To Dye For: How to wear tie-dye the grown up way

By Carolyn Moore

Once a Woodstock-era mainstay, then reimagined as an acid house staple, tie-dye is enjoying a resurgence this summer.

But forget its colourful past; in the hands of designers like Miuccia Prada and Proenza Schouler, tie-dye has been given a chic makeover worthy of haute hippies and A-listers alike. Here’s how to wear tie-dye the grown up way. Carolyn Moore reports.

Elevated Style

It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it, and Irish style star Sinéad Burke shows how to keep tie-dye totally sophisticated in a custom Prada creation at the brand's resort show in May.

All grown up

With some smart styling, the season’s elevated take on tie-dye can even be office-appropriate. Team this Mang shirt (€35.99) with tailored trousers slinky midi skirt.

The Prada Effect

Where Prada leads, others follow an Miuccia’s love of tie-dye carried into her autumn winter collection. Get the look with a tie-dyed silk skirt, €1450 net-a-porter.com

Watch your tone

Tie-dye doesn’t need to be psychedelic to make a statement. Muted takes on the look give it a grownup spin, and we love this wrap dress, €63, Next.

Singled out

For maximum impact, make one tie-dye piece for your singular style statement. Pair this bold Topshop Boutique skirt (€117) with a crisp white shirt for a chic take on the trend.

Button Up

Modern interpretations of tie-dye abound this season, and with it’s fluid feel and kimono-style sleeves, this drawstring shirt from River Island (€45) brings the motif bang up-to-date.

One and done

Worried about what to team your tie-dye with? Eliminate the guesswork and take the easy option with a jumpsuit – the only way to wear tie-dye head to toe. €24.99, New Look.

In the bag

The easiest way to dip a toe in a trend is always with accessories. We love this roomy tie-dyed bucket bag from Zara (€25.99) for an instant update that’s low commitment

Pleats, please!

With chic undertones of Japanese Shibori, inky blues look naturally sophisticated in tie-dye motifs. Add pleats for a look that’s on point. Pleated top, €22.99 and shorts, €22.99, H&M.

Don't slip up

For an easy entry point to the tie-die trend, a simple slip is foolproof option. Pair this hand-dyed top by & Other Stories, (€59) with boyfriend jeans and a cardie.