How to Wear Tie-Dye Like an It-Girl?
- fashionhighschools
- May 15, 2023
- 6 min read
Whether you're looking to add color to your closet or give your look some vibes, tie dye is perfect for summer. To achieve your desired pattern, you'll need rubber bands (both thin and thick) and a plastic bag to keep the dye contained.
Start by laying your garment flat and creating tight accordion pleats. Then, pick a washable marker and draw several lines diagonally across your folds. Next, secure your pattern with rubber bands and apply dye colors.

Tie-Dye Shirts
One of the easiest ways to rock this trend is with a faded tie-dye shirt. This classic piece was practically made for summer, and you can easily find one in your favorite color palette. Pair it with skinny jeans and your favorite sneakers or mules to keep your look cool and comfortable. For a more sophisticated take on this trend, opt for darker hues rather than pastel shades. Darker colors like black and blue can look incredibly stylish when worn with the right clothing pieces.
A bold way to wear your tie-dye shirt is by pairing it with a matching skirt. This outfit is perfect for a summer concert or festival, and you can even wear it during the winter with a furry bucket hat and your fave chunky knitwear. You can also try a denim skirt with a colorful tie-dye pattern to add a bold twist to this timeless style.
To create a more subtle tie-dye effect, try the crinkle technique. This method is simple and effective, and it can be used on any item of clothing. To do it, simply crumple the clothing into a tight ball and wrap rubber bands around each bunch (or “rosettes,” if you want to get fancy). Then, submerge it in the dye and allow it to soak until you achieve the desired effect.
Tie-dye can also be used on other garments, including hoodies and sweatpants. You can use the same techniques to dye these items, and they can look just as stylish when paired with modern streetwear pieces like baggy joggers or mesh-cut tees. Just make sure you remove the laces and liners before you start, and soak the fabric with a little Synthrapol to prevent any dye from staining your other clothes.
You can also make your own tie-dye accessories to complement your newest piece of clothing. A funky pair of socks is a great way to add some personality to your outfit, and they can be especially useful if you are wearing a short-sleeve tie-dye shirt. You can also try a scrunchie or mini backpack to give your outfit a pop of color.
Tie-Dye Skirts
While tie dye was long seen as a fun backyard craft project for kids, it recently made a comeback in the form of high fashion luxury runway shows and casual everyday outfits. In addition to shirts and skirts, you can find tie dye pants in all sizes, including joggers that look great with sneakers or heels. This style of pant is also available in a range of colors, so you can easily find something that complements your wardrobe.
Tie dye maxi skirts are another easy way to rock the trend. If you want to replicate Hilary Duff’s super chic and casual look, wear your tie dye maxi skirt with a white tank top, some strappy sandals and a large pair of sunnies. Toss on hoop earrings and a bucket bag and you’re ready to head out on the town looking like an It-girl.
>>>Read more: Does Polyester Shrink?
If you prefer to keep your color scheme more neutral, go for a tie dye midi skirt that features a delicate pattern. This style of skirt works with a variety of tees and will look equally as good in the fall when you can layer it under a cardigan or jacket.
To make your own Hilary Duff-inspired tie dye maxi skirt, start by binding a clean skirt horizontally with rubber bands (on a covered work surface to prevent any dye spillage). Then mix your dye according to the package instructions and apply it to the skirt, leaving some space in between each band. Once the dye is set, launder the skirt according to the package’s directions. The end result will be a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind skirt!
Athleisure is another trend that’s embracing tie dye, and you can easily create a cool, laid-back outfit with a pair of comfy leggings and a solid-colored tank. These Adidas tie dye shorts, for example, have a subtle tie-dye pattern that pairs perfectly with a plain white workout tank.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full head-to-toe tie dye look, consider wearing a subtle print with a solid-colored top and sneakers. This Adidas tee has a cute, floral pattern with a light purple tie dye hue that would match well with any sneaker color or style. You can even wear this tee with jeans for a laid-back weekend brunch or shopping outing.
Tie-Dye Dresses
While tie dye had long been relegated to the summer camp and backyard craft project category, the trend has exploded back into high fashion with spring runway shows featuring elevated forms of the eye-catching style. Shoppers can now find the groovy effect on everything from swimsuits and beach cover-ups to sundresses, which offer an easy and comfortable way to incorporate the print into their everyday looks.
Tie dye can be a great way to make a statement, but don’t be afraid to experiment with the color palette. Bright hues, like neon pink and orange, are fun ways to add a pop of personality, while more subtle shades, such as pastel blue and purple, can also be just as impactful. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, search for slightly oversized shapes and silhouettes that are sure to flatter your figure.
>>>Find more: How To Use A Needle Threader?
Burgeoning style icon Emily Ratajkowski recently demonstrated how to rock the bohemian-inspired look of a ’90s-style tie dye dress without going too wild. The Inamorata designer paired her silky maxi dress with white sneakers, simple gold jewelry, and a pair of face-framing hoops for an effortless, daytime look. To further amplify her cool-girl vibe, Ratajkowski kept the rest of her accessory game minimalist and let the colorful frock do all the talking.
Shoppers can also easily upgrade their smart casual ensembles by adding a touch of tie dye to the shoes and accessories. A pair of lace-up sandals or heels in a pastel shade will perfectly complement the rainbow-hued pattern, while a tie dye headband or scrunchie can be a playful addition to your hair.
The psychedelic effect can be even more striking when applied to an entire outfit. Try pairing a light-washed tie dye maxi dress with ripped jeans and a tee, or opt for a tie dye camisole under a light-colored button-up shirt. The silky fabric of a camisole also pairs nicely with denim shorts, especially those with distressing details. For a casual vacation look, a tie dye caftan doubles as the perfect beach cover-up.
Tie-Dye Accessories
There's no doubt that a bright tie-dye can be quite the statement piece, but this look works best with monochromatic colors and minimal clothing so that it doesn't overwhelm your outfit. Start with a simple white tee, and then add a pair of fashion-friendly chunky sneakers, a tonal denim jacket, or some classic blue jeans — the options are endless. Tie-dye denim also offers a fun twist on suit pants and blazers for work, so try this style with a button-up shirt or a tee tucked loosely into your suit trousers.
If you're looking for a more subdued way to get in on the trend, look no further than a pastel tie-dye scarf or headband. Choose a lightweight, cotton accessory and prewash it before dyeing it with a bit of Synthrapol to help your color pop. Fill a sink or tub with cool water and a small amount of soap, then gently submerge the accessory for 5-10 minutes. After rinsing, gently squeeze the excess water from the fabric and allow it to air dry on a flat surface.
Then, either wrap the scarf around your neck or place it in a bun to complete your look. If you want to take it even further, a silky tie-dye bow or flower crown adds a touch of elegance that's perfect for an evening event or date night.
Gigi Hadid is the queen of combining multiple trends into one outfit, and she does this with flair when she wears her pastel tie-dye top with overalls and sneakers. It's a look that celebrates the playful side of the dyeing technique and brings back those carefree spring break memories. Complete your outfit with a bucket hat and some cute sunglasses to finish off this laid-back look. You can also give this outfit a modern, sophisticated twist with a black leather military-style blazer. This look is sure to impress at the office or out for a romantic dinner. A neutral color like gray, or a darker hue like navy, will also keep the overall look chic and elevated.
Comments