Not just for your next summer luau. If you go through the years, the Hawaiian floral print always makes a comeback in the summer. It’s easy to wear, luxury brands like it as resortwear, and it makes the perfect summer dress, easy coverup, jumpsuit, and even a modern house dress for this extended time at home. Basically, it’s a super easy style that always fits great no matter where you go or don’t go.

Hawaiian Shirts anyone?

Hawaiian Shirts, or Aloha shirts, have also been making a comeback lately with a re-interpreted dad style fit and summer crop top prints. Proof that you can add this to your must-have summer wardrobe. Or, if you live in Hawaii, a staple for everyday wear all year long.

Inspired by Summer

The modern Hawaiian dress doesn’t always appear so literally in 2020. Sometimes it’s the mu:mu shape, which is a loosely hanging dress, and sometimes it’s a floral pattern with hibiscus or plumeria flowers or other Polynesian patterns.

It’s especially interesting to see what designers do with a hawaiian pattern to keep it fresh. I’ve seen it paired in silk or eyelet fabric for delicious eye candy. Even Dries Van Noten’s Fall Fashion Week 2020 show opened with a pop of acid Hawaiian print. 

The literal translation of a Hawaiian Dress is mu’umu’u (pronounced moomoo), which in Hawaiian, means dress. Or, as Wikipedia puts it,

“The word muʻumuʻu means “cut off” in Hawaiian, because the dress originally lacked a yoke. Originally it was a shorter, informal version of the more formal holokū. … As the holokū became more elaborate, the muumuu, a shortened version, became popular for informal wear.” 

And I love a good mumu; they always fit me perfectly and look great with my chunky jewelry or boots, which keeps me on trend.

Personally, I love this dress style as a modern house dress since I can throw it on and be presentable while still being comfortable. It’s always suitable for Zoom or Facetime calls with little effort, or even to bed since it transitions easily from loungewear.

The best part is you can buy a dress made to last, knowing there will always be a need for a poolside and vacation dress, or you can find it vintage or thrift knowing that this 60’s and 70’s glamour trend is going strong. 

Net-a-porter is currently offering free shipping, take advantage now!

The difference between a Mumu and a Caftan

Another fit similar to the Hawaiian style, is the Persian Caftan, or Kaftan dress, which is a long shirt dress or robe, still worn by both men and women in the middle east, though more commonly as Caftan loungewear in America.

Check out my thoughts on Stories from Arabia: Hessa Al Hemel, a Kuwait designer, shown at LAFW with some great luxury Caftan looks.

If you aren’t into floral patterns, this is a great alternative. Style kaftans with a chunky belt or wear it as a robe at the beach for a trendy, but elegant, cover up. Caftan dresses differ from the Hawaiian style by adding flutter sleeves and ankle length. 

Rachel Zoe is also known for her collection of caftans, which she talked about on her YouTube channel a couple years back.

For accessories, picture what you’d wear with a boho dress for an upscale take on the style, or wear it like a sundress like the islanders do with sandals.

If you’re traveling to Hawaii, it’s warm even when it rains, so, sandals are a must for all seasons. Summer is from May to October, but even their winters don’t typically fall under 70 degrees F. Hold the boots when traveling and be prepared for some serious airplane style while rocking this look.

Accessorize to bring your Hawaiian style into 2020

Wear it with… 

boots

chain necklaces

chunky earrings

pearls

Big Belts

Hats

To transition your Hawaiian dress for fall, consider pairing with a plaid shirt like in Dries Van Noten’s Fall show.

Let me know how you wear your Hawaiian looks in the comments below!

If you’d like to work with me on an article, or would like to suggest a topic for styling a look, please contact me with the email address hello<at>thevanillaplum<dot>com. I’m always looking for luxury fashion, travel, and other lifestyle ideas that make this blog a go-to for the busy modern woman.