When it comes to prints, the humble polka dot has long been overshadowed by its more suave sibling, the stripe.
Wear a Breton stripe T-shirt and you resemble Coco Chanel on a yacht; wear a spotty shirt and you look like a kid’s TV presenter.
A stripey suit is the staple of most working wardrobes, but a spotty suit? That’s clown territory. Spots seem to be reserved for kiddy clothing, underwear and pin-up girl-style frocks.
Is it something to do with connotations of teenage acne? Does the jolly roundness of a spot seem less serious than the graphic strictness of a stripe?? My mission this week is to bring back the polka dot – embrace it!
1) Marni Contrasting Spotted Knit
£290, Browns
Marni is the slightly bonkers Italian label that strives to make fashion fun through innovative use of colour, print and fabric. This kinda collaged contrast knit is typical of Marni’s cheery and chintzy collection, but alas although it’s cheerful, it’s certainly not cheap – even at sale pr ice.
2) Dot Socks
€7, Happy Socks
I think Happy Socks are predominantly a male brand, but why let boys have all the fun with snazzy socks of this calibre? They have a whole assortment of colours and patterns, including these delightful dots. Alternatively, buy them for the man in your life and liven up his office wear. Happy Socks: if they don’t make you happy, I’m pretty sure you can get your money back.
3) Marimekko Sedna Dress
€149, FinnishDesignShop
Finnish brand Marimekko are fond of a nice bold spot, and although these days they seem to spend more time on interior design fabrics, there are still clothes to be found if you look hard enough. This bold pattern (based on an original 60s print) and cutesy shape make this a design classic for Marimekko fans and newcomers to the brand alike.
4) Polka Dot Skirt & Coat
$25, Zwzzy @ Etsy
Got a cartoon-themed party on the horizon? Fan of Minnie Mouse? Living in the 80s? This could be just the outfit for you! Alternatively, wear separately as a cute little jacket or wear-anywhere skirt. Personally I reckon wear with a spotty blouse, spotty tights and spotty shoes – why the hell not?
5) Polka Dot Heels
$6, Plan B Vintage @ Etsy
If you’re not ready to fully embrace the polka dot revolution, accessories are – as always – an easy way to inject a bit of the trend into your day-to-day wardrobe. These shoes are a little clown-like in their colours, but the white background kind of makes them more wearable – and the teeny tiny heel means they’re perfect for everyday use.
6) ‘Jenny’ Dress
$136, Bettie Page Clothing
OK, so the polka dot halter neck is fairly ubiquitous, but gosh-darnit I just can’t get enough of them. I reckon you could get the vintage real deal for half the price – and I got something suspisciously similar in H&M for £9.99 so snout around and see what you can find! Guaranteed to make you spin round and be happy, and if that’s not worth the investment I don’t know what is.