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Kevin Van Paassen / The Globe and Mail

First things first: Forget the classic Hawaiian prints that you know. With all due respect to Sir Tommy Bahama, dapper George Clooney barely pulled off those sloppy turista shirts in The Descendants, so the rest of us need all the help we can get. Fortunately, tropical prints got a makeover this season via fabrics just as lush as the scenes they depict. With that in mind, remember to keep the details dressed up, especially at the office. (And leave that godforsaken camera bag at home.)

1. For a less literal translation of the Hawaiian shirt, opt for a tank or T-shirt – basically any buttonless blouse. Again, you want to keep fabrications refined, so make sure to opt for dressier silks, satins or even acrylic blends. Rule of thumb? If the label says linen, leave it be.

2. Take a cue from Dries van Noten's spring 2012 presentation, where the designer remixed the leafy patterns by pairing them with sophisticated couture shapes. You don't have to spend a million, however: A polished pencil skirt will do the trick.

3. Don't be afraid to get playful with the details. After all, a bright print like this is downright fun. Mix patterns and colour in your accessories, as we've done here with a snakeskin bag and bright, textured footwear.

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