When I think about Memorial Day Weekend, a couple of things come to mind: cocktails, friends, grilling, and basking in sunshine — Mother Nature willing. So what does this mean for your outfit? I’m glad you asked (even though I didn’t hear you, but whatever) because I’ve broken down my ideal Mem-Day weekend outfit into a few necessities.

First off, you want to be comfortable. Not only do you need to be able to sit like a beer-bellied man passed out on the couch in front of ESPN (all class over here!), but you also need to be able to regulate your temperature. For me this means pants, preferably of the boyfriend variety, though I’d say yes to a husband pair too. The slouchier fit allows for breadth of room (i.e. extra hot dog), and means you can engage in all the outdoor activities you want since the issue of your skirt being blown up is, well, a non-issue.

This also means light layers. I don’t like to break out tank tops until I absolutely have to, so instead I opt for lightweight button downs and blazers. What’s nice about the button-down blazer combo is that it transitions seamlessly from day-to-night. This may not be a necessity for some of your weekend activities, but it’s better to be prepared than look like a naked and cold fool because you wore your tank top and didn’t bring something to cover up with in the evening. Having said that, not bringing a jacket is also a great way to pick up a gentleman, since only the most chivalrous of lads offer their coat to a woman clad in goosebumps. Therefore, if this is your way of fishing for men, don’t let me stand in your way.

Festivity should go hand-in-hand with your comfortable, climate-controlled outfit, and what better way to secure this than with a hat? Honestly, is there anything more festive than a hat? Birthday party hats, sombreros, crowns, bonnets — I can’t think of a festive occasion that doesn’t involve some kind of a head topper. Since this weekend doesn’t have a designated style of hat, I suggest you pick one that suits your face shape best. I’m partial to the straw fedora come summertime, but if My Fair Lady sun hats are your thing, then by all means…

 And now we must address the shoes, because really that’s always a topic of debate. Since I’ll be on the grass most of this weekend, I will likely either be barefoot, sandaled or sneakered (footwear adjectives! Oh yes!). But were I going to a party where concrete or hardwood floors were part of the decor, then I’d leave those flat shoes at home.   A pair of heeled sandals that won’t rip your toes to blistery shreds are absolutely imperative to warm-weather dressing. And if you’re concerned that your feet will hurt by the end of the day, don’t worry, I’ve found that most summer soirees end up with everyone barefoot anyways.

So there you have it, my key to Memorial Day dressing, otherwise known as what I’ll be wearing all weekend. Now let’s all make a face that looks like we’re peeing in our pants and count down the hours until the holiday weekend begins!

Ralph Lauren blazer | Theory shirt | Zara jeans | Max Studio sandals | Prada bag | Scoop hat | Venessa Arizaga bracelet

//photos by Emily Malan