An update…
I have my docent graduation tour prepared and have been practicing like crazy on Nigel. I go over it almost every night in my head, too! I’m hoping to go to the museum this Friday to make sure the items I’ve selected are still on display. They are always opening new exhibits or moving things around. It would be just my luck that they moved or removed one of my pieces! Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, Mireille chose tropical prints. Last month, I selected black and white. In the past we have worn graphic tees, fuzzy, pinks and red, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Next month’s prompt is “Beat the Heat” if you’d like to join us! Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
A little history…
Tropical prints, sometimes known as Hawaiian prints, were inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii. Alfred Shaheen, a textile designer, introduced these new and exotic prints in the 1930s. In the 1940s, people were seeking to escape the chaos of World War II. After the war, people found these prints adventurous and perfect for wearing to exotic locations as they embraced traveling to such places. Of course, the 50s and 60s saw Elvis on the big screen sporting these fun prints. It was also during this time homes and accessories reflected the peaceful nature of the tropical prints. They represented a love for “nature and a carefree attitude. Embracing themes such as hibiscus flowers, palm trees, and ocean waves, these designs became synonymous with leisure, relaxation, and a touch of exotic allure during this era (source).”
A little more…
By the 70s and 80s, tropical prints epitomized exotic destinations and adventures. The prints included flamboyant floral and leaf patterns incorporating bold animal prints to more closely resemble a tropical landscape. They appeared on maxi dresses and tailored jackets as well as accessories like scarves and jewelry. The tropical print now included Caribbean and safari styles. People associated them with nights on the beach, lounging by the pool, and evenings spent outside with the wind blowing through your hair. In other words, tropical prints became not just a fashion statement but also a change as people welcomed leisure and relaxation over the need to settle down and plant roots of the 50s and 60s.
Still more…
During the 90s and 2000s, designers began to experiment with fusing bolder and larger tropical prints with animal prints and geometric patterns. Color palettes grew more and more vibrant. Designers also began to think about sustainability and eco-friendly production. Organic fabrics came into the picture at this time. Along with sustainability, interest in vintage prints from the 50s and 60s grew. Designers also reinterpreted these classical prints with a bit more edge.
Not going anywhere…
Tropical prints continued in women’s fashion in the 2010s and 2020s. Leafy patterns and colorful florals were combined with exotic plants and wild animals. This decade also saw the rise of tropical shirts for women. Of course, designers didn’t just make the old bowling shirts we associate with tropical shirts. They created shirts with modern cuts, elevated the fabrics, and combined unusual colors. Tropical prints can be any color, any flower, leaf or animal. They exist alone or with other prints. Tropical prints are here to stay, I’d say! We love them because they remind us of walks on the beach, visits to exotic and faraway places as well as adventures we’ve yet to experience.
The outfit…
When Mireille suggested this, I was pretty sure I didn’t have anything in a tropical print. Then, I went on a safari into my closet. I emerged triumphant! I actually have several things in tropical prints. Many have appeared on the blog. But, I recently splurged on this Farm Rio skirt and decided, while it wasn’t blatantly tropical, it did give off that tropical vibe. It has a longer, smocked waistband. I loved all the little details like the lace and pintucks. It is sold out now. I added a black tee from Old Navy and belted the whole thing loosely. Want to know a secret? There isn’t actually any black in this print…it’s navy! I guess you could say this is an example of high low styling! I think I’ll try a thin striped tee next. I have several ivory tees I could also pair with it. I don’t know that I’m ready to pair it with an animal print, though.
The Lewk!
These are the very same Gentle Soul Caplin espadrilles you saw in my last post! We took these photos a couple of weeks ago so I thought this would be their premiere post! I have to tell you I love Sylca Designs jewelry. I reach for these Assuta earrings over and over again! They come in so many different colors, too! The necklace is the Parker Spice Round Bead Wood necklace. Both of these go with so much in my closet right now!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I had no idea tropical prints were “born” in the 30s. Nor did I know World War II had such an impact on continuing the evolution of and desire for tropical prints. It’s weird, but I associate tropical prints with greens, but they are more often created in several different brilliant colors. My backyard pillows are definitely tropical prints. By the way, Nigel took these photos. That’s why my head is so close to the top. He has to sit down in order to take them which throws off the perspective. So, can we talk? What is your favorite tropical print? Would you wear it combined with an animal print? Is there a specific tropical print you like? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
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I’m not sure I ever wore a tropical print, at least I can’t remember any. Except for my graphic tees, I don’t think I wore prints much at all.
Except my mother’s flower shirt, I loved that one so much, but I wouldn’t put in the tropic print category, it was more like an old flower book with names and descriptions. Oh, and my leopard jeans, I did love those.
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
I think I have always liked prints, but it took me a bit to embrace animal prints. I’m still not wild about snake prints (no pun intended). I bet you have the best graphic tees! My dad used to make fun of me and my love for floral prints. He always asked if I was making curtains for my grandma!
Graphic Tees and bright Hawaiian shirts shout holidays or vacations to me.
You must vacation in some wonderfully warm places, Rosie! I don’t think I’ve ever worn a Hawaiian print on vacation though Mike has. That’s the one print he really likes!
Ha ha, not me, but you see people wearing them.
True! One year, I did wear a two piece (not quite a bikini) on vacation because I knew no one on that beach would ever see me again. That was definitely freeing!
I love your outfit! I can’t imagine pairing a tropical print with an animal print though.
Thanks, Joanne! I wonder if they were talking about those tunics that used to be in style that were jersey. It seems like they combined the two prints. I might have to try it just for fun!
How good does this colour combination looks on you! How good does this skirt look on you! How good does black look on you! Can you tell I’m a fan of this outfit? Lol. I wish you all the succes you need for the tour!
Thank you so many times, Nancy! Mike has always said I look good in black. I thought that might change once my hair went grey, but it didn’t, luckily! I appreciate your good wishes for my tour!!
I always learn something from you, Marsha. And your print skirt is such a cool variation of tropical prints. I love it.
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I just have to do more than just present an outfit…kinda like you! I liked the unusual colors for a tropical print, too!
It’s perfect!! I’m glad you emerged triumphant from your closet! That is one pretty skirt and I love how you styled it.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I was really surprised at how many tropical prints I have in various clothes.
Absolutely perfect. Glad you dug deep in your closet and unearthed this gem of a skirt. I love its tropical-boho-quaint vibe and the black top is such a lovely contrast to the softer palette of the skirt. I would wear this all day long…and your darling sandals and bold accessories. Thank you for sharing a little about the history of tropical prints. Something positive that came out of the Depression and WWII!!
Thanks, Leslie! I think it was the colors that seemed out of season paired with the lace details that caught my eye. I really just thought I’d order it just to check it out…hahaha!!! Of course, I loved it. The sandals are so comfortable, but they’re not quite what I want. You know me…I can’t just talk about the outfit!
This skirt is so pretty! Its tropical print is so unique and I love the belt with it. Such a chic look Marsha!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I wasn’t 100% sure it was a tropical print, but I went for it. I thought the belt pulled the whole look together. It’s funny how little things do that, isn’t it?
That’s such a pretty skirt, and I love the styling here. And look at you rocking the belt – looks fab, Marsha! I am definitely a fan of tropical prints. I think the bright colors and the popularity of flowers & birds in them make them a YES in my book.
Thanks, Sally! I was only going to “look” at the skirt and fell in love with it! I like tropical prints, too. There are so many different kinds which is one of the things I like most. I didn’t think I had many, and then when I looked, I discovered I have lots!
Love the skirt! It was definitely worth the splurge. Your hair looks fantastic too! Hope you are having a great week!
Thank you, Laura! I thought I’d just order it to see if I liked it…of course, I did! Enjoy the coming week!
This has to be one of my favorite looks on you! Your skirt is fabulous and your styling is perfection!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much, Jill! I consider that a huge compliment from you. I really did splurge on the skirt. Of course, it went on sale the next week, but they didn’t have my size so they wouldn’t do a price adjustment! Sometimes, the simple stylings say the most, right?
Had to come back to revisit this outfit. And to wish you luck on your final docent tour. Hope all of the art you have planned it around is still in place. You have created a thoughtful look at those seemingly unrelated pieces. You are going to nail it.
Awww, thanks, Leslie! I ran through it with my oldest granddaughter and found I knew the first half really well. I floundered on the last half. So, I decided to reverse the order which will make me learn that half. The pieces I’ve shown on the blog, though, aren’t the ones I’ll be using. Come visit, and I’ll give you a personal tour!
Look how cute you look! I love the skirt- it’s so fun and just what summer ordered!
Wishing you all the luck on your docent tour! You’ve got this!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you, Ashley! I really wasn’t sure if I would keep the skirt because it truly was a splurge. But, after seeing it and loving the print, there was no way it was going back! Thanks for the good wishes!