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Take a quick glance at the street style pictures from February’s various fashion weeks and it’s not hard to spot spring’s cheeriest trend. Polka dots are taking over, and even the super chic women of the front row are indulging in their fun side with this playful print.
In many ways polka dots are one of those perennial prints – like leopard – that never completely disappear from our wardrobes. However, right now they are everywhere; from handbags to dresses, jackets to skirts.
The great thing about this look is that you can translate it to be as subtle or out-there as you wish. Like a pared-back style? Stick to black-and-white prints with a scattering of dainty dots. More of a maximalist? Oversized polka dots or vibrant colours are your friends.
For inspiration, here are a few of the polka dot pieces we’ve spotted making street style waves in the past few months – plus, our round-up of the best polka dots on the high street.
Dresses
A floor-sweeping polka dot maxi dress; metallic minis are a great vehicle for polka dots
For an all-out embrace of the polka dot trend, you can’t go wrong with a dress. We keep being told that floral midi dresses are out, but a polka dot dress is very much of the moment, and equally wearable. If in doubt, stick to black-and-white, then add bright accessories for a dose of colour.
Coats and jackets
A polka dot coat looks great with colour pop accessories.
You may well be at the point of the year where you never want to look at your winter coat again – if so, we hear you. It may be time to swap for something lightweight and jollier, such as Free People’s polka dot denim duster, or a short spotty number from ASOS (on-trend funnel neck also featured).
Tops and blouses
Polka dots elevate the ‘nice top and jeans’ combo; swerve away from a classic black and white look for added oomph
Chances are you’ve already got a polka dot top somewhere in your wardrobe – whether it’s a voluminous pussy-bow blouse or a strappy polka dot cami. This print is the perfect way to bring an element of playfulness to smart workwear, and for casual styling a polka dot top looks great in the classic ‘nice top and jeans’ combo.
Accessories
Polka dot accessories are an easy way into the trend
The easiest way to dip a toe in the trend? Polka dot shoes of course. New Look’s slingbacks are really calling to us. Elsewhere on the high street you can find polka dot scarves, bags and scrunchies.
Skirts and trousers
A chic look at Fashion Week
If you’re a bit over leopard print skirts, then the polka dot satin slip skirt is a good step on for spring. H&M’s cream version, with a pretty fluted hem, is calling to us for the sunnier months ahead. Prefer something less girly? Try Mango’s stylish spotted jeans with a black bomber and ballet flats.
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