We’ve had bumbags, slip dresses and over-sized jackets, so it was only a matter of time before that other 1990s trend – tie dye – popped up in our social media feeds. In fact, Stella McCartney and Prada showed this psychedelic print in their collections 18 months ago, but it has taken a while to find a wider audience.
“Street-style influencers have been mixing it into their wardrobes for a few months,” says Tara, our shopping editor. “Perhaps it was seen as a bit challenging to wear – until now.”
If, like me, you’re having flashbacks of Prodigy-era rainbow t-shirts and smiley faces, don’t worry – the new tie dye is far more refined and sophisticated than before. “The key is to match pieces tonally, to avoid clashing, and mix tie dye with black if you want a cleaner look,” says Tara.
This week, she’s modelling a few different ways to wear the tie-dye trend.
Pared back with black
“I love this top,” says Tara, of the Gary Bigeni t-shirt above. “It’s a great, oversized fit and the childish colour palette is fun. I’d wear it with a black pant for dinner or drinks – the strappy Alias Mae heels also give a more sophisticated look.”
Credits: Gary Bigeni t-shirt, $230; Jacquemus pant, $519; Alias Mae heels, $189.95
Keep to one colour
“This Shona Joy is a beautiful, silky summer skirt – the pattern is reminiscent of the Shibori tie-dye technique, where the fabric is tied to produce regular prints. This is a bias-cut piece that won’t date. You can dress it up with a cami but it looks equally good with a simple t-shirt like this Jac+Jack one.”
Credits: Jac+Jack t-shirt, $99; Shona Joy skirt, $220; Bassike leather thongs, $240
Stick to one tone
“This ribbed skirt is quite green-grey and works tonally with the peach top,” says Tara. “The pattern on the t-shirt is elegant enough to take to dinner, but it would look just as good with jeans – and it’s a great price.”
Credits: Dazie t-shirt, $39.99; Christopher Esber skirt, $490; Alias Mae heels, $169.95
And if you’re ready to fully commit…
“This is a pretty bold way to wear tie-dye – even for me,” says Tara, who admits to turning heads as she was photographed in Sydney last week. “I’d wear all of these pieces individually, but I wanted to demonstrate what tie dye could do if you committed fully to the look. This Marcia top is a thick stretch jersey that you could wear with a black pant or skirt, and the jeans would work with everything from a simple t-shirt to a silky top for going out.”
Credits: Marcia top, $308.07; Stella McCartney jeans, $730; Manolo Blahnik heels (various on The RealReal)
Photography: Ana Suntay-Tañedo
Styling: Tara Morris
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