Summers are all about soaking in the sun while vacationing in tropical locations. So, wearing dresses and accessories inspired by this carefree vibe just makes sense in the summer. The tropical print trend has been on the rise, with exotic leaf and floral motifs along with birds and fauna replacing the dainty floral dresses we’ve all been loving since last year. Whether you’ve been attracted by dress with tigers and elephants, or simply can’t get enough of the colourful palm leaves – you need to jump on this trend ASAP.
Yes, tropical print shirts are part of the ‘dad on vacation’ aesthetic but there are many more elegant dresses that you can pick from for a feminine feel. Tropical print dresses are also great for wearing all year round and can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Just not vacations, you can buy tropical print dresses for many occasions and style them accordingly. Don’t know where to begin? Keep reading as we delve into environmental aesthetics and why these prints have become a fashion trend, key characteristics, and how to style tropical print dresses.
- Environmental Aesthetics
Zero-waste living and using sustainable products is a growing trend. Many are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices. In this process of connecting with nature, many are switching up their lifestyles, home decor, and even clothing to reflect more environmental aesthetics in their life. Surrounding yourself with natural elements also helps enhance your mood and promotes relaxation. The shift is also reflected in the rising popularity of tropical prints as more and more people choose to embrace nature in clothing.
From trends like slow fashion and thrifting to the comeback of floral printed dresses, the environment aesthetic is here to stay and should be on your style vision board as more designers (and eventually celebs) are expected to be seen in this style. Take the 2024 Met Gala’s ‘Garden of Time’ theme and Alia Bhatt’s floral gown-saree (and most looks from the red carpet) as a sign that this trend is just catching on.
- Tropical Prints Trend: What To Look For
- Bold Colours: Bright red, green, pink, yellow, and blue dominate the tropical print aesthetic. These colours evoke vivid tropical landscapes and the many different hues seen in the diverse natural environment.
- Exotic Patterns: Palm leaves are a huge part of the tropical print trend. You can pick from a wide range of colours and ombre shades of large leaves as per your personal style. Tropical plants, along with animals and flowers, are also a popular pattern. Unlike the floral trend, tropical patterns are large and often multi-coloured.
- Lightweight Fabrics: Breathable cotton or linen and sheer chiffon or silk are popular material choices when it comes to tropical print dresses. The lightweight fabrics make them ideal for the summer, resort wear, as well as for vacations as they help you stay comfortable.
- Versatile Styles: You can pick from many different silhouettes for the perfect fit. A-line and fit-and-flare dresses are ideal for apple or pear body types, while fitted bodycon styles are preferable for rectangle or hourglass body types. Along with dresses, tropical prints can be found in a variety of clothing as well as accessories like belts, hats, shoes, and bags.
- Relaxed Fit: Most tropical print dresses will feature relaxed fits to match the carefree vibe of the prints. You can buy dresses with bell or balloon sleeves and also opt for oversized silhouettes to add an interesting visual appeal.
- How To Style Tropical Printed Dresses
- Casual: For a day out on the town, wear a knee-length tropical printed dress with solid white sneakers, a sling bag, and a bucket hat. If you’re going for solid colours, ensure they match the print on your dress. You can also take things up a notch and go for a print-on-print look.
- Vacation: For an Instagram-worthy vacay outfit, wear a tropical print dress that features shoulder straps with oversized sunglasses, a large straw hat, and open-toed sandals. This look has several functional elements that will lend a romantic feel to your look while protecting you from the sun.
- Beach Day: Bring out your bright flip-flops, oversized beach totes for all the essentials, and beaded bohemian-inspired jewellery for the ultimate beach day look. These elements paired with a flowy tropical print dress will help you pop against the blue sky and ocean for a picture-perfect outfit.
- Evening: It’s not all about daytime looks, you can effortlessly style a fitted tropical print dress for the evening with minimal jewellery, embellished handbags, and block heels. This look is perfect for date nights and dinners on vacation.
- Party: While tropical printed dresses are already bold, don’t shy away from adding bling for special occasions. Enter party mode with a mini-dress, rhinestone stilettos, a matching shimmery bag, and a statement necklace or earrings to turn heads.
- Formal: Attending a black-tie formal event? Pair a floor-length tropical print dress with nude heels, dainty jewellery, and a clutch bag for an elegant look. You can opt for a dressier look with an embellished handbag and hair accessories.
- Work: Can’t switch back from vacay mode to work? Take a slice of your tropical vacation with you to work by wearing tropical dresses with blazers or suit jackets. Pair these with pumps, your trusty office tote, and you’re set to make a fashion statement at work.
- Festive: Don’t skip tropical prints on festive occasions as these printed dresses look like a dream with ethnic jewellery. From oxidised jhumkas and chokers to beaded necklaces and bracelets, add a desi touch to this Western trend for a unique look.
Conclusion
The tropical print trend in 2024 is all about embracing the lively and unique feel of tropical destinations. With vibrant colours, stand-out bold prints, and oversized fits, dresses and accessories with tropical prints truly exude the laid-back and relaxed vibe of sunny destinations. You must try dresses with tropical prints and wear them all year long by dressing them up or down for different occasions. Tropical prints are also timeless and you can keep wearing these garments long after the world has moved on from the trend.
