How To Wear Polka Dots In Spring/Summer 2014

If you see spots before your eyes this summer, don’t worry. It’s just polka dots scattering themselves around the shows and the high street. This is a pattern that’s always with us, and always loved, but the challenge is in reinventing it every time.

Oscar de la Renta floats the look on chiffon evening dresses with a touch of florals, while Dolce & Gabbana favour it on flouncy frills, and sensational red. Sportmax paints occasional round shapes on expanses of white, leaving Burberry to add softening lace to its own collection of polka dots. It wouldn’t be fashion if denim didn’t pop up somewhere, so skinny jeans are obligingly breaking out in spots. They’re most effective with a simple coat and sweater, as off duty model Andreea Diaconu proved in Stella McCartney.

It’s a trend that’s particulary suited to this season’s monochrome craze. Choose a black-on-white top, and reverse foreground and background for the skirt or trousers. Give one garment bolder spots, but make this the upper half of your outfit, for a more flattering outline. Add accessories in bright colours to break it up. Or dress entirely in tiny dots, reserving the bigger ones for a smaller area, such as a chunky bangle or a scarf.

If you find this too geometric, team a printed blouse with a pretty lace skirt, or mix muted b&w circles and stripes with a patch of plain, deep colour. This is something, though, that adapts to just about any colour, print size, material and style. Pastel shades will brighten up your day; or try experimenting with textured polka dots for a night out. White-framed shades are a great statement piece for this look, and leather trousers are the perfect foil.

If it all seems too ditzy, confine your purchases to accessories. By this, we don’t just mean shoes and the like. Polka dots definitely don’t lack versatility, lending themselves to just about anything, from iPad and iPhone cases to tights. Carry your case close to your heart – by which we mean a cardigan or similar, with a coloured pattern (for example, check), and you’ll highlight both.

Men can work this trend with ties, bow ties and pocket handkerchiefs, or subtly on shirts. Really, there’s something for everyone, whether you want to embrace the total look, or prefer to just be a bit dotty round the edges. Whatever you decide, it’s an investment – polka dots won’t be going away!

The featured image is of Annabelle of Viva Luxury Wearing Express Polka Dot Tie Neck Halter Dress March 10, 2014

Doina Ciobanu is wearing a polka dot jumpsuit and mirrored sunglasses

Arielle Nachami is wearing a polka dot dress from Daily Look and the hat is from Forever 21

Julie Sarinana is wearing a grey and white polka dot shirt and jeans from Rag & Bone

Maria Alejandra Gallart Vall is wearing a polka dot skirt from Abaday, grey jacket from Hoss Intropia, jersey from Stradivarius, boots from Bershka and a bag from Parfois