Would You Wear… Tie-Dye?
From left: Ashley Tisdale in Gypsy 05, Proenza Schouler on the runway, Jessica Stroup in Dolce & Gabbana
When I hear the words ‘tie dye‘, I immediately think of my stepfather’s t-shirts from the seventies that my mom and I finally convinced him to stop wearing. I also think of the poor quality versions I would make with a plain white shirt at day camp every summer.
Tie dye has a new spin, however, and it’s quickly becoming fashion-forward again. This season’s tie dye consists of more deliberate and wearable colors and patterns, and the fabrics and shapes are much chicer than your typical baggy tee. What was once worn only by hippies is now trendy and – gasp – pretty. The trick is to pair the item with more modern or romantic extras and to avoid the innate hippie-ness (unless that’s what you’re going for!).
I’ve created a couple of outfits to demonstrate, below.
Outfit #1: Psychedelic
Product Information: Headband: Forever21, Tie Dye Tunic: Warehouse, Gold Bangles: ASOS, Black Pumps: Piperlime, Ruched Pencil Skirt: Dorothy Perkins, Rhinestone Earrings: Forever21
Outfit #2: Groovy
Product Information: Layered Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Tie Dye Dress: Acne, Gold Bracelets: Kenneth Cole, Peeptoe Pumps: Forever21, Black Tights: Barneys
What do you think?
Would you wear tie dye? Or do you think it should have stayed in the past? What tie dyed items do you want for your closet? Let me know in the comments below!
Posted on on April 27, 2010 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Ashley Tisdale, Dolce and Gabbana, Gypsy 05, Jessica Stroup, Proenza Schouler, Spring 2010, Tie Dye, Trends
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Ally
I’ll definitely wear this. I think it looks classy and sophisticated in the outfits, not at all trashy.
Great post!
JG
I absolutely love how tie dye is coming back. When I was in 4th & 5th grade I ONLY wore tie dye so it’s something that definitely brings me back haha. Especially after seeing the Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 collection…how can you not love tie dye? Zac Posen for Target has a great tie dye print in a dress and bathing suit that I definitely recommend checking out!
Christina
I LOVE this post! personally i would wear tie die every day if i could. I love spicing up a white t-shirt with some kind of pattern and wear it with skinnies and moccasins…. well, I do go to school in Vermont, so its sort of more accepted than other places. It is so easy to make it unique and your own. I love the sophisticated outfits put together here too, puts a great spin on it!
Marleahhh
I love tie-dye! Even if its not in style for the season I always wear it. I think it adds an extra amount of fun and a certain carefree attitude to any outfit.
Melissa
Love it! I also love the pastel watercolor stuff you see too that is reminiscent of tye-dye (like Rachel McAdams’ Oscar dress).
Isabelle
I would’ve normally screamed NO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING but the first outfit I like. I would actually wear it. So I’m thinking you either did a really good job with it or this is sign of the end of times. I prefer to think it’s the first one :)
Madeleine
I would definately wear tye dye because I think if done right it’s not flat out hippie-ish, its beachy with a boho twist.
Dominique
I love tie dye! Although, I am sort of a hippie. In any case, these outfits are really cute. I especially like what Ashley Tisdale has on.
I really want a cute, light tie dye dress in my wardrobe this summer.
<3 the dress darling
Elle Sees
i can’t stand tie dye, but the patterns here are so light and airy, that I don’t mind it at all.
Sari
I love this trend! It’s so wearable and fun, as long as you wear it right, just like the outfits you picked out.
Eurotrip Tips
I don’t think I would wear this. I think its looks trashy and cheap, although I have to say Ashley Tisdale’s dress is beautiful. I’m not sure about the ones you posted as outfits… not my taste at all.
Thanks for this post! I’m kind of surprised to see I’m the only one not liking this, though. But hey, what can I do. :)
hannah
i love ashley tisdale’s dress and the 1st outfit you put together.
lauren @ lapetitefashionista
i’ve been rocking the tie dye a ton lately! I think it’s a new take on the “hippie” look, because it’s much more polished– similar to the way Proenza Schouler did for S/S 10!
Kelly
I love tiedye!!! I’m so excited this look is back.
Mercedes
I’m not really a fan of tie dye (I never learned how to make it in elementary school and never wore it before college) especially because a lot of girls here wear the loud, neon-ish tie dye t-shirts that easily look tacky. I’m liking the toned down pastel kind though. Maybe I’ll try it over the summer. :)
Erin- Keuka College
Normally, I think tie dye is hideous. But I am loving the toned-down version that is popping up everywhere. It is much more wearable– more boho chic than those awful homemade versions with the BRIGHT CLASHING colors.
Josie
I love tie-dye tops and dresses, as long as we’re talking earthy shades like marine blue, wine red or shades of grey and brown. I’m definitely staying away from neons – I like my tie dye clothes to be more bohemian than psychedelic.
Marci
When you talk about “deliberate” tie-dye, you really mean batik: a tribal-looking method of putting wax on fabric to make designs before you dye it.
I think it’s more batik than tie-dye that’s coming back in style.
Taylor
I love any form of tie dye, ahaha. Yes, even the baggy shirts. Whatever, lol.These outfits would let me wear it in more socially accepted ways though. Like an interview or something. (:
Laura
Batik/Tie-Dye…let’s not split hairs :)
I’m digging the tie-dye, and even though I am kind of a hippie, I would even stay away from the neons/brights. The earthy-looking stuff is pretty cool. I wanna try to DIY, but I’m scared, hahaha!
aish
i like it
but i love the neon coloured tie dye looks
Lindsay Lou
live for it, no better way to ad a little twist to an outfit… also allows you to get really creative
Holly
I think tie dye can look really good, but I don’t think I like the examples that are in this post. The shirt in the first outfit looks okay but the rest I just don’t think are flattering.
james bryant
Cool use of tie dye. I make tie dyes…the hippie variety. And, I got some great ideas for my product line by looking at your post. I had been wanting to experiment with flowing dresses and the like. I was just a bit stuck on my vibrant psychedelic colors. The use of earth-tones and more of a mudmee style to the folding comes across as very, very tasteful. I can’t wait to get some fabric!!! Thank you so much for this post. You have inspired me!!!
Tie Dyed
As a prior poster said up until last few year tie dye was scene as a Hippie fashion. Now thanks to post like these and others people are starting to realize this is no longer the case. I have never been a fan of the bright tie dye. I much prefer the more subtle tones they are much more accepted in almost any environment even work related ones. Designers have noticed this and brought tie dye back to the main stage.