There I was innocently shopping with one of my best friends and I spotted a polka dot mini skirt that my heart was telling me to try on. But “heart,” my brain said, “We don’t really wear polka dots. It’s not our style.” To that, my heart said, “Hush, let me try something new!” And try I did. Actually, my friend tried on that very same skirt and we both walked out of the store with new matching polka skirts. Since then polka dots have been everywhere I look, from Old Navy to Sezane to Hanifa. Polka dots are obviously not new in any way, a true classic if you will, but this version, a potentially fresh version where the dots are bigger and bolder has me veeeeeery interested in a way I’ve never been.
So yes, this polka dot resurgence trend isn’t the tiny dots of yore. They are larger and tend to be more spaced out. Even the celebs are out here all dotted up (don’t worry that incredible chic set Jackie Tohn is wearing is below:))! There truly are so many incredible and cool options online that it was extremely hard to make cuts. I might even consider grabbing another piece for myself. So whether you have loved polka dots since birth or like me are just warming up to the idea, I think there is really something for everyone here. Let’s take a look!
Martina Jacket | Camillo Trousers
I had to put Jackie’s outfit up first because it’s perfect. And what’s even better is that not only can you obviously wear them together for a bold but chic polka dot look, they are so fun as separates. Plus, Sezane’s quality is so so good. I really love the brown and cream mix because it feels so versatile for spring, summer, and fall!
Lorenza Blouse | Marlo Knit Top
It was hard not to include all of Sezane’s new polka dot items but I had to put in this button-blouse (and a few more down below and you’ll see why:)). The slight puff sleeve, the adorable neckline, it’s just one of those versatile tops that can be a little dressy or dressed down more casually. Regardless you will look effortlessly put together. And see what I mean about these medium to large dot sizes. They feel fresher which is why I think I’m now all of a sudden more drawn to them. Now, this sleeveless black top is giving sexy but in a modest way. I have one of their tops with the same neckline and I love it. It’s simple and sophisticated. But adding in those big cream dots makes this top so fun (I love how cream is less of a contrast to bright white)! Another one you could put under a blazer or just wear with jeans.
Draped Mesh Top | Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top
And speaking of sexy polka dot tops these two are right in that category. The cuts are modest but if you want to show a little skin that option is there for you. I love the angled hemline of the mesh top a lot and if you aren’t up for the bra look, I think a thin black tank top would totally work under this too. Now, the white puff sleeve cutie is very deceiving which is kinda what I love most about it. It looks very sweet and modest but you will be showing a little skin down the middle;)
If you prefer the more classic black and white polka dot look, I LOVE these pants. Some of the sizes are sold out but this brand goes up to a 3x! I really like the size of the dots and how spread out they are. These make me want to continue my journey of being a “cool pants and top” person rather than a “cute top and jeans” person:) Both “people” are great but having fun pants, whether that be a cool print or a fun cut, has been such a blast.
Beverly Cream Spot Strapless Top | Beverly Cream Spot Pant
Like, what!? CHIC!!!!! I know this style of a two-piece set isn’t for everyone but I do want to be her. Again, there’s a lot of negative space between the dots which I’m clearly a fan of, and the loose, easy breezy vibe/fit also makes the polka dots feel different. I guess I’ve always associated polka dots with 1950s (?) style which is so cute but has never been my personal style. So to see them in styles that are more current is also why I think I’m coming around to them more.
Sezane? Why, of course! This is a beautiful but playful jumpsuit that again, could be dressed up or down! The draping effect they did on the bust is so cool and it’s just such a cool look. Below is the beautiful model, Jennifer Atilémile, in this jumpsuit so you can see it in action:
Claire Skirt | High-Waisted Taffeta Midi Skirt
Now let’s talk skirts, shall we? Both of these are wonderful but have some differences. The skirt on the left has those bigger dots (my fav), is a little less full, and has that sweet button detail on the side. It’s also $168. The skirt on the right is a little fuller, has pockets, is high-waisted, and is only $40. Both great!
This one is of course extra fun because it’s blue! The dots are bigger but closer together which makes it visually a little busier but also so fun! And not for nothing, J. Crew’s site is 40% off right now and this best-selling skirt is included…
Well, I can’t be stopped. These are both Sezane and make me want to walk around Paris popping in and out of cafes. I don’t think I have to say much because the photos speak for themselves. But what I will say is this may need to be a polka dot Easter with all of these cute options! And we haven’t even talked about the dresses yet.
Cecily Dress | Alexa Linen Maxi Shirt Dress
I mean, if these two dresses don’t scream Easter or just springtime in general I don’t know what does. The dress on the left not only has the prettiest cut but it’s J. Crew so this puppy is over $50 off! Then that linen shirt dress might be one of the most joyful dresses (casual category) I’ve seen in a minute. That blue is stunning, the large dots are awesome, and all of the other details are so pretty. It doesn’t come in other colors but this is the only polka dot option. Oh, and it’s a Boden dress which I know so many of you love:)
And because we love Boden too, look at this jumpsuit! Again, the color is the best and the contrast belt + neckline somehow makes it better. I think it would be very difficult to have a bad day if you were wearing this.
Ok. This one isn’t your average polka dot dress and my god is it something special. It’s from a brand called Hanifa and if you are looking for A LOOK that’s beautifully made look no further. I have a piece from them and it’s incredible. But this dress, in particular, is nothing short of a showstopper.
Ultraviolet Dress | Aurelia Dress
For some polka dots that lean a little more classic, the brown dress is so pretty, a bestseller, and has a slightly open back for a little surprise. The dress on the right is perfect for a spring wedding, right? It’s so fun, stretchy, and slightly colorful. You are also pretty covered with just those shoulders popping out to say hi. Oh, and both are under $150!
Both of these beauts are super classic and elegant but also versatile for different occasions. These are a little more expensive than the last two but given the retailers, great quality. And you can’t tell from this photo but the black one has the CUTEST scalloped collar (?) along the neckline. You should absolutely go to the site to see it.
Satin Cowl Maxi Dress | Laura Black Spot Silk Maxi Dress
And here we are at the end. For those who love a slip-type of dress, I love these two. The one on the right is a little dressier and the bra situation could be tricky but if you can believe it, it’s from OLD NAVY and is only $50! I was so impressed when I saw it on the site. The other option is definitely more expensive but it looks like you can easily wear it with a standard bra and looks like you could wear it more casually to like say brunch:)
That’s it for me today! Did I gently sway my fellow non-polka dot-wearing friends? Did any catch your eye? Do you still prefer the mini-sized dot??
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Styling by Suzanne Trudelle | Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: Six Fall Sweaters I’m Loving (+ How To Wear Them)
