How to Mix Polka-Dot Clothing

Subtle polka-dot mixes are chic and office-ready.

Polka dots periodically emerge as a fashion trend, but they never really go out of style. Fall 2011 saw a resurgence of polka dots on high-fashion runways and in ready-to-wear clothing shops. While runway looks may combine several bold polka-dot prints in one outfit, real-world polka-dot mixes require a lighter hand to be wearable.

Divide and Conquer

A polka-dot blouse paired with a polka-dot skirt or pant is a bit much, but these pieces will work together beautifully if you visually separate them. Top your blouse with a solid-color sweater or cardigan. The shirt's collar or neckline will just show at the sweater's neck, creating a witty combination. For a bolder look, choose a sweater with a contrasting pattern, such as intarsia or argyle, or use a blazer in place of a sweater.

Mix Bold With Subtle

Some polka-dotted garments are so subtle that they can serve as neutrals. For a chic, office-appropriate look, pair subtle polka dots in neutral tones with bold, bright ones. For instance, navy wool trousers with a small gray dot will go with a variety of prints, including a silk blouse with large red polka dots or a bold polka-dot sweater.

Contrast Colors

For another stylish combo, pair two garments with similar-sized and -colored polka dots and contrasting base colors. Marc Jacobs' Fall 2011 collection features a sleek white pencil skirt with black polka dots paired with a structured green blouse with black polka dots. The sleek lines of the outfit and the homogeneity of the dots create a pulled-together look.

Accessories and Shoes

If you're wearing one polka-dotted item of clothing, adding one polka-dotted accessory is a chic pairing. Polka-dot tights, shoes, sunglasses, handbags, belts, hats and scarves are all fair game. Matching colors isn't strictly necessary when mixing different types of apparel. However, be judicious with apparel that abuts. For instance, polka-dot trousers and polka-dot shoes will call attention to themselves if they dramatically clash, while shoes and a scarf are far enough away from each other that clashing is irrelevant. Subtle polka dots, such as black hose with black dots, go with just about everything.

References

• Marie Claire: Instant Classic: Polka Dots
• Glamour: We're Positively Dotty for Fall's Hot Polka Dot Trend
• Glamour: The Case for Grown-Up Polka Dots