It’s getting warmer outside! The daylight hours are getting longer and there’s the typical beachy vibe in the air. Do your summer plans include outdoor picnics, cookouts, dining outdoors, outdoor festivals, and sunning yourself in a tropical destination? Well then you’re going to need the right clothing. More specifically, you’ll need tropical clothing. And I’m not talking about your typical, cheesy island Hawaiian shirt with palm trees or toucans that you find hanging in the back of your boyfriend’s closet that screams, “Tacky office Carribbean Day!” Trust me when I say, you will not stick out like a sore thumb in the outfits I’m showing you today.

Tropical prints are a summer staple with big, colourful designs and breezy, flowy fabrics. They are a big trend this year. Two stores come to mind immediately when I think of cute, trendy, and inexpensive tropical prints: Zara and Asos. While toucans and palm trees have their place, I prefer tropical flowers, leaves, and colours inspired by ocean waters and lush landscapes.

Let’s take a look at what Zara has to offer. There’s nothing cheesy about these tropical shorts in cool pastel colours. The top pair offers just a hint of palm trees displayed ever so subtly with a few palm fronds, while the bottom pair sport colourful summertime flowers.

While the tee is still tropical, there’s something a little edgy and artsy with how the woman is intertwined within the palm fronds. Pair this tee with skinny black pants and a lightweight, black leather jacket for a rockin’ evening after a day of sipping mai tais by the pool.

When you’re in a warmer climate but still need a dressy option for Sunday brunch or family gatherings, try this sleeveless dress that embodies the colours of deep blue ocean and crystal blue skies.

Tropical Trend from Zara

Do you prefer to sport a little island theme on your feet? You’re in luck as there are some fabulous choices to dress up any shoe rack. These Jimmy Choo wedges are the perfect espadrilles to wear on holiday. They’d go great with a pair white shorts and coral tee for a daytime look. Pair these with a flirty, strapless dress for drinks and dancing later in the evening.

Jimmy Choo Wedges

Of course you can’t go all summer without a swimsuit. This French Connection bikini top and bottom are the epitome of tropical sunset paradise! They have a modern cut with a retro, flashback appeal of tees from the 70s with printed tropical motifs.

French Connection Tropical Bikini Top

French Connection Tropical Bikini Bottom

If you are a fan of California designer Trina Turk, she has partnered with Banana Republic and will launch an exclusive summer line for them starting June 7, 2012. Her collection includes tropical dresses, jewelry, bikinis, beach towels and more. This limited-edition collection was inspired by her home and lifestyle in Palm Springs, CA. Click here to view the entire lookbook.

Tropical Storm: Trina Turk for Banana Republic

If you’ve been dreaming of sipping cool beverages while lounging poolside (or beachside) in a tropical destination, grab a few of these hip tropical pieces to make it a perfect get-away!

By Nichole Delehant