Skip the shorts and wear your best Hawaiian shirt.
While it’s tempting to want to wear your best shorts, this is one of those events where you should leave the cargo pants or athletic shorts at home. A Hawaiian shirt with a pair of khakis or nice-looking chinos can really make a statement for you.
If you’re going for something more casual, try wearing your favorite Hawaiian shirt from middle school with some denim shorts and a puka shell necklace. There’s nothing more authentically luau than that!
Wear a fun, bright print dress.
There’s no need to dress up in heels and a sequin gown for a luau, but you should still look nice. A bright printed dress is the perfect option. It will stand out in photos and make your trip memorable. Here are some ways to rock the print:
If you wear a fun print, you don’t have to worry too much about accessories. You can accessorize with neutral shoes and jewelry, such as white sandals and gold hoop earrings or bangles.
When it comes to what to wear under your dress, stick with nude undergarments so they don’t show through the fabric. If you’re worried about looking naked in photos, try nude underwear with a matching bra or camisole underneath so the silhouette is seamless.
If you still aren’t sure how to find dresses that work for your body type or personal style, help is just an email away! Just write us at hello@fabulouslystylishspousesforlifesavingadvice@gmail .com .
Wear a maxi skirt or wrap dress.
In order to make the most of a luau, it’s important to dress comfortably and be ready for anything. The clothing you wear will also depend on how fancy the event is. If you’re attending a casual, Hawaiian-themed party at your friend’s house, you might consider wearing a maxi skirt or wrap dress for comfort and style. In order to achieve maximum comfort while still looking chic, I recommend going with a skirt or dress that has a looser fit so that it won’t restrict movement if you decide to take part in any games or activities at the event.
If you’re attending a more formal luau where there will likely be dancing and other activities (e.g., hula dancing lessons), I suggest wearing something like culottes or flowy pants to ensure maximum mobility without revealing too much leg. If your luau is more formal but still fairly casual, I suggest wearing something like bright capris pants paired with sandals and an eye-catching top that shows off your shoulders; this adds an element of fun while maintaining some modesty.
Wear a muumuu in a tropical print.
You can wear a muumuu in a tropical print. Muumuus are loose, “tentlike” dresses that were traditionally worn by women in Hawaii. Some of them have a more vintage design with an empire waist, while others are “cut straight across the middle and hang straight down.”
Although they were originally worn by women, muumuus can also be worn by men. Bonus points if you find one with a floral print.
Dress up your shorts with a Hawaiian shirt, or wear a Puka shell necklace to add some color.
Key to dressing for a luau is taking advantage of the tropical atmosphere and wearing something that will let you move freely. Pair your shorts with a Hawaiian shirt. Come to think of it, what makes a shirt “Hawaiian?” The short answer is that it could be any color or style, although it’s best if the shirt fits well (not too tight or loose), looks good on you, and is lightweight and breathable.
Add some color to your ensemble by wearing Puka shell necklaces.
If you’re wearing earrings, consider studs rather than dangly ones so they don’t get caught on anything. The luau scene can get rowdy at times—the last thing you want are your earrings getting lost in the tiki torches!
Get creative and make your own costume with some of the classic elements of luau attire, like a colorful sarong or a Hawaiian shirt. You can also look online for inspiration on how to accessorize this outfit with items you may already have at home.
If you’ve already got the creative juices flowing, why not get crafty and put together some luau-inspired attire yourself? A Hawaiian shirt is pretty much a requirement, but don’t stop there. Pick up a colorful sarong or make the ultimate statement with one of those iconic grass skirts. You can also pair any of these items with what you’ve already got in your closet; most probably own an article of clothing that would work well as part of a luau outfit, so all you have to do is accessorize. If you’re at a loss for how to do that, there are tons of online ideas for how to dress up your Hawaiian shirt or other luau-friendly top (including several cute clothespins!). Now get out there and rock that DIY style!
Give playfulness to your outfit with a grass skirt, top and accessories.
While the grass skirt, coconut bra, lei, headband, sunglasses and sandals may not be your go-to everyday look, you can’t go wrong with this ambience-setting ensemble at a luau. If you want to cover up a bit more than the traditional luau look allows for (or if you live in a place where it’s too cold to wear an outfit like this), consider looking into beach cover-ups as an option.
If you’re on the hunt for more specific inspiration or want to get creative with your outfit choices, check out [these photos](https://www.pinterest.com/explore/luau-outfit/) and [these recipes](https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/luau-party-recipes/).
Accessorize your outfit with shell jewelry and colorful footwear, too!
While you’re picking out a luau outfit, don’t forget to accessorize! There’s plenty of jewelry and footwear available that will perfectly complement your tropical ensemble.
For men, the most obvious choices are shell necklaces or bracelets. You can also get away with a simple straw hat in place of or on top of the headband. Hawaiian shirts tend to be pretty loud color-wise, so you might consider toning it down with flip flops in black or brown leather.
For women, there is a huge variety of accessories that will complement your outfit: more shell jewelry; hair clips made from flowers and shells; colorful flip flops; brightly colored handbags in woven materials; a sarong as either a belt or headband; and hula skirts—if they’re not part of your outfit already!
Your outfit should be comfortable, have some color and reflect the festive nature of the party!
Florals, bright colors and island-inspired prints are your friend. The point of a luau is to have a good time, so dress like it! Hawaiian shirts, sundresses and maxi skirts are great options for men, women and children alike. Your outfit should also be comfortable: There will probably be some dancing, depending on the event. If you’re going to go all out with the floral, here’s some more inspiration for you: The bolder the print or color scheme the better!
As long as your outfit reflects the festive nature of the luau party and exudes an air of celebration and fun, you’ll fit right in. Don’t forget to accessorize with hula skirts (for girls) or leis (for everyone)!
