Fashion Dare: The Hawaiian Shirt
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009Stuck in a cement jungle where happy hour daiquiris are the closest you ever get to the tropics? Perhaps a Hawaiian shirt will help you get an island state of mind.
Okay, so this is really more like a “Fashion Double-Dare” because it takes an elite style maven to adopt the wardrobe staple of bbq-ing dads, retired snowbirds and spring breaking frat boys everywhere, not to mention make it actually look good.
While researching content, it is no surprise that photos of women wearing Hawaiian shirts were hard to find (especially wearing them stylishly), but that is what made it the perfect choice for a fashion dare. In a society where cookie-cutter style is all too common, finding a great item that women’s fashion hasn’t over-explored is a rare gem. I am well aware that Hawaiian shirts are thought of as tacky, loud and even cheesy, but not too long ago people thought that way about sequins and they managed to overcome the stereotype. Plus, a good fashion challenge now and then (succeed or fail) will help your style evolve and keep you at the front of the fashion pack.
Think of these Dos & Don’ts like a helpful Tiki torch lighting your way.
DON’T pair it with white shorts or Capri pants - it’s obvious and boring
DON’T put a tropical flower in your hair - it’s overkill on the theme and cheesy
DON’T top it off with a straw hat or baseball cap - unless retired or Magnum P.I.
DON’T mix it with any other patterns - they have enough going on already
DON’T over-accessorize - use one item to accent and no tropical shells
DON’T match your shirt to the family - unless you are the Hawaiian Von Trapps
DO wear a fitted shirt - a good fit is most important in making it work
DO roll the sleeves a little to help you get a more flattering fit
DO toss on a solid colored summer scarf - it will help minimize the loud pattern
DO keep it casual - cut-offs or jeans show you aren’t taking it too seriously
DO layer it over a tank & under a cardigan - keeping it to just a dash of splash
DO be a minimalist and keep it simple - let the loud-mouth shirt do all the talking
Will you boldly go where so few fashion people have gone before and make the Hawaiian shirt work for you? Try it, I “double-dog-dare” you!
