What to Wear to a Tropical Themed Party (2024)

If you’re wondering what to wear to a tropical themed party I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing tropical themed outfits for a Caribbean theme or Luau party. And whether you want to dress up in a kitschy attire or a lovely tropical theme dress, you’ll find ideas and resources here.

What to Wear to a Tropical Themed Party (1)

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

What to Wear for a Tropical Party

Here’s a list of outfit ideas to wear to any tropical party, from a Havana theme to a Luau!

A while back, three of our neighbors collaborated and threw a family friendly luau party. It was the perfect inspiration for my next “what to wear” post! Don’t we all love a good luau or tropical themed party in the summer!

Here are some themed clothing ideas and affiliate links to buy them. You can also shop at places like Goodwill for Hawaiian print shirts.

Traditional tropical outfit

Costume parties are fun but some tropical parties call for a bit more sophistication. Bright colors, floral prints, enamel jewelry, and straw bags are some of the signature pieces you’ll want to look for. Grab a lei and fruity drink served from a coconut cup and you’re all set to celebrate!

Simple Clothing Options

If you’re the shy type or you like to keep things more subtle, here are some tropical clothing items that may suit you.

  • A simple tropical tee shirt pairs well with jeans or shorts.
  • This kimono cardigan has several prints to choose from and the style is right on trend.
  • A tropical print top with white pants or shorts lets you dress the part while stayingsophisticated and lovely.

Classic “dress up” tropical party attire

I think I love a good dress up party more now than I did in my 20’s! It’s so much fun to go all out with a tropical outfit that’s more like a costume. Here are some great choices for a Luau or Caribbean party.

Below you can see how my husband and I got decked out. I think he outdid himself! He found the tropical shirt at Goodwill for just a few dollars, and he bought the hat for our neighborhood wine festival (my daughter said he looked like a hipster) last month. I wore this bold printed dress that I’ve only worn in Florida because it’s just so…bold! Big earrings, some floral mule wedges, and a flower in the hair completed my look.

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What to Wear to a Tropical Themed Party (2)
What to Wear to a Tropical Themed Party (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear to a Tropical Themed Party? ›

Resort chic/tropical attire is casual and breezy but still has plenty of glamour. It means lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. Men can opt for neutral colors paired with bright, tropical prints with boat shoes or loafers. Women can wear slacks, maxi or short dresses with wedges or flat sandals.

How should I dress for a tropical theme party? ›

Traditional tropical outfit
  1. A floral print short dress is a definite party staple.
  2. Jumpsuits are fabulous, and wearing one with a tropical print is a bold statement. ...
  3. Nothing lets you stay cool like a loose fitting, flowing kaftan dress – my personal fave.
  4. Tropical leaf prints are great to wear.

What is a tropical dress code? ›

Resort chic/tropical attire is casual and breezy but still has plenty of glamour. It means lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. Men can opt for neutral colors paired with bright, tropical prints with boat shoes or loafers. Women can wear slacks, maxi or short dresses with wedges or flat sandals.

What do you wear to a Hawaiian party? ›

Hawaiian attire is always the way to go, which usually includes muumuu dresses, skirts, leis (which you'll get as you enter most Maui luaus), aloha shirts, shorts, and slippahs (or flip-flops). Any of these choices represents the islands well!

What do you wear to a Caribbean party? ›

Dress code

Some appropriate clothing for this party type includes khaki shorts, sandals, tropical shirts and beachcomber hats.

What does a woman wear to a Hawaiian party? ›

Luau Wear For Women

Ladies' outfits for luau parties are comfortable, versatile, and beautiful. Bright colors, a flowing dress or skirt, comfy sandals, flats, or flip flops (no heels!), and fun accessories will help you achieve an attractive and casual style.

What is tropical theme? ›

Tropical themes are inspired by natural beauty, bringing nature indoors with organic colors, textures and forms. Tropical style furnishings and decor can help inspire a casual, relaxing atmosphere with a resort-style feel.

How do people dress in the tropics? ›

1. Choose Lightweight Clothing and Fabrics. If you live in countries with tropical climate, you will find the lightweight clothing or fabrics showing up in display stores when spring/summer season hits. The best fabrics are fabrics made from natural material such as cotton, linen, bamboo or lightweight pure wool.

What clothes to wear in the tropics? ›

As a general rule the best fabrics to wear in the warm weather are made from natural fibres such as Bamboo, Cotton, Hemp, Linen and Rayon. These fabrics breathe and let the air flow, keeping you cooler.

What should be the most suitable clothing in the tropics? ›

As a general rule, the best fabrics for tropical climates are those made from natural materials such as cotton, linen and rayon. Strictly speaking, rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber, but it is made from natural raw materials and resembles natural fibers in its properties.

How to dress like a Hawaiian woman? ›

What Do Hawaiians Wear?
  1. Aloha attire for women : Slacks and a blouse are great as well as an aloha-style dress and sandals.
  2. Aloha attire for men: Aloha shirts (obviously) with either loose fitting pants (think linen or cotton) or tasteful length shorts. Polo shirts are also great.

Is it OK to dress like a Hawaiian? ›

The only reason wearing a Hawaiian shirt will be considered cultural appropriation is if a person is wearing one solely to make fun of Hawaiian culture. Other than that, it's perfectly fine to wear Hawaiian shirts; they're worn by locals for all occasions and don't have any religious or ritualistic implications.

What is a Caribbean theme? ›

CARIBBEAN THEME. Sun, sea, sand and palm trees, lying on a hammock underneath a coconut tree – this is our Caribbean Themed Party! We will ensure the Limbo Poles are at the ready and the grass skirts, loud shirts and Rastafarian wigs are all visible as you will start to feel tropical from the moment the evening starts.

What is a traditional Caribbean clothing item? ›

Quadrille dress

It typically consists of a wide cotton or madras skirt often called a bandana skirt, a white ruffled sleeve blouse, and a matching head tie. Men often wore a bush jacket, otherwise known as a guayabera. Today, quadrille dress is often worn by dancers, or as a costume during shows.

What do you wear to a Caribbean carnival? ›

At most events, men wear shirts, polos, or tee shirts with shorts, or jeans. Women tend to wear rompers, skirts, stylish blouses and vests, short shorts, sandals, sneakers, heels and wedges. Swimwear, cover-up, sandals. This is worn mainly at “boat ride” parties (party cruises).

What do you wear on a tropical vacation? ›

You'll want a mix of bright pieces, breathable fabrics, neutral basics, and of course, lots of bikinis! Depending on the type of tropical trip you're planning, you're likely to spend most of your time out in the sun or in the water. You don't need much, so pack items you can mix and match with swimwear.

How should I dress for a beach night party? ›

Choose a comfortable, affordable, and sustainable party outfit to help you look your best with a clean conscience. If you want to feel beautiful and comfortable, try on an elegant co*cktail dress made from fine, organic fabrics. A maxi dress is a great example of a stylish beach outfit you can wear at night to dress up.

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