Connect The Dots
Ah, polka dots. They’re funny little fellas aren’t they?
Today, polka dots are often associated with whimsy and playfulness. But, their origin and meaning throughout the centuries are significantly varied. If you’re up for geeking out with me about their associations with everything from Medieval taboos to wartime social movements or how the roll of spacing in dotted patterns plays into the world of visual psychedelics, here is a good place to start!
Yayoi Kusama famously stated “Polka dots can’t stay alone, like the communicative life of people.” I love that! I look at polka dots differently now. I see them as a whole made up of individual designs that alone would merely be spots, but together demonstrate the importance of the collective. If one spot is absent the beauty of the whole is altered. Ugh, there’s so much there to unpack!
BUT, let’s stay focused on the lightheartedness of today’s perspective on dotted textiles! Let’s be honest, when it comes to polka dot patterns on our clothing we can often experience a wide range of emotions or thoughts about them. When they’re bold we sometimes shy away because the statement is just so statement-y, right? But, when they’re small we claim them as something classy and sophisticated. Isn’t that funny? The same shapes, when altered in size, can communicate something so opposite from one another and we use that communication to decide whether or not we’re “feeling” that way and if we’re open to communicating that about ourselves at the moment. Man, patterns can be so chatty, huh? (wink)
Whether you’re up for bold statements and fun-loving spirited looks or you’re going for something more subtle and iconically feminine, polka dots have a place in your closet…and it’s NOT in the very back!
Here’s a quick look at a few iconic polka dot moments in time and how you can pay homage to them today!
Happy styling!
FARFETCH
A wrap dress is a friend to EVERY body shape! Add a midi-length and slight puffed sleeve to the mix and it’s a home run every single time.
VIOLETA
Fall is calling and it’s asking for this little spotted number. Go ahead and add an oversized cozy cardigan or a classic trench coat with booties while you’re at it!
ASOS
Pleats + Polka Dots = Melting into the floor kind of love!
This silhouette works for LOTS of body types because the pleats come from the natural waist instead of the hips.
AMAZON
For the bustier of babes in a bold print, a cap-like sleeve and a v-neck can help balance out things from the waist up.
LULU’S
The tiniest of tiny polka dots are a perfect way to give visual texture to a seemingly solid color. They also add even more movement to this already flowy little lovey.
ANNE KLEIN
For those bold statement moments in your life, embrace this iconic pattern and get out those musketeer ears you know you have in your bottom drawer to go with it.
ANTHROPOLOGY
Nods to the 1940’s will be everywhere this fall! You’ll find slightly puffed sleeves, A-line silhouettes, and just below the knee hemlines. Try them mixed with a bold print like polka dots to keep it fun and lighthearted while you reach for your fave red lipstick and a bugle boy!
NASTY GAL
Babydoll dresses take me way back to some of my favorite looks in high school and I’m so excited they’re back! This lightweight long sleeve option works great with Birkenstocks or boots and with tights or bare legs! The options are endless and always comfortable!
ASOS
Add this beauty to your staples for fall and then thank me later! It’s great belted or left alone, with long layers of bohemian jewelry or simple but large hoops. Plus, it goes day to night with no effort at all. It’s a win win winner!
ELOQUII
Bold patterns on a fitted silhouette is not for the faint of heart, it is for those filled with confidence and ready to accentuate all their assets. For the curvier among us, select an option that highlights your contours by fitting closely at the smaller areas like the waist or knees.