• Blog
  • Breaking the Dad Stereotype: 5 Ways to Style a Hawaiian Shirt with Chic Twists

Breaking the Dad Stereotype: 5 Ways to Style a Hawaiian Shirt with Chic Twists

Last update: 2023-12-02

It is no secret that Hawaiian shirts have been the go-to outfit for vacationing dads. They have been regarded as the epitome of uncool, even worse than wearing socks with sandals. However, is this a fair assessment?

The Hawaiian shirt has had its moments of glory, especially when worn by fashion icons like Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo & Juliet. Even Winston Bishop from New Girl, known for his love of Hawaiian shirts, proves their fashion potential. It is not just celebrities, though; the high street has plenty of options, with brands like Mango and H&M offering stylish and trendy Hawaiian shirts.

If you are still not convinced, here are five ways to rock Hawaiian shirts and look effortlessly cool.

A Unique Twist with Bold Trousers

pants with big flowers on the orange background on the left, and flowers on the blue background on the right
The office might not be the perfect place to flaunt these trousers, as the pinch of witty remarks might make the environment a tad too uncomfortable. However, you’d be amazed by how a pair of loud printed trousers can bring out the best in your Hawaiian shirt. Mango’s shell-pink option is an impressive upgrade from the mundane palm tree print and doesn't resemble Jim Carrey’s infamous style in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Substituting Jacket with a Twist

It's a universally accepted truth that we Brits turn into blushing lobsters during summer. A novel idea is to pair your Hawaiian shirt with your skimpy cotton “dress”, providing a modicum of modesty. Opting for a mid-calf dress like the textured one from Nanushka is an excellent option. As a matter of fact, it bears an uncanny resemblance to a grass skirt.

Styling with dungarees

Although dungarees may come across as bothersome for people with tiny bladders, they have a unique way of making a Hawaiian shirt look effortlessly cool. It's essential to avoid pairing them with flip-flops, as that might make people assume you just stepped off the beach. Instead, opt for something classy, such as gold loafers or Converse trainers, to silence the doubters.

image of dark converse shoes

Fashioning with a matching skirt

I scored this shirt for a mere ten bucks at a vintage market stall and have been hunting for a matching item for almost a year. Then came this sunny-side-up skirt from Sea, which perfectly brings out the primrose-yellow hues on my shirt, enhancing its otherwise printed-sack-like appearance. Regardless of whether your skirt pattern features hibiscus or conch shells or a friendly turtle, selecting a similar color will undoubtedly make it stand out.

As a Beach Garment

a girl wearing tying hawaiian shirt who is funny with water splashing game
While it is reminiscent of Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., this trendy beach garment is a refreshing change from the common flowy kaftans that may lead people to question if you are with child. Following Constance Jablonski's advice, tying it in a way that unveils your midriff - while pulling your skirt up high to cover as much fair skin as possible - is an excellent and trendy fashion tip to bear in mind.

Related Articles