni’s checked dresses are a favorite with fashion insiders for their stylish take on gingham prints—this midi style’s fit and flare shape make it cool and airy.
RRP: $101.96 / £79.90 | Brighten up your outlook with a pair of white-framed sunglasses this summer. Le Specs update on a classic cat-eye shape is perfect for the season ahead.
RRP: $65 / £57 | If you're a fan of Kate Middleton's dresses then you'll probably want to bag a pair of the Duchess of Cambridge’s favorite sneakers too. Kate is regularly spotted in this style.
Memorial Day Outfits for a Party
Jennifer Aniston/Meghan Markle
Memorial Day weekend is guaranteed to be fun, particularly if you’re heading to a party to celebrate the start of summer. An easy yet stylish summer outfit choice is a classic white dress. Whether you opt for a shift, loose and floaty shape or one of the best shirt dresses, you’re sure to turn heads. For a more tailored feel, pair your white dress with your best blazer and a gold necklace.
RRP: $44 / £35 | The asymmetric design of this necklace is sure to be a talking point—the mixed chain and stylish toggle detail will add interest to the simplest of outfits. Give a nod to the jewelry trends 2022 and layer with other gold chains for a cool stacked style.
RRP: $298 / £265 | A white linen shirt dress is a classic summer staple and you can’t get a more appropriate Memorial Day outfit than this version by American clothing brand Ralph Lauren. Try swapping the tie belt for a slim brown leather belt for an instantly chic outfit update.
RRP: $230 (US only) | A linen blazer is a wardrobe essential for summer. Adding instant polish to any outfit, it’ll look great worn belted over dresses for work or paired with your best jeans and a Breton top for a stylish weekend look. Add some comfortable flats, such as a smart tan loafer and you're on to a winner.
Memorial Day Outfits for Brunch
Olivia Palermo/Reese Witherspoon
Long and lazy brunch dates with friends are a great way to spend the weekend. Memorial Day marks the moment that white denim season officially starts, making it the ideal opportunity to try a white jeans outfit. This summer, the denim trends 2022 suggest a switch from skinny jeans to wide-leg, cropped styles. Look for a length that finishes approximately two inches above your ankle bone—perfect for showing off your best sandals.
RRP: $39 (US only) | When it comes to jewelry, pearls are having a moment but not as you know them. Swap your traditional single-strand necklace for on-trend hoops earrings for a directional feel and instant style points.
RRP: $95 / £55.75 | Add a smart casual vibe to your brunch look with a striped shirt. If you’re after a slightly oversized look, try sizing up by one or two sizes. Add a casual-cool element by tucking one side of the front of your shirt in for a relaxed feel.
Memorial Day Outfits for Lounging
Angela Gonzalez/Victoria Nasir
If your biggest plans for Memorial Day weekend involve rest and relaxation, there’s no reason your time on the couch shouldn’t be a stylish experience. Try swapping your best joggers for a pair of wide-leg linen trousers to usher in the summer season. Not only is this fit ideal for taking it easy but they’ll still look smart if you have any unexpected visitors. Wear with a classic ribbed camisole or boxy cut tee and a pair of comfortable sandals.
Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum agrees that linen trousers will be your go-to loungewear this summer:
"A pair of linen trousers offer a chic look for a Memorial Day outfit and beyond. The natural fabric will keep you cool as temperatures climb in the coming months, and though they will need pressing after they've been through the laundry, a linen trouser always looks smart but feels good too. Look for elasticated or partly elasticated waists for added comfort".
RRP: $59.99 / £35.99 | These versatile linen trousers are an affordable and stylish option. Available in five colors, this olive green hue is a chic alternative your favorite trackpants.
WHAT COLORS SHOULD YOU WEAR ON MEMORIAL DAY?
As Memorial Day is a federal holiday, many people opt for patriotic outfits of red, white, and blue but this isn’t strictly necessary—you can wear whatever colors you like. Unofficially marking the start of summer, you could opt for bright color clothing as a way of celebrating the transition to sunnier days. A major fashion color trend 2022, you can expect bright block colors to be everywhere this season. There is also a school of though that suggests that as Memorial Day marks the unofficial first day of summer, white clothing can now be worn again. Making white Memorial Day outfits, or incorporating white clothing into your look is a popular choice for the long weekend. If you’re looking for a chic way to dress in patriotic style, opt for block colors in navy, red and white. If you’re tempted to wear the stars and stripes of the American flag in honor of the weekend, stick to one pattern rather than both together.
ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO WEAR WHITE ON MEMORIAL DAY?
While there are no hard and fast rules about when not to wear white, traditionally it was frowned upon to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Today these fashion rules don't really apply in the same way, although some do still like to stick to these dates as a guideline. However, as Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of summer, it is a good time to start bringing out white jeans and dresses.
Antonia Kraskowski is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
Having started her career at Conde Nast working for titles including Easy Living, Glamour and Vogue New Markets, Antonia went on to work in the fast-paced world of newspapers and weekly magazines, becoming Fashion Editor at Express Newspapers and Magazines in 2014, a role she held for five years before going freelance.
Her career has seen Antonia travel the world, shooting in 18 countries and styling campaigns for brands ranging from Ben Sherman and DKNY to Wallis.
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