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Tie-Dye Is Trending, but It's Not What You Think

If recent runways and street-style shots are any indication, tie-dye is back, baby. But this isn’t the tie-dye of sleepovers and hippie Halloween costumes: It’s chic and modern. Here are four ways to test out the trend without looking like you’re on your way to a Phish concert.

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woman wearing a tie dye sweatshirt and black jeans
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Pair Tie-dye With Black

Many prints (like polka dots and stripes) look great mixed and matched with one another. Tie-dye, though, is best paired with solid colors. Try grounding a tie-dye shirt or sweater with simple black jeans.

Get the look: Converse ($60); Splendid ($128); Champion ($145)

woman wearing a tie dye dress and moto jacket
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

Or Stick To Darker Colors In The Pattern

A general rule of thumb: Dark-colored clothes are easier to make look sophisticated and grown-up. If you’re worried about tie-dye coming across as too “I DIY’d this at a ten-year-old’s birthday party,” opt for a black- or brown-focused version, which looks more elevated than, say, neon green and yellow.

Get the look: Leon and Harper ($139); Raquel Allegra ($170); ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo ($225)

woman wearing a tie dye tshirt and trench coat
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Wear It With Classic Pieces

As we’ve said, tie-dye is a statement-maker. So it’s cool to create a funky-traditional contrast by wearing it with timeless pieces like white trousers and a trench. Think of this look as a fun little sartorial surprise.

Get the look: Obey ($36); Ragdoll ($79); Ganni ($100)

woman wearing a brown and black tie dye dress
JB Lacroix/Getty Images

Keep Your Accessories Minimal

When it comes to completing a tie-dye look, stick to accessories that complement—but don’t steal the spotlight from—the ensemble. Steer clear of anything too blingy or colorful, which can look costume-y when paired with an already bold print.

Get the look: Sejour ($47); Kenneth Cole New York ($129); Young Fabulous & Broke ($190)

RELATED: 28 Fall Wardrobe Must-Haves, All Under $50


sarah stiefvater
Sarah Stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...
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