(Culture)

Gabrielle Union Wore A Very Casual Trend In A Very Formal Way

by Julia Marzovilla
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Gabrielle Union at Nickelodeon's Kid's Choice Awards
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As summertime draws to a close, one fact is abundantly clear: Tie-dye was absolutely everywhere this season. Once exclusively confined to summer camps and elementary school classrooms, the playful print dominated the runways of designers like Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney, and has since appeared on countless red carpets. If you're a fan of the pattern, don't worry — it doesn't seem to be going away now that fall is just around the corner. If anything, the colors are actually getting brighter. In case you needed some convincing, Gabrielle Union just wore a bright pink tie-dye dress, which she styled perfectly for a formal occasion.

Union wore the SemSem frock to the HollyRod Foundation's 21st Annual DesignCare Gala in Los Angeles, California on July 27. The L.A.'s Finest star was all smiles as she walked the carpet alongside her husband, basketball player Dwyane Wade. Union paired the daring piece with an equally bright yellow croc-effect handbag. When it came to her the rest of her accessories, though, she went for a far more toned-down approach. The mother of one opted only for a simple, thin necklace and dainty gold hoop earrings.

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Turns out, wear the daring print doesn't have to mean taking a major fashion risk. There are actually some super simple (and subtle!) ways to try the same look out for yourself. If you're nervous about rocking too many colors at once, brands like LOVESHACKFANCY have pastel versions that allow you to try the trend in a more demure way. The colors are so faint that you'll hardly even notice them, so it's the perfect option for the next wedding or party you have coming up on your calendar.

Having a single multicolored item in your closet is way more versatile than you might think. Pair your pick with more subtle accessories such as neutral shoes or bags in shades of black, tan, or white to let your dress do all the attention-grabbing. Or you can take a page out of Union's playbook and add a statement accessory that will — fashionably — clash with the rest of your look.

Ready to get shopping? Ahead, The Zoe Report rounded up the best tie-dye dresses on the market right now, at any price.

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