The Most Fabulous Bold Tropical Prints For Women Over 40

Now that most of us are currently on or at least ready for a summer vacation, paired with the fact that people are able to travel again, let’s dust off our suitcases and start packing! One of the best places that I’ve vacationed up to this point has been the islands of Hawaii, the bright colors and tropical prints synonymous with the indigenous people and lifestyle are such a breath of fresh air. Now I know many of us are not able to just pick up and jet off to an island for vacation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring the island vibe to the mainland. I’m talking about bright, vibrant and bold tropical prints.

The Tropical Prints Trend

Tropical prints are making a big splash this season and I’m all about it. I’m not normally one to include huge, bright prints into my wardrobe rotation, but this one is fun and makes me feel like I’m on vacation, whether I’m island hopping or not. 

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Bold Tropical Print Tops

Tops are probably the easiest to start with if you are still not sure how into the tropical prints trend you are. You can go barely-there and try something like this Mother graphic tee from Neiman Marcus. I also like a more traditional Hawaiian shirt option similar to this Modern Hawaiian Tee from Vida. Either of these options are easy because you just need to pair them with your favorite bottoms. Anything would work: jeans of any color, linen pants, a denim skirt; it’s pretty much dealer’s choice. If you want to try this trend but don’t know where to start, this is a great way to go. 

Jumpsuits And Dresses

I’ve recently returned to the office and the harsh reality of office air conditioning (among other things) has come back with a vengeance. So even when it’s hot outside, I’m freezing in the office. Therefore my go-to this summer has been jumpsuits. They are dressier than shorts and cover me up more than dresses. I actually do have a couple of jumpsuits featuring the tropical floral trend. I really like them and wouldn’t mind getting a few more. Two on my list are this navy blue option from Lulu’s and this blue tropical print jumpsuit from Modcloth. If you prefer dresses, I love the casual feel of the tropical print dress from Mango. You can even wear it with your favorite sneakers for a super chill vibe. 

Tropical Print Shoes And Accessories

If you only want to step into the tropical print trend with your shoes and accessories, I’ve also got you covered. Add some flare to your evening out with these Tropical Print Bow Slides from White House Black Market. For a more casual but still bold vibe, you can get these Silk Floral Printed Espadrilles. I adore these espadrilles paired with a pair of white jeans and a very simple basic tank top like the First Layer Slim Fit Tanks from Old Navy. If you prefer a handbag option you can try this Skyline Bucket Bag from Naturalizer. I love the incorporation of the tan leather in the bag. It gives it the entire bag an elevated touch. I also like this Zip Crossbody bag from Kate Spade. This one is great for an evening out if you want to bring some island style with you on a date night. 

How To Wear Bold Tropical Prints

Choose your tone. Bright, bold island patterns are fun and can be done tastefully but make sure you pick the tone you want to feature. Do you want to do reds or blues, or go more neutral? If you choose a blue tone then keep the rest of your outfit tonal with that. For example if you wanted to wear these J. Crew curly loral print pants, then you would want to keep with the tone and pair with a lighter blue top or something neutral like a white or gray. Granted, you can even contrast it with a soft orange, since the pants have orange designs. But you wouldn’t necessarily want to pair it with a bold red or bright yellow as this will clash with the bright colors of the pants and you’d end up looking a little clown-like.

Neutral can work too. This trend doesn’t have to be super bright if you don’t want to wear bright colors. You can sport this trend in neutrals as well. I like these Rip Curl Pants for their flowing silhouette and high waist band. All you need to add is a white tee and some tan suede sandals. 

Tailoring and fit are key. I’m sure most of us don’t want to walk around looking like we are wearing a moo-moo. So it’s really important to make sure your tropical print trend items fit well. Dresses with nice tailored silhouettes (think cinched-in waists or fitted along the top), for pants, think of a nice tapered or straight leg fit and for tops, try a slim fit tee or tank or a button front top. 

Keep it seasonally appropriate. This isn’t one of those trends that will translate well outside of the late spring and summertime or during a vacation. Tropical floral clothing doesn’t make good transitional pieces. So think about that when making your purchases. Stick with light weight pieces that are great to wear during the warmer months and then pack them away until next year.

Shop Tropical Prints

(Pictured above from left to right)

MOTHER The Slouch Cutoff Graphic Tee, $95

VIDA Modern Hawaiian Tee, $65

Lulus Give Me A Tropical Navy Blue Tropical Print Backless Jumpsuit, $70

Modcloth More Than Just Fronds Jumpsuit, $89

Mango Tropical Print Dress, $41.99

White House Black Market Tropical-Print Bow Slides, $110

Antonio Melani Locklinn Silk Floral Printed Bow Detail Espadrilles, $89.99

Naturalizer Skyline Bucket Bag, $69.99

Kate Spade Jackson Tropical Toss Top Zip Crossbody, now $79

J,. Crew High-rise Peyton Pant in Ratti® Curly Foral, now $123.99

Rip Curl Coastal Palm Pants, $59.95

Will you be wearing the tropical print trend this summer?

– Carmen Turner

You may like to read more of Carmen’s trends posts like Best Options For Wedding Guest Dresses This Summer and How To Put Together Fabulous Vacation Outfits For Women Over 40.

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