How to wear tie dye to the office: 7 stylish pieces and the tips to make them workday ready

Maybe it's a hearty case of nostalgia, or our desire to soak up all the summer vibes, but this season's fervour for everything tie dye has reached new levels. Given its chilled out, surf's up feel, the psychedelic pattern has earned more of a weekend reputation, but reserving it for our laidback calendar invites only means not making the most out of a super versatile — and workwear viable! — embellishment. 

The best way to soften an untamed print is to stick to stark everywhere else. Crisp, high-waisted jeans and sock booties — bedazzled boucle optional — are always safe bets. If you (and your work environment) are up for it, double down on the eye-popping print with another equally wild pattern. Just be mindful of scale: one should be more subdued in size so as not to visually compete with the other. 

Here, seven colour-tinged pieces that get an A-OK in the office, plus the tips and real-life street style inspiration to help you pull it off.

If your office dress code leans toward the conservative side of the spectrum, give this delicately dyed blouse a go. The barely there hue and elevated, sculptural drape means you can make a simple swap where you might normally turn to a plain white button-up — i.e. just about everywhere.  

Blouse, $88, Oak + Fort 

We'll admit, Creamsicle-coloured Bermuda shorts, complete with a kaleidoscopic dye job, aren't for the fashion faint of heart. But it's all about how you build a 9-5 look around them. Go for a pressed white tee, mid-heel mules and dainty, silver jewels to let the silk shorts be the (only) star of the show. 

Silk Tie Dye Bermuda Shorts by Boutique, $140, Topshop

Suit up in a slouchy two-piece that is personality plus thanks to an all-over, rust-coloured palette. It's a bit flashy for more buttoned-up work environments, but the airy linen blend (and elastic waistband, bless) has Summer Fridays written all over it. 

Trapunto Suit, $464, Free People

The mellowed-out washes of organic colour featured on this silky slip skirt really lend themselves to an office environment. Couple it with an equally drape-y camisole and an oversized, menswear-inspired blazer to build a cohesive, shapely look. 

Wilfred Tie Dye Slip Skirt, $110, Aritzia 

Don't worry, we're not suggesting you sport a bathing suit to a big meeting. Instead, play up this sleek bodysuit's surf-inspired pattern with something equally breezy, but perhaps a bit more polished. A pair of wide-leg trousers with a smart pleat will bring balance to the body-conscious fit up top. 

Tencel Tie Dye Backless Bodysuit, $107, Ninety Percent 

Bright bursts of magenta take this standard issue blazer to bold new, boardroom-ready heights. Bonus: with a few audacious accessories (think: crystal drop earrings or a chunky cuff), this easy addition acts as a perfect workwear-to-weekend hack. 

Cinq a Sept Tie Dye Khloe Blazer, $517, Shopbop

Take this neon-hued midi skirt (available in extended sizing up to a 22) and introduce some daytime elegance with a summer sweater — we love a linen-blend with a relaxed silhouette and V-neck shape. Don't forget to give it a French tuck! 

Teresa Skirt, $649, Tanya Taylor

Jillian Vieira is a Toronto-based writer and stylist. Follow her at @jillianvieira.