FASHION ALERT: 4 STYLES THAT ARE ON THE DOT

Do you polka ? Dot that is. These spots are popping up everywhere and are making a big comeback for spring and summer fashion. These days many of us including my self prefer playing with patterns that connect the dots rather than ones that walk the line. As early as I can remember I have always had a love affair with polka dots, starting with my Minnie Mouse Halloween costume to my sixth grade graduation dress. Besides the runway , currently our favorite celebrities are donning this trend on the red carpet with panache. This season there is no wrong way to wear polka dots. Rather than going unnoticed when wearing this trend, I’m going to give you 4 styles that are on the dot to making a lasting ultra chic impression! 

CLASSIC

STYLE PROFILE: Colors: Black & White , Navy & White, smaller size dots, A-line dresses, shift dresses, pencil skirts, button up tops, sleeveless tops, and shift dresses

HOW TO MAKE A CHIC IMPRESSION: TIP 1: ADD ON: Add a pop of color or gold jewelry in the classic style to break up monochrome pattern. This can be done through the accessories like the belt, necklace, or shoes. TIP 2: SILHOUTTES: Choosing styles that have sleeker silhouettes will provide more of a modern twist. Here are links to get this look: 

http://www.lulus.com/products/that-s-the-spot-navy-blue-polka-dot-dress/135490.html

That’s the spot navy blue polka dot dress at LuLus $43.00 

http://www.lulus.com/products/i-like-you-a-dot-blue-polka-dot-button-up-top/114586.html

I like you a dot blue polka dot button up top at LuLus $32.00

ECLECTIC

STYLE PROFILE: Colors: multi-colored, black & white, pleated skirts, various size dots, peplum, denim, t-shirts, leggings, fit and flare, vintage, retro

HOW TO MAKE A CHIC IMPRESSION:TIP1: MIX & MATCH: Why not add a little dotted flair by pairing florals and dots, dots on dots, and stripes on dots. Pattern mixing is so popular this year.  It’s important when doing this to pay attention to the accent color in the pattern you are matching to make sure it matches your polka dot pattern. Also pay attention to scale, if your floral pattern is big go for smaller dots, and vice versa. When matching dots of opposite color patterns such as I did pay attention to the size of the dots. I did exactly this with the peplum polka dot skirt that I matched to a sleeveless white dotted top. To create more balance I added a skinny black belt that created more contrast. To complete the look added a pop of red in the shoes to break up the head to toe pattern even more. Here are links to get my look: 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=bottom&ProductID=2000073295&VariantID=

Connect the dots peplum skirt in black at Forever 21 $11.80 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspxBr=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2042341406&VariantID=

Polka Dot linen tee at Forever 21 $9.66 (I wore the tank top form but not on website in stores) 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=Shoes&ProductID=2000070727&VariantID=

Posh Patent Pumps in Red at Forever 21 $22.80 

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/255931.uts

metal tipped skinny braided belts at Charlotte Russe $7.99 

CONTEMPORARY 

STYLE PROFILE: Colors: Multi-Colored, neutral colors, pastels, graphic, modern, draping, chiffon, sheer, asymmetrical, jumpsuits, one shoulder, strapless dresses, maxi dresses, skirts skinny pants, trench coat, blazers, tunic,

HOW TO MAKE A CHIC IMPRESSION: TIP1: COLOR BLOCKING: To create a more contemporary look choosing any black and white dot pattern and pairing it with a bolder color will automatically provide a more fashion forward look. This is the easiest to be done with this trend when you choose black and white dot patterns to pair with other color separates. TIP 2: SCALE OF DOTS: Staying away from the typical polka dot shaped patterns and opting for larger shaped dots or oddly shaped dots that look more like “pop art.” This can make your look appear more cutting edge. Here are links to get this look: 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspxBr=F21&Category=bottom&ProductID=2000108219&VariantID=

Darling Dot Maxi Skirt at Forever 21 $13.80 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspxBr=LOVE21&Category=Love21_Tops&ProductID=2000071656&VariantID=

Polka Dot Woven top at Forever 21 $12.80 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=bottom&ProductID=2031562908&VariantID=

Polka Dot Skinny Jeans at Forever 21 $15.96 

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/227906.uts

Polka Dot hi low skirt at Charlotte Russe $7.49 

MINIMIALIST 

STYLE PROFILE: Colors: Neutral, Pastels, solid pieces, All styles apply: scarves, purses, shoes, belts, sunglasses, hair accessories 

HOW TO MAKE A CHIC IMPRESSION: TIP1: FOCAL POINT: If your not one to wear prints start with a dash of polka dot flavor through the accessories. When incorporating a polka dotted accessory into your overall look stick to neutral solid color pieces. This way you can use it as a focal point to your look that will create the “wow factor,” which is what I define as that statement piece to get you noticed! Here are links to get this look: 

http://www.wetseal.com/polka-dot-wayfarer-sunglasses-49161526.html?dwvar_49161526_color=689#q=dots&start=19

Polka Dot Wayfarer sunglasses at Wet Seal $7.50 

http://www.loveculture.com/1000020513.html?dwvar_1000020513_color_code=001

Polka dot bow headband at LoveCulture $4.95 

http://www.loveculture.com/1000020378.htmldwvar_1000020378_color_code=040

Polka dot watch at LoveCulture $24.95 

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspxBr=F21&Category=ACC&ProductID=1000063065&VariantID=

Mod Polka Dot Scarf at Forever 21 $8.80 

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/250104.uts

Polka Dot laceless canvas sneakers at Charlotte Russe $12.50

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