There is a reason why the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at Tate Modern is always sold out. Polka dots are popular. And they look lovely in real life, as well as adorning art exhibits and Instagram feeds. The timeless spot pattern is striking and fun – and who doesn’t want to be both of those things? When it comes to decorative dots, leopard has held onto the “print du jour” position for quite some time, hence why there’s a lot of it around. Readers, there are only so many garments an animal print-lover can own. Test-driving a new pattern is the way to gussy up the basics and breathe freshness into a summer wardrobe. Now is the time to change your spots.
From Audrey Hepburn to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Carrie Bradshaw to Alexa Chung, polka dots are perennially stylish. And there’s definitely an air of 1950s Parisian chic about the humble dot, making the tiniest iteration suitable for more sombre occasions. At the memorial service for Prince Philip, Kate Middleton chose an elegant, Alessandra Rich black and white polka dot dress. A first-class lesson in dressing for the occasion.
Doubling up in medium-sized dots gives the classic twinset a modern spin; technically the cardigan and collared “Henley” top I’m wearing aren’t designed to be worn together but once I’d started seeing spots, I couldn’t stop. I’m viewing this polka dot two-piece as a lively update on the traditional twinset and pearls, more Michelle Obama than Mrs Doubtfire.
This season there’s been a breakout of spots across the fashion world. Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière celebrated the French company’s 200th birthday by showing a dashing black and white polka dot cape on the catwalk. Proving the importance of colourful accessories (to a luxury brand), Balenciaga’s slouchy, monochrome dress looked cool with a quilted red handbag and a fuzzy, lemon scarf – even Gucci sprinkled dots over its heritage monogrammed bags.
For those who love playing around with pattern, polka dots and stripes make a fine combination. Channel Funny Face-era Audrey Hepburn by wearing a spotty cardigan over a striped Breton top and Capri pants. Make like Carrie Bradshaw in a striped cashmere sweater and Winser London’s swingy skirt. Embrace bigger and bolder by teaming the spotty Mango jumpsuit with the Agnès B apricot-and-black zip T-shirt and chunky sandals. Suffering from spot-print-induced shyness? There’s no need to go completely dotty, a simple scarf is all you need to look jolly striking.
Three ways to go dotty for pattern
Keep it simple
If going head-to-toe brings you out in spots, take the Marlene Dietrich approach and wear a spotted silk scarf with an elegant, white blazer. Just add a favourite pair of jeans and dark glasses
It’s a question of scale
Keep the scale of the polka dots small if you’re going for a traditional look. For more of a statement, the bigger the spot, the better. It’s very much a case of go bold or go home
Mix and match
Freshen up an everyday wardrobe with a blend of spots and stripes. Team a spotty top with a pair of white jeans, a striped cardigan and chunky sandals.
