Your Guide to Pulling Off Tropical Prints

It’s not even officially summer yet, and the list of things I want to do and wear this season — which includes rocking fringe, sheer pieces, and adorable white shoes, along with buying every single one of these summer beauty products — is intimidatingly long. But hey, I love a good challenge, which has to be the only reason why I’m ready to add yet another trend to my must-try list this summer: Tropical prints.

They say three’s a trend, so tropical-print pieces must be a frenzy, because a whole host of stylish celebs have been wearing the pattern lately, giving me major pattern envy and inspiring me to find the perfect tropical piece to work into my summer wardrobe.

I don’t know if it’s the bright, summery colors; the vibrant florals and palm tree graphics; or the instant-getaway feeling this print evokes, but there’s just something about the seasonal pattern that screams fun, relaxed, and totally chic. So if you’re ready to hop on board with me but aren’t sure how to work the print, just follow these four tips from stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Lena Dunham, and Rashida Jones, who are loving the style, too.

1. Go super short for a flirty, feminine vibe

I don't care if it's with a mini dress, sky-high shorts, or just a simple skirt, but tropical prints get an extra dose of excitement and style when worn in a super-short hemline, like the one on Nyong'o's Fausto Puglisi frock. Leave your high heels and wedges at home, and keep it looking relaxed and classy with a great pair of jeweled sandals or casual flats.

2. Mix and match it with another print

Why limit this gorgeous summer print to one piece? Make like Dunham — who wore this mixed-print Fausto Puglisi number to her recent book signing — and wear a tropical-print top with a separate printed pant, skirt, or pair of shorts. Keep the patterns from clashing by sticking with a similar color palette both on top and bottom and anchoring the look with a neutral shoe and accessories.

3. Dress it up with a full skirt for evening

As fun as tropical prints may be, they can still deliver a whole lot of serious style when worn in a full-length fashion, whether it's a floor-grazing maxi dress or a beautifully printed skirt, like the one Jones wore all the way back at the 2014 Golden Globes. Copy her style by pulling hair back into a sleek bun to keep all attention on the print, as well as by adding a bold lip to give the look some subtle color.

4. Work it in moodier hues

Though bright pinks, oranges, greens, and yellows are always a welcome choice when it comes to tropical prints, you can also play with darker hues to evoke an edgier, more sophisticated vibe with the summery pattern. Wear the moodier colors with a fun piece, like a voluminous dress or romper, and statement heels to keep the ensemble from veering into too-serious territory.

Get the Look:

Warehouse tropical print camisole, $37, houseoffraser.co.uk

Kate Spade New York lounge pant, $258, katespade.com

Dorothy Perkins printed midi skirt, $44, dorothyperkins.com

Alice + Olivia cutout-back dress, $297, neimanmarcus.com

J.Crew jacquard pants, $150, jcrew.com

Topshop palm print romper, $96, nordstrom.com

Zara printed shorts, $40, zara.com

Dune tropical print slippers, $92, asos.com

Image Credit: lenadunham/Instagram