Polka dots seem to be everywhere all of a sudden! After the stripes domination the past few seasons, polka dots are finally breaking back through. I love them in graphic black and white, I love them small and romantic, I love them large and modern. They feel undeniably fresh, like the spring breeze blowing through my window.
I think my favorite wear to wear polka dots is on a dress. The more polka dots, the better. J.Crew lead the charge this season with several different dotted options. Their bestselling Gwyneth slip dress feels especially summery and femme in a black-and-white dotted pattern. A black-and-tan color way feels more safari than Minnie Mouse, and I love the long-sleeve popover maxi dress .For some added pizzaz, this Vineyard Vines dress takes a very ladylike satin midi dress and adds some ruffled organza sleeve for a fun statement dress. The navy and white color palette grounds it from being too fantastical, and it’s still pretty easy to style. Perfect for a graduation or garden party wedding you have coming up.
If you’re wary of too many polka dots, then separates are a great way to tone them down a bit. Anyone else really into skirts all of a sudden? H&M’s pleated cream chiffon skirt, Madewell’s black-and-white midi skirt, and J.Crew’s pleated chiffon number are all romantic options, I plan on wearing with an oversized menswear button down and my trusty Sambas, but you could play up the femininity with a sweet fitted cardigan and slingback too.
Of course, a button-down shirt is always insanely easy to style because it goes with everything. Boden’s blue striped shirt with dots over it might feel maximalist, but you can tone it down with your favorite kick-around jeans and a chunky sandal. Equipment’s slinkier silk polka dot shirt feels fancy enough for date night, but it plays for business too with a pair of properly tailored trousers.
Finally, with sandal season approaching, Aquazurra’s grosgrain mules have captured my imagination. I picture them with my boyfriend jeans as easily as a little black dress – which is the sign of a truly great shoe.
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