Adults Wearing Polka Dots
Tina, here.
Polka dots are one of those "trends" that come and go. They never really go out of style; they just reappear on the scene in a big way every few seasons. They're doing that right now. I think polka dots are juvenile. For the most part. But there are ways to wear dots. Here's how I wear polka dots.

These dots are nice. They are ironic. In that they are actually holes. Which is nonsensical for a handbag. So, still not working for me. Or you.
So what are some ways to wear polka dots without looking like you're playing dress-up in your children's clothes?
1. Suggest polka dots with an animal print.

This blouse is what is called an ocelot print. It's like a cheetah pattern, but instead of black and gold it's black and ivory, and the dots aren't perfectly round. Such a grown-up "polka dot." Shop a great ocelot-print blouse (on sale!) in the August Style Notes of the Style Vault.

I collect dotted swiss, among other things (white jeans, white t-shirts, cognac shoes, and a lot of other stuff). This dotted swiss blouse I've had forever. Traditional dotted swiss is a sheer cotton fabric with little dimples of dots that are woven into the fabric, so they stand up and provide a nice texture. It's kind of old-fashioned, in the best of ways.

Up-close of dotted swiss. Keep it from being juvenile by steering clear of babydoll tops and dresses. You can see this blouse has a drawstring waist that keeps the fullness tamed. Shop a couple dotted swiss tops in the August Style Notes inside the Style Vault.
3. If you wear actual polka dots, be a little cheeky with it. Like Daisy Duke.

This Billy Reid blouse that I've had for eons is still so fresh every summer I pull it out and put it in the rotation. This summer, I've been wearing it Daisy Duke-style, tied in a knot at my waist.

Because this blouse is lavender with white dots on it, I have to be fun about it, ya know? As in, I don't wear it to business appointments. It's a fun blouse! And once again, white jeans are the perfect foil for something like fun polka dots because they ground them.
4. Go with teeny-tiny polka dots that create a graphic pattern.

This dress is black and white, with teeny tiny little dots. So it doesn't read as polka dots, per se. It looks more interesting because you can't really tell it's dots util you get real close. Vault members, shop a fun polka dot dress inside the August Style Notes.

You can see the polka dots are in a zig-zag pattern. Notice I didn't choose coordinating accessories. To make it more grown-up, use camel accessories like this clutch.
Wear dots while you can. I think of them as more of a summer pattern. But if you are wearing an animal-print dotted pattern (like the one I just added to the August Style Vault for you to shop), then I guess year-round is just fine. Let us shop for you during this crazy month of back-to-school. Every dollar you have counts. Our Nashville and Williamson County wardrobe consultants are fab and will get you our in-store discounts where available.
You can also join the Style Vault today and instantly save 20% off my favorite summer to fall transition dress!