How To Dress Like A Tiki Goddess
A Serious Condition
Are you drinking more rum lately? Find yourself listening to Martin Denny more often? You might have a bad case of Tiki Fever. Yes, that's right. But don't worry, it'll all be OK. But a main symptom of this condition is being ready to take the necessary steps adorn yourself with tropical vibes from head to toe. No problem. It just takes a few key pieces to get you there.
A Tiki Dress
Ever since Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was put on the map in the minds of average Americans, post-war, tropical prints became synonymous with freedom and a carefree lifestyle. Men had Hawaiian shirts, and women would make elaborate dresses and skirts out of these exotic prints and host tiki themed parties as well.
This desire to escape the regular and the mundane has certainty not gone anyway. In fact, this sub culture has just grown with the times and become even more colorful. Find your new threads anywhere from Amazon to Etsy, or visit some really fabulous online boutique stores, like Pinup Girl Clothing. Feeling lucky? Try Poshmark or Ebay for a vintage find.
Play around and find the style that suits your vibe.
Tiki Hair, Don't Care
While Word War II was raging and the country was working for the war effort, women were encouraged to keep their hair in an updo or tied up with a scarf for safety in the factory or on the farm. But after the war, hair loosened up a bit and most tiki hairstyles are inspired from that late 40's era.
Think pin up girl, rolled and tucked curls. A hair accessory like a scarf or a tropical flower, really sells the look. Don't be afraid of some back combing and hairspray. Here's a video with three simple looks to try right now. Play around and find the style that suits your vibe.
A hair accessory like a scarf or a tropical flower, really sells the look.
Tiki Makeup
In keeping with continuity, the 1940's really comes up again to give us our base make up trend. Overall, make up was fairly natural then, with the red lip really taking center stage. They were outlined plumper into a deep, rounded shape, called a Hunter's Bow. And women were strongly encouraged to 'harmonize to be color correct' and have their lip color match their nail and cheek color as well. Eyebrows were a bit thicker then the 1930's overly tweezed look and eye make up was fairly muted.
The tiki trend keeps the 1940's base, but definitely runs with the ball. Tiki is about fantasy, imagination and whimsy. And what is more whimsical then an exaggerated cat eye. Get some inky black liner and give it a go!
Tiki Jewelry
Maybe you recall the infamous Brady Bunch episode when they vacationed in Hawaii. The tabu necklace that was cursed was a key player in the tale. You too can wear a tiki god around your neck and possess questionable powers.
When selecting bracelets, earrings and necklaces, always consider natural materials. Something an islander in the South Pacific could've made. Leather, wood, bamboo etc. But don't be afraid of color or going oversized too, if the tiki gods move you. (check out these tiki bird earrings!!)
Tiki Footwear
And of course, don't over look your footwear to really sell the look. Anything from a basic flip flop to a vintage inspired green crocodile open-toed pump works here. Think beach or anything 40's retro to really add some flair.
It's always smart to consider your venue. Will you be at the beach or at an indoor event? Let that guide your toes. Just don't forget to harmonize that toe color!
Find Your Cure
Tiki isn't a very serious disease if you dress properly for it. It's an activity and a lifestyle and it can definitely become a look. It could be temporary for a fun night out, or you can slowly make it your signature style. Life is pretty serious sometimes and it's refreshing to add the offbeat when you can. But the most important thing when when dipping your cute, painted little toes into this culture and look, is to have fun. That's what this whole tiki thing is really all about. The history of the look can inform your base, but don't be afraid to take it and make it your own.