Shorts and a tank top. Any combo of red, white, and blue. As it gets closer, places will start selling red, whit and blue sunglasses, necklaces, etc if you want to be more festive.

OP, I'm familiar with social anxiety as it runs in my family. I say this kindly -- no one cares what you will wear for a neighborhood summer parade. And by that I mean that it's a parade -- if there was ever a time where there will be NO focus on you, it is at a parade. Unless you will be dancing on top of a float, absolutely no one will be looking at you or noticing what you are wearing. A parade is kind of the perfect venue for a socially anxious person because it is an environment where you can blend in and be part of a crowd.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks PPs for all of the great ideas! It helps me manage my anxiety to shop early, place in the closet and mentally prepare and prep myself for the event .. even if it’s a few months out. Spring clothes are out now and I can snag something(s) early to lessen the rush on my end

But why do you have anxiety about finding a piece of clothing in one of 3 very common colors? None of this makes sense

You don’t have to do red white AND blue. If it’s easier just do one or two of the colors and then it becomes a lot simpler. A red dress? Jean shorts and a white shirt? A navy dress with red necklace? A blue striped or gingham dress or shirt? So so many options.

I've done a number of 4th of July parades. If you are walking, you will be sweating. It will be hot. Make yourself comfortable and do shorts, t-shirt, tank top or something where you won't be sticking to yourself. You might go in nice, but you often leave a matted ball of sweat. Get a nice hat - wide brim - and LOTS of sunscreen.

Our summer town does a big July 4the thing every year. Some people go all out. We used to do the matching Old Navy 4th of July t shirts (still have some from 20 years ago) but now just wear regular clothes. My standard it white shorts and a navy top. I have some tacky July 4th necklaces accumulated over the years and wear those for the red. It doesn't need to be complicated!

I had to check the date of this post twice...worrying about this silliness 4 months in advance tells me you don't have real issues in your life

OP, am I right to assume that you are anxious about this event and are focusing on what to wear as an outlet for that anxiety? (Btdt btw). Don’t let other posters get you down!

First- what are YOU comfortable in usually? Start there.
Second- you don’t need to do colors equally. You could do a blue and white striped dress with a red accent (shoes, necklace, headband)
Third- what will you wear again? You will be most comfortable and confident in something you usually wear.

I really like skirts with shorts under them- so personally I would do a navy skort in athletic fabric to be cool (+ no thigh chafing) and then either a Breton stripe t or some other combo of red/white (solid red top and white sneakers maybe).

It is not just women with social anxiety. Women that are fat or older have figure issues that make advance effort necessary for events. When you’re
young and thin, yes, you can throw white shorts and a patriotic tee on and sling your sweatshirt in a tote for later. Pretty soon this site will go through its capris hate and discussion of Athleta linen pants. Be grateful if getting dressed is easy for you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP said she has social anxiety. Just give ideas if you have them and keep the negative comments to yourselves.

+1

Yes, this.

Disagree. She needs to hear this is ridiculous thinking.

Op here. Thanks PPs for all of the great ideas! It helps me manage my anxiety to shop early, place in the closet and mentally prepare and prep myself for the event .. even if it’s a few months out. Spring clothes are out now and I can snag something(s) early to lessen the rush on my end

I would wear navy blue shorts and a red or white t shirt. I would assume sneakers are ok in any color, but if you really need to be head to toe r/w/b I'd use white sneakers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP said she has social anxiety. Just give ideas if you have them and keep the negative comments to yourselves.

+1

Yes, this.

I would wear red white and blue in some form. These are pretty easy to find in your wardrobe. Maybe white shorts and a red top, blue shoes? If you don’t like shorts, a blue or red dress or skirt in a cotton material or linen. Have fun! Good job pushing forward and facing fears.

It's March.