Dip-Dye Looks for Summer

Maybe it’s the ungodly heat wave we’ve been suffering through, but when my Martha Stewart Living arrived in the mail today, it looked like the most refreshing thing in the world.  I think it’s because the cover featured a bunch of DIY dip-dye projects.

While I’m not up for the DIY crafts (since my DIY never turns out like Martha’s), it’s got me craving some similarly patterned apparel.

Now, two tricky things about this pattern:

• Dip-dye owes its fresh appeal to the crisp contrast between very light areas of fabric and darker ones.  That can be flattering… or not.  But don’t automatically shy away from dip-dye just because of the horizontal color segments.  If you remember to coordinate the darker segments with any problem areas you might like to camouflage, you may find some pieces that really work for you.
• This is a very summery look and– although it’s been hot for a couple of years now– a trendy one.  For me, that means I don’t want to spend a ton on it.  So while I might LOVE this maxi dress:

Lilly Pulitzer “Carrie” dress ($298 at LillyPulitzer.com)

…It’s just more than I want to invest.  (Plus, I recently made a blood oath with myself promising to shun all strapless bras unless I’m dressing for a black-tie event, so I can’t go back on that.)

In fact, I’m struggling to find a dip dyed dress that comes with the price tag I want– given that the season’s already half over.  Banana Republic has some great looking shifts, but they’re still well over $100, so that’s a no-go for me.

I may have to settle for adding touches of dip-dye to my summer ensembles.

Maybe this uber-cute skirt?

Dip-dyed skirt ($54.50 at Gap.com)

Or something like this tee, which would look great with white pants and a lightweight denim jacket.

Bootheel Trading Co. dip dyed tee ($29 at Dillards.com)

I’d also love to find some cute accessories in this pattern.  Maybe a bag or a tote?  That might even be something I’d be willing to try DIY.  What about you?  Are you feeling the dip-dye?  And have you had any success with creating your own dip-dye garments?

Lucie Amberg is also a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.