Tropical wardrobe haiku

Dark colors were tropics-friendly at Rachel Comey SS 2012/image:S. WHittle for Style WyldeDear Haikusue: 

Since I was about 12 years old I've been a basic black kind of girl, with  tendencies towards lots of layering,  plain black dresses, and an occasional grey tee with dark rinse jeans if I am feeling wild.  Luckily living in SF, my personal style has suited me well, and I've never had to do a major wardrobe rehab. WELL, this past Spring I met and fell in love with a great guy, who has surprised me with an amazing trip to Hawaii later this summer. Going to the tropics is not something I've done before, so I'm not entirely sure what to expect, other than the fact that my all black, mostly wool wardrobe is not going to work.  I am prepared to lighten up and when looking for things to wear on our trip but I have no idea where to start. Just thinking about buying a swimsuit and a bunch of floral dresses is making me break out in hives, Help!.

Signed,

Drab Dora in Dolores Park

Dear Drab Dora:

Fabric choice is key

Cotton, linen, naturals

No need for florals