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Let it rain dots...

By Adeela Akmal
Tue, 12, 18

This week You! brings you the perfect guide for polka dots with some dos and don’ts, along with some real-life inspirations...

Accessorise with a quirky bag to add oomph to your outfit.

wardrobe

This week You! brings you the perfect guide for polka dots with some dos and don’ts, along with some real-life inspirations...

Kate Middleton looks classy in her
Dolce & Gabbana monochrome dress.

Printed designs are an ever-changing trend, so it’s no surprise that we keep mixing and matching the old with the new to create something completely different.

However, some prints seem to stand the test of time like the versatile ‘polka dots.’ Thanks to designers and fashion influencers, they have come up with new ways of wearing dots, making it feel fresh and trendy.

These days the fashion statements are fluid, sophisticated and surprisingly versatile for wearing to work, going out with friends, and dressing up for special evenings.

If you think that you’re too cool for polka dots or feel like they don’t suit you, we are here to convince you otherwise. There are multiple ways to pull these off, read on to find out more...

Keep it basic

Before we get to the creative side of this trend, let’s take a moment to appreciate this classic design that has been worn by the likes of style icons such as Marilyn Monroe to Princess Diana. This print suddenly feels modern again. So, even if you want to opt for something conventional, it will surely work too!

Kate Spade takes a spin on
the paint splatter design.

The go-to: Monochrome

When in doubt, trust the black and white to come through. Whether it’s a dress, a blouse or a skirt, it is bound to work for you regardless. One fashionista that you would often spot wearing (and slaying) this design is Kate Middleton.

Last year, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a simple u-neck black-and-white polka-dot Dolce & Gabbana dress, complemented by black block heels and a cream tote bag. Taking inspiration from this look, you can add your own little touch; maybe a pair of black pants and boots for the chilly season.

Here is a pro-tip for you to note: women with a larger bust size should opt for bigger polka dots and women with a petite bust size to go for smaller ones. This would give you a balanced and proportional look.

Pair it with the bolds

Mixing polka dots with some bold colours in plain adds a much-needed oomph to a look. Some of the most appealing combinations with polka dots are made in colours like red, green, pink and yellow. You can go for either a coloured bottom (trousers or skirts) or vice versa.

Although, a good advice for this look would be to make sure the polka dots and the solid colours are strongly contrasting. For example, if you are going for a light colour base then make sure the dots are in a darker colour and vice versa.

Sana Safinaz plays with polka
dots & florals for this number.

Another way to add colour to your outfit can be a coat. Since we are in the winter season, this is quite an apt style addition.

The paint-splatter

When you think of ‘paint splatter’, you must recall things like painting with your fingers as a child, lots of colours and a fun happy vibe. Imagine that same thing being translated in a dress.

If you’re the kind of person who loves wearing a lot of colours and are not afraid to get a little experimental, this is up your street.

It may sound a little weird at first, but trust us, it is really cute for a nice casual day out.

The best part about this particular piece is that you can customise this yourself also.

Go for a base of white or a light grey, and splatter on vibrant colours like pink, yellow, blue green or any colour of your choice. And viola, you have a fun casual party dress at the ready!


With stripes, plaids & florals

Too much of anything will put you off even if it is something that you really like. Same goes for patterns. If you’re wearing a three-piece outfit, make sure that you are not wearing polka dots in everything. Throw in some stripes, florals or plaids in the mix for a more mature look. Also, you can have an illusion of polka dots in your outfit rather than the dots itself. You’ll find a lot of designers experimenting with them and mixing it up. Especially for young women, this style would be playful and catchy. Just make sure that both the prints are not of the equal size, one should be smaller than the other.

Accessorise with style

If you are looking to add a whimsical look to your wardrobe this season, a polka dot purse is the perfect fashion accessory for you. Carry a cheerful, dotty handbag to add some personality to your plain outfits for work. It adds oomph to your getup without having you to do a lot of hard work. Do not limit your colourful accessory for neutrals and plain outfits; you can even make it work with bold colours. Just wear it with confidence.

Lastly, if you really want to go the minimalistic route, you can still jump on the bandwagon by opting for a polka dot manicure. It really is the cutest thing ever!