13 Ways To Wear Polka Dots
Be it dresses, skirts, shirts, or jackets, polka dots look good on everything.
Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merchandising and has worked with notable designers on 7th Avenue in NYC.
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Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.
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Experience: 4 yearsSubhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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It is rare to find someone who does not like polka dots. If you want to revive this ‘70s fashion staple, you need a few polka dot dress outfit ideas. The key is to go retro but in 21st century style.
Polka dot dresses are the epitome of versatility and can be styled according to the occasion. The ‘70s silhouettes, with its flowing one-pieces, ruffled tops, and maxi skirts, offers many opportunities to rock polka dots – but keep in mind to not just blindly follow trends but experiment with exciting combinations yourself. Their playful print allows them to look effortlessly chic. You can style polka dot outfits with heels and a blazer for a polished look or just pair them with sneakers and a denim jacket for a relaxed and casual look. Here’s your chance to wear polka dot outfits and look cute. Discover 13 stylish ways to wear your polka dot dress for any given occasion in this article. Scroll down to check out some interesting polka dot clothing ideas!
Ace The Look- Body Type: Flowy polka-dotted tops or an A-line dress for an apple-shaped body type, polka-dotted jumpsuits for the hourglass, pencil skirts for rectangular body types, and a long ball gown for a pear-shaped one.
- Occasions: Summer outings, parties, picnics, get-togethers, or even office (when styled right).
- Makeup: Subtle makeup, cat eyes, and red or pink lips go best with polka dots.
- Hairstyles: Short- or medium-length wavy hairstyles, fish-tail or French plaits or a sleek ponytail.
In This Article
13 Ways To Wear Polka Dots
The best way to sport polka looks is to break away from the stereotype and look at them differently. You can pair them with plaids, florals, and prints, and play around with colors. Red, blue, white, pink, black…there’s so much you can do. Scroll through our lookbook and get started!
1. Black And White Off-Shoulder Gown
Toss away all your notions about polka dots not being classy enough and just take a look at this glorious gown. Gowns like these have taken over the runways. How about an off-shoulder gown that hugs you in all the right places? It brings out the best of the pattern and your figure! And, all you need to pull off this stunning black and white outfit is some attitude!
2. Coral Polka Dot Gown
Flaming coral mixed with polka dots is how you turn up the heat on the otherwise subdued polka pattern. If this doesn’t prove to you that polka dots are more than just a retro pattern, we don’t know what else will. Put your hair up in a ponytail, go with nude makeup, dab on some brown lipstick, and finish off with ankle-length booties.
3. White Polka Dress
Playful, cute, and elite. But if you want to break the feminine silhouette of this outfit with ankle booties, know that it’s approved by experts everywhere. The high neckline and long sleeves add to the charm of this outfit, so you need nothing but a side body bag to complete the look.
4. Blue And White Polka Slit Dress
Borrow some of that Parisian panache and strut around like a diva in this ultra-chic slit dress. A slick bun, silver pumps, a belt, and angular shades add up to a hundred to make this look work. If you want to spruce this outfit up further, you can go for ankle or knee-high boots.
5. Black And White Polka Dot Skirt
There’s nothing more flattering than a polka dot skater skirt paired with a tank top and a shrug. Kitten heels, simple studs, beachy waves, and a laptop bag with this outfit will let you breeze through from a day job to a summer soirée.
6. Polka Dot Jacket
Here’s another signature piece with this timeless print that you can add to your closet. Go for monochrome or a full black outfit and finish it off with a polka dots jacket. It is neither too loud nor too twee. It is just perfect. Feel free to add a pop of color with red pumps.
Trivia7. Polka Tube Top
We found you an ideal companion this fall, but not something that is straight out of a magazine. A polka tube top. Unassuming, right? A tube top, a long skirt, tan boots, and a trench coat. Damn, why did we not think of this earlier?
8. Polka Shirt And Suit
How about an oversized suit? You know that it is riding up the trend hill, right? Gone are the days of crisp white shirts, well-fitted trousers, and perfectly tailored blazers. Spin them to baggy pants or a long skirt, an oversized blazer, and a yellow polka dots shirt.
9. Red Polka Dot Pencil Skirt
Get into the party mode and go from desk to date on a Friday night. A red polka pencil skirt, white blouse, and black pumps is the way to go here. Don’t forget to dab on some red lipstick before you enter the venue.
10. Pink Polka Dot Ruffle Dress
Spring or summer, beach or the local market, a party inside or a luncheon outside – get hold of one of these dresses because, as you can see, they come in handy no matter where you are headed. If you have no other go-to party outfit ideas, why not give polka dots a try?
11. Brown Polka Dress
After the signature black and white polka dots print, brown is the most coveted. It is understated and almost like a style underdog. Gowns, sweaters, wrap-around tops, and pencil skirts are all minimalistic, subtle, and classy ways of incorporating the brown polka print.
12. Polka Dot Sundress
One of the most refreshing takes on the polka dot has to be the sundress! Combining a cutesy pattern with a cutesy dress paints the perfect summer picture. The pattern is lively, and so is the flowy, loose cut of a sundress in breathable fabric. Opt for bright or vibrant colors for a perfect warm-weather fashion.
13. Polka Dot Peplum Dress
Create a polka dot peplum dress by pairing a polka dot peplum top with a pair of solid relaxed pants, leggings, or a pencil skirt. The peplum cut is great to draw attention to your slim mid-riff and flare down to accentuate an hourglass silhouette. Make sure the colors of the top and bottoms complement each other and you have a classy evening outfit ready. This polka dot pencil skirt outfit is one to look out for!
Did You Know?Do’s And Don’ts For Wearing Polka Dots
Dos
- Balance the size of the polka dots.
- Remember where you’re headed to and choose one garment that stands out.
- Experiment and play with prints, plaids, or stripes along with polka dots.
- Wear black footwear when in doubt.
- Go for simple accessories that bring out the best of your outfit.
Don’ts
- Wear too many polka dot garments in one outfit.
- Go for matching separates with polka dots.
- Be too loud or out there with colors when opting for polka dots.
- Choose huge or chunky accessories over dainty ones.
Infographic: 5 Polka Dot Outfit Ideas To Slay Any Occasion
Polka dots are timeless classics. If you know how to style them the right way, they are perfect for almost every occasion, summer or winter. Check out the infographic below to find out the best ways to style polka dot outfits for your special occasions.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
It is an undeniable fact that most women love polka dots. However, what is also a fact is that not everyone can carry a polka dot outfit with elegance and panache. The trick to successfully wearing a polka dress is seamlessly blending a retro vibe with modern aesthetics. The polka dot outfit ideas shared in this article can serve as inspiration for styling flowy one-pieces, ruffled tops, formal gowns, and skirts. You can easily pull off a polka dot outfit if you keep balance in mind. However, avoid chunky jewelry and too many prints or patterns when assembling a polka dot outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a white and black polka dot dress to a wedding?
Ideally, you must avoid wearing white to a wedding as it is the bride’s color to shine in. But if black is more prominent in the dress and you have accessorized it well, you may wear it.
Can you wear polka dots in winter?
Although polka dots give a very summery look, you may wear them in winter too. Layering a polka dot dress with a cashmere, blazer, coat, jacket, or sweater will give you that perfect winter vibe.
Can I wear a polka dot dress for a formal or evening event?
Yes. Pick one in a darker shade such as black or navy in a formal cut, such as a gown or a fitted cocktail dress.
What shoes go well with a polka dot dress?
Pair it up with black pumps or metallic heels to add a touch of glamor for a formal look, or flat sandals or sneakers for an informal one.
Can I layer my polka dot dress with other clothing items? What types of jackets or outerwear can I wear with a polka-dot dress?
You can pair it with a denim or leather jacket, a blazer, or a faux fur coat.
How can I create a vintage look with a polka dot dress?
Go for Hollywood curls, a pearl necklace and lace gloves, and high heels. You can also wear a fashionable straw hat to top it off.
What hairstyles complement a polka-dot dress?
Depending on the type of dress and event, you can go for buns and half updos, ponytails, side braids, and loose waves.
How can I transition my polka dot dress from day to night?
You can add layers with a denim jacket during the day and a long trench coat at night. Similarly, sneakers work well during the day as high heels do at night.
Are there any specific makeup looks that work well with a polka-dot dress?
For a casual polka dot look, go for natural or minimal makeup.
Can I wear a polka dot dress for a themed party or costume event?
Yes, polka dot dresses were a rage in the 1950s and a must-have in every retro, vintage, or pin-up themed party.
Key Takeaways
- The key to wearing polka dots the right way is to style the outfit with balance so that it can look retro yet modern.
- Polka dots create a statement of their own, so it is best to not mix polka dots with other loud colors.
- Use simple and small accessories instead of chunky ones to create a harmonious look with polka dot outfits.
Illustration: Ways To Wear Polka Dots
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Polka dots are back in style! Watch this video to learn how to style this fun print with a contemporary twist on polka dot fashion.
Read full bio of Michelle Wagman
Read full bio of Pratima Ati
Read full bio of Subhrojyoti Mukherjee
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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