Spring & Summer Trend: Tie-Dye

With warmer weather comes cooler gear as designers incorporate psychedelic prints, a sporty edge and day-glow brights into this summer’s fashions. It’s safe to ditch that shapeless shirtdress you wore all last summer and toss those boring tees. This season’s super-easy looks come in a range of affordable prices that are fabulous on any budget.

L to R: Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, Peter Pilotto

Summer’s biggest trend started on the Spring/Summer 2010 runway at Proenza Schouler where tie-dye and mix-matched animal print were reinvented in striking neon shades. The line, which channels a surf-inspired bohemian, has since appeared in nearly every fashion magazine. Designers Tory Burch and Peter Pilotto also showed dyed looks in their Spring/Summer shows. While Tory Burch channeled her inner hippie through simple and relaxed frocks accompanied by moccasins, Peter Pilotto went formal with structured dresses in retro tie-dye.

Dresses for summer should give you the option of being dressed up without being too done up. To get the designer looks for less check out the T-Bags belted tie-dye dress ($154) at Neiman Marcus. Whether worn with heels or flats, you’ll feel effortlessly chic in this frock. What’s great about the tie-dye trend is its ability to span a multitude of style personas. When paired with neon brights or a pair of fashion-conscious sweatpants, the psychedelic hippie transforms into an exuberant jetsetter, ready for the surf and sun. When paired with a preppy stripe or button down cardigan, the 70’s-inspired print gets a girl-next-door makeover. Blumarine’s Spring/Summer 2010 show was full of the circle tie-dye print. The neon tee (pictured below) is an example of the perfect summer staple. Not only is it great for throwing on with a pair of jeans, but paired with an equally bright skirt or pant, it adds instant fun to your summer wardrobe. Tory Burch also hit the mark with her Spring/Summer 2010 line. The designer’s ensembles showed separates that could easily assimilated into any situation, whether it be a summer cookout or lunch with the girls.

L to R: Blumarine, Tory Burch, Lela Rose

Finally, when it comes to summer shorts and pants, you can’t go wrong with a loose-fit cargo pant or board short such as the ones pictured above by Lela Rose. Many designers amped up the action on runways with sporty bottoms. To get this, and other looks, check out the following finds. For great finds in tees, head to American Apparel for their tie-dye crew neck tee ($27), or Forever 21 for their neon green tie-dye tee ($14). Looking for a great summer skirt? Look no further than Joie’s Tie-Dye Stripe Olina Skirt ($178) at revolveclothing.com–I assure you it’s worth every penny. Lastly, if you’re looking for a few summer bottoms to round out your summer wardrobe, you’ll need to check out the breezy drawstring pants from Wink ($162) at Shopbop.com, the Roll-Up Bermuda Shorts from Gap ($40), and the Chambray Nora Pant ($60) from J.Crew. Whatever your taste may be, these trendy separates will be fun to mix and match all season long. Written by Skimbaco Lifestyle Fashion writer Hallie McKay. Hallie has also written for the Seventeen Magazine.