How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

Friday, March 2, 2018

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How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

Target Cold Shoulder Polka Dot Maxi Dress | Cuyana Small Carryall Tote | Target A New Day Rancher Hat | Nine West Pumps (sold out, similar) | Jimani Collections Raine Necklace c/o | Cuyana Leather Coin Pouch c/o | Benetton Wool Jacket (vintage, similar)

I have to admit I never thought I would wear polka dots again. However, after witnessing them all over the Fall '17 runways, throughout many Spring '18 collections and now on the racks and street, I have decided to once again embrace the pattern I adored on my dresses as a young girl and pre-teen.

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How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

Balenciagia, Self Portait, Giorgio Armani and Dior (including others) all gave homage to this spotty pattern on the Fall '17 Fashion Month catwalk and suddenly this trend is everywhere. From the racks to the streets, polka dots suddenly feel so modern. According to Refinery 29, polka dots re-appear every 5 years or so in the fashion cycle and 2018 is one of those years!

Classic, quirky, feminine, retro and a bit sexy, polka dots are the perfect pattern for individual styling. Think THAT brown polka dot dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe in the 50's, and Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot in the 60's. Each gave their own twist to a classic and fun print.

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How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere
It's so easy to play up polka dots in your own individualistic way and give them your own sartorial spin. Style with some Doc Martens and chunky accessories to add a little rock 'n roll edge to a sweet print. In favor of larger dots? Keep the rest of the outfit minimalist to keep it toned down. Scared of dots? Think about accessories such as bags or patches for jeans for a first go. Festival ready? Add a fun hat and boots.

I recently found this polka dot dress at Target for less than $30 (it's now on sale for $20!) and fell in love immediately with the maxi length, cold shoulder and long sleeves. Perfect for Spring and Summer! On the same Target run (it is seriously dangerous having a Target less than 10 minutes from our house), I picked up this felted rancher hat to style with the dress.

I have come to the conclusion that I am definitely a hat person and I am always on the hunt for the perfect one (similar to the hunt for that perfect pair of jeans). This rancher hat from Target's new A New Day line is perfect for effortless panache and a dressy bohemian look with a maxi dress. Fan!

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

For a recent venture to the Seattle Chinese Garden and South Seattle College Arboretum (one of my favorite spots in West Seattle for a little jaunt), I styled my new Target Cold Shoulder Polka Dot Maxi Dress and Target A New Day Rancher Hat with my Cuyana Small Carryall Tote I received for Christmas from my husband, Nine West Pumps I thrifted (similar), the Jimani Collections Raine Necklace, a Cuyana Leather Coin Pouch (perfect for the small things) and my Benetton Wool Jacket I also thrifted (similar).

I've mentioned my love for Cuyana before (here) and the Cuyana philosophy of style over trends, quality over quantity, and in loving your closet. Each Cuyana collection embodies "fewer, better" things, with an emphasis on integrity, intentionality and exquisite craftsmanship; and each Cuyana piece is crafted with a story behind it. The Cuyana Small Carryall Tote and Cuyana Leather Coin Pouch are no exception and have quickly become everyday essentials.

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

Jimani Collections are handmade in Kenya and seeks to create a sustainable solution to poverty and build a bridge between consumers and artisans in the developing world. They work with some of the poorest in the world and offer women employment and education within product design and product creation, and promote equitable trade while alleviating widespread poverty.

The Jimani Collections Raine Necklace is a unique statement necklace representing a collaboration between three different artisan groups in Kenya. The olive wood and brass pieces are hand cut by two groups of male craftsmen in the Nairobi community and assembled by a group of women in Kenya. Olive wood, brass and glass beads create a stunning natural look and the perfect compliment for polka dots.

It's time to reconsider this surprisingly versatile print. Hello polka dots!

xoxo

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

2 comments :

  1. Love your story and the photos!

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  2. Dress looks amazing. I would love to try this one. I hope it looks gorgeous and stylish on me as it looks on you.

    ReplyDelete