The Tie-Dye Pieces That Every 30-Something Fashion Girl I Know Wants to Buy

Being born in the '80s—the same decade that has inspired many of the spring/summer 2019 collections—is likely the reason I’m experiencing a serious dose of nostalgia right now. It seems many items from my childhood wardrobe have made a comeback. My current scrunchie collection, for example, rivals that of my 6-year-old self, and, while I may forgo the floral print, I still wear leggings on the regular (only I no longer pair them a Princess Jasmine T-shirt). And now, it appears there’s another trend hell-bent on reminding me how old I am—tie-dye.

Wearing tie-dye as an adult isn’t something that occurred to me until I noticed it trickling into the new-in sections of my favourite online shopping haunts. This soon progressed into a full-blown takeover of my Instagram feed, when the likes of Lucy Williams and Emili Sindlev started wearing it in early spring.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and Ganni’s pastel tie-dye skirt is all I can think about: how beautiful it’ll look with a breezy white linen shirt and tan slide sandals. And perhaps a cargo jacket and tennis shoes. Or even a pair of leather loafers and a button-up blouse… Indeed, tie-dye has proven to be more versatile than I initially gave it credit for. If you too are in need of some convincing, keep scrolling for all the tie-dye outfit inspiration you could need. And don't forget to shop our edit of the chicest tie-dye pieces around.

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(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

Style Notes: Make like Courtney Trop and pick out one colour within your tie-dye piece to match the rest of your outfit (and backdrop).

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(Image credit: @ganni)

Style Notes: For maximum impact, wear tie-dye top-to-toe as Ganni intended. 

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(Image credit: @theelderstatesman)

Style Notes: Neutralise a tie-dye top by pairing it with white jeans—I want to copy this entire look from The Elder Statesman.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Keep your hair unkempt and wavy like Lucy Williams to play up the hippy vibe. 

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(Image credit: @thehautepursuit)

Style Notes: Who said tie-dye can't look tough? Not Vanessa Hong, who has expertly paired her Proenza Schouler top with leather trousers and stiletto boots. 

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Follow Nnenna Echem's lead and give a tie-dye sweater a grown-up feel with a blazer and pearls. 

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: Neon, a bright bum-bag, flip-flops and tie-dye? Emily Sindlev is an '80s fashion dream. 

SHOP OUR TIE-DYE EDIT

Related: If There's One Dress You Invest In for Spring, Make It This One

Related: I Can't Stop Thinking About This Summer Trend

Get clued up on spring/summer 2019's other top trends with our everything-you-need-to-know seasonal style guide.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.