From micro dots to bold, large, graphic spots, polka-dots are this upcoming fall’s stripes. You’ve seen the print before and you most likely will continue to see them; but this time around, designers showcased their spot on designs in an entirely new way. Stella McCartney demonstrated her point with girly, sequinlike discs embroidered onto peekabo tulle, and Marc Jacobs covered everything from hats, hosiery, and even his pleather upholstered set. Read on to discover more about the trend!
Polka-dots have clearly come a long way since their youthful Minnie Mouse days, which was probably how I got to love the pattern so much. Though designers may give the print a slight rest after the fall, you can still utilize these tips and inspirational looks throughout every season. Polka-dots already made a huge impression on a handful of stylish ladies, including Natalia Vodianova, Victoria Beckham, and Taylor Swift. As today’s 30-Day Fall Essential can confirm, this trendy print is both playful and incredibly chic, making it a ‘spot-on’ choice for a wide range of occasions this fall.
There were plenty of designers that had us… erm… seeing spots on their runways for their F/W 2011 shows. Marc Jacobs heavily experimented with a variety of polka dots – some large, some small, and others with a three dimensional twist – and offered many intriguing methods to mix and match the quirky pattern. While the layering of polka-dot prints is eye-catching, I definitely feel that the use of fitted and more structured silhouettes keeps the overall look feeling chic, sophisticated, and less kiddish. The key to wearing this pattern is subtlety. Even though you may love Minnie Mouse as much as I do, we don’t exactly want to look like her when going about our day (unless you work at Betsey Johnson or somewhere of the like – as I do, then you can pretty much do whatever you want!)
Hot Tips
- The most important lesson in wearing any loud print is to pick only one piece of clothing or accessory in that specific pattern. Although we have seen many designers and trendy fashion icons mix and match varying prints, you don’t want to combine the same print in one look, or you will fall into a trap of hiding your figure, looking like a member of the circus, or as if you’re celebrating Halloween at any given time of the year – these aren’t good things!
- Play up the innocence of a polka-dot print dress with a vintage bow or circle loop belt. Another great accessory that can easily fit in with wearing the trend is a polka-dot scarf – whether wrapped around your neck or hanging on your bag, you’ll instantly look chic.
- Don’t be afraid to wear your polka-dots in garments you would normally feel might look clownish – pants, shorts, tights – those may be your favorite new pieces to wear the print on! I for one love wearing any busy print in tights when I first start sporting the trend, since it’s easy to style, you can wear it with a basic dress or skirt, and it’s an immediate way of looking well-put-together and stylish.
Inspiration
Shop Away!
30 Day Fall Essentials #5: Polka-dots by danah featuring a polka dot jacket
Topshop, Topshop, John Lewis, Stylebop,
Topshop, Topshop, Topshop, Topshop
Topshop, Topshop, Topshop, Topshop
30-Day Fall Essentials #5: Polka-dots by danah featuring snap wallets
Marc Jacobs, River Island, Marc Jacobs, Wolford,
Paul Smith, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, Misssel Fridge,
Dorothy Perkings, Betsey Johnson, Monsoon, Marc Jacobs,
Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garcons, Paul Smith
I desperately need to catch up on the shows I missed yesterday on top of finishing my looooads of homework for this week – ahh being a fashion student is rougher than you think. Share your favorite looks/collections from NYFW so far and tell me what you think about polka-dots and how you wear the print!
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