It’s official, Hawaiian shirts have made the ultimate comeback, rising from the depths of the fashion world in all their tacky and floral glory. I distinctly remember growing up and dreading family dinners in public when my dad wore one of his signature Tommy Bahama shirts. I considered them a tasteless and unfashionable eyesore—something I didn’t want to be seen with.
Fast forward a few years to the present day, and I have a newfound love for any and all Hawaiian shirts, but I’m not the only one. Fashion designers like Prada and Yves Saint Laurent have created looks featuring their interpretations of these beach themed beauties, proving the fashionable potential of Hawaiian shirts. With all the buzz about these shirts, I couldn’t help but approach this Fashionisto while I took a stroll through Central Park. His chic outfit caught my eye, and I knew I had to make my first New York City feature about him.
Most Hawaiian shirts are bold and bright, coming in eye-catching colors and prints. I admire how this Fashionisto opted for a more subdued and muted pattern in black and cream. His shirt was unique because it featured vertical stripes, a detail that isn’t very common on Hawaiian shirts. This killer thrift shop find paired perfectly with his white jeans, the ideal choice for denim during the summer. Though I’m usually not a fan of having black and brown in the same outfit, this Fashionisto managed to pull off the look seamlessly. With this ensemble, he further proved that Hawaiian shirts have a more stylish side to them—they’re not just for fanny pack-wearing tourists visiting Disney World anymore. It’s time to say aloha to this trend, just in time for summer!
How To: Landing this summery look is rather simple: find a Hawaiian shirt that isn’t too flashy, a pair of white skinny jeans and some rugged brown combat boots. With these items you’ll be sure to look like you just walked straight out of an Urban Outfitters ad.
