Beyond Flag Pins: Budget 4th of July Fashion

Whether you'll be relaxing on the beach, showing off your grilling skills on the barbecue, or watching the fireworks on your couch, these five adorable items — each under $50 — will create your star-spangled, star-worthy look.

Forget the flag pins: this Independence Day, trade the pinwheels and novelty tees for trendy comfy-chic linen dresses, nautical-themed accessories, and picnic-inspired bathing suits that make a splash even on a Shoestring budget.

Buffalo Check Bikini Top & Bottom ($10 each, Old Navy)
Planning on spending some time in the sun this weekend? Try on this Old Navy string bikini, currently priced at just $10 a piece for the top or bottoms. Show your patriotism in red and white picnic-print check while remaining refreshingly cute and avoiding those old stars & stripes sartorial cliches.

Cooperative Linen Sundress in Ivory ($48, Urban Outfitters)
When it's time to cover up, do it in style in one of Urban Outfitters' famed summer sundresses. This particular number is made of soft linen so you'll stay chic even on a muggy summer night — plus, when you rock it in this crisp ivory color with subtle blue stripes and subdued gold buttons, you'll turn heads with cool, calm, and collected American flair.

Nautical Canvas Tote Bag ($39.50, Gap)
Nothing says classic Americana quite like nautically themed items, and this canvas tote from Gap pulls off that iconic coastal tradition with a modern twist. Pack your sunscreen and sparklers in this generously sized bag, made with real leather and braided rope, to all your weekend engagements.

Roped Espadrille in Red ($19.99, Victoria's Secret)
You've already got your dress and your tote, so what better to punctuate your posh July 4th look than this (bargain-priced!) pair of espadrilles? The colorful and shiny "jelly" accents on these classic sandals add sex appeal yet still remain classy. Tie 'em up and prance around with pride!

Five Oceans Pendant ($14.99, ModCloth)
We support our troops and veterans and are all over the red, white, and blue, but we just aren't quite as into the standard fare of kitschy flag jewelry. Ditch the flag pin this year in favor of a retro or nautical-themed pendant to top off your look. Mod-inspired and enameled in America's favorite colors, this pendant is just as patriotic and appropriate at a pool party or parade as it would be on the dunes of Nantucket.

Story and image: Copyright 2010, Shoestring LLC.