12 Tie-Dye Dresses to Wear Now (Whether You’re Going on Vacation or Not)
Hilary George-Parkin
If I had to name one piece from the Spring 2016 runways that I really, truly coveted and—most importantly—would actually wear, I’d have to go with Altuzarra’s bright green tie-dye Ilari dress.
Styled on the runway untoggled to the waist and the slit up to the mid-thigh, it was the ultimate fantasy beach vacation outfit—there’s no way you could wear that and not have a “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights”–worthy love affair, right? Plus, more practically speaking, if you were to do it all the way up, with its pleated skirt and knee-length hem, it would totally be city apropos. (Honestly, though, I prefer the fantasy version.)
Alas, it’s also $2,295 … I know, I know—it makes me sad, too.
Luckily, tie-dye was everywhere in designers’ spring collections—Valentino, Rosie Assoulin, Burberry, Rachel Comey, BCBG—and retailers have taken their cue this season with modern, grown-up take on the summer-camp staple.
My favorite of the dream-dress alternatives is Zara’s tricolor dip-dye—with its wrap silhouette and short sleeves, it almost comes close to the real thing (now, if only they could add some toggles).
A.L.C.’s silk-georgette maxi focuses the print on the hem of the skirt, tamping down the Coachella effect for those of you who don’t want to look like you just took a wrong turn on the way to Indio. And a low-back number by Malibu-based brand Jen’s Pirate Booty (I know, I know, but bear with me) is exactly the kind of thing you want to wear sans jacket, sans bra, and sans shoes in the sweltering midsummer heat.
Ahead, find these and eight other tie-dye options that’ll have you ready for beachy days and city weekends ahead.
