Polka dots are not a trend. We have been seeing them and wearing them in some way every year. But lately with all these trendy clothes you suddenly feel drawn away from them. Whenever you open instagram it feels like these polka dot outfits are too trendy and too model like for you to try them in your everyday life.
I am with you on that completely. We are living in a moment where millennial style feels like it is getting quietly phased out or at least that is how it feels when you are scrolling. The dots are everywhere but none of the looks feel like they were styled for you.
Here is the thing though. Polka dots are one of the most timeless prints in fashion history. They have survived every decade, every trend cycle, and every generation precisely because when they are styled correctly they look effortless and sophisticated and not costume-y, not try-hard, not exclusively for the under-25 crowd.
In this post I am sharing 10 classy polka dot outfit ideas you can start wearing tomorrow. I am also sharing my tips on how to pick the right polka dot pieces, the ones that feel timeless enough to wear year after year rather than pieces you’ll retire by September.
How To Pick The Right Polka Dots
I always say you should wear what you love. But if you are looking to elevate your style and you want to feel more confident and put together in polka dot outfits, then just pay attention to these tips while picking the right items to wear.
- Dot size matters: The bigger dots do not look classy and elevated. These pieces will quickly get outdated. And honestly they look a bit childish to me to wear. The bigger polka dot outfits also make you look bulkier, instead go for smaller polka do pieces.
- Fabric is everything : Silk, Linen and Crepe read sophisticated, stiff cotton and chiffon reads costume to me. They also look cheaper.
- One polka dot piece per outfit maximum: everything else solid and simple. This is my style rule in general. But if you do want to wear more than one then match the polka dots.
10 Classy Ways To Wear Polka Dots This Season
Polka Dot Off shoulder Top + Barrel Jeans + Ballet Flats
This polka dot outfit is effortless and so easy to put together. I am a big fan of off shoulder tops because you can wear them from day to night making them versatile. This polka dot top paired with blue jeans looks perfect for everyday wear where you look chic and effortless.
Instead of adding black, I paired brown Mary Janes and brown bag that creates more interesting touch to the outfit. You can take this outfit from day to night by simply adding some fancy jewelries. The polka dots are not too big. And the dark blue denim balances the outfit.
And with brown accessories, the polka dot does not look too intense.
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Polka dot tops are the easiest way to add this pattern to your everyday outfits. Sharing some of my favorite styles for you.
Polka Dot Short Sleeve Top + White Tailored Pants + Block Heels
This lace trim polka dot top is Reformation inspired that looks so elevated and gives you that Parisian romantic look. And paired with white tailored pants, you create a sophisticated polka dot outfit that looks expensive and classy.
The white pants balance the polka dots and creates a polished look. You can wear this polka dot outfit for a summer date night or even to office by swapping your shoes. White wide leg pants have a way of making any outfit look polished and put together.
Checkout more white wide leg pants outfit ideas to look polished.
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Polka Dot Skirt + Pink Top + Slides
One of the best polka dot pieces you can wear and look chic in are polka dot skirts and I am obsessed with this polka dot skirt that’s part of the Summer Style Edit Capsule wardrobe. The mini dots make this skirt wearable for everyday.
It does not feel way too much of polka dot. And you can pair it with a colored top for summer and add your jacket for an extra layer. This polka dot outfit is perfect for office. Simply swap the slides with ballet flats or some heels.
With the slides this outfit is perfect for a day time going out look.
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[Polka Dot Skirt] [Pink Top] [Black Trench Jacket] [Slides] [Tote Bag] [Sunglasses]
Polka Dot Top + Matching Polka Dot Skirt + White Heels
If you want to wear polka dots head to toe, then the best way to do is with a matching set. And the polka dots need to be smaller. They can obviously be bit bigger than these ones as well. But if you are wearing head to toe polka dots, oversized polka dots will look costumey.
I know there are influencers who rock oversized polka dots and they look amazing. But for us, it’s too hard to style it properly. And going with smaller polka dots will create a classy polka dot outfit. I love that she has kept everything else in her outfit neutral, so the look feels polished and sophisticated.
And you can add a jacket to wear this outfit to work or to a date night effortlessly.
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Polka Dot Dress + White Jacket + Black Sandals
What better way to wear polka dot this summer than picking a stylish polka dot dress and this one from Ann Taylor delivers at all level. I own this dress in a different color, but it’s already added to my cart.
The polka dots are not too big and pairing with a white jacket this summer polka dot outfit looks chic and elevated. You can wear this literally anywhere and look elevated.
For a day time look use the white jacket. But night time, you can wear a black jacket instead and create a put together look with this dress.
The ruched waist line makes it easier to hide your belly pooch and this outfit looks way more expensive than it is.
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Polka Dot Shirt + Blue Jeans + Heels
If you own a polka dot button down shirt. Now is the time to wear it again. In this polka dot outfit, she is wearing a white polka dot shirt with blue wide leg jeans. This outfit is classic and something all of us can rock. But with the right accessories you can literally elevate this look.
The black Mary Janes are an awesome look for office. They are also great for night time outfit. So you can head to your office happy hour in this look. Just have a black jacket or blazer to complete the look.
The white belt looks cohesive with the white base of the polka dot shirt. But if you have a different color polka dot shirt, you can wear black belt with blue jeans.
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[Polka Dot Shirt] [Blue Jeans] [Black Mary Janes] [Work Bag] [Sunglasses] [White Belt] [Earrings]
Polka Dot Skirt + Black Shirt + Heels
Lace trim skirts are really popular this year and this silk polka dot lace trim skirt can be worn in so many ways. But paired with a black short sleeve linen shirt, this outfit looks polished and perfect for literally any occasion.
If you are a Mama headed to a kids graduation event or you are running late to office. Just throw on this outfit to look put together and elevated instantly.
The waist tie shirt helps with not tucking the skirt inside the skirt, so you want have the bulge. And creates a chis polka dot outfit. The color of the polka dots also match the shirt, so this outfit looks put together.
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Black Polka Dot Maxi Skirt + Black Vest Top + White Sandals
An all black outfit also looks polished in summer weather. And this polka dot outfit is by far my favorite. You would already own a black vest top. Pair it with a black polka dot maxi skirt. And your outfit is monochromatic and instantly looks sophisticated.
And this is a classy was to wear larger polka dots if you end up falling in love with an item. Or you own a piece in your closet, this is a great way to wear. Black always tones down a pattern. And white enhances it. That’s a simple rule to follow when you are styling patterns.
I would be wearing this outfit on my vacation for sure because it’s giving me classy European vacation vibe. I added white sandals to brighten up the look. But you can swap with a colored pair or dark ones for an evening polka dot outfit.
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[Polka Dot Skirt] [Vest Top] [White Sandals] [White Bag] [Sunglasses]
White Polka Dot Maxi Skirt + Mock Neck Top + Ballet Flats
This is the polka dot formula that works every time. One statement print piece, everything else solid and simple.
The white midi skirt with large black dots is doing all the visual work here. Large scale dots on a flowing midi silhouette read graphic and intentional rather than cute or retro. That is exactly the distinction that makes polka dots look sophisticated on a woman who knows what she is doing. The key is the scale. These dots are big enough to read as a deliberate print choice rather than just a pattern habit.
The mock neck top looks cohesive with the polka dot and creates a casual yet polished look with this polka dot skirt.
The black ballet flats bring everything together. The top, the bag, the shoes are all in the same dark tone which grounds the white of the skirt and stops the whole outfit from feeling unanchored.
The formula is simple. One polka dot piece in a large scale print, a solid top that matches the dot colour, a structured bag, and flat shoes in the same tone. This is the outfit you reach for when you want to look like you thought about it without actually having to think about it.
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White Polka Dot Maxi Skirt + Mock Neck Top + Ballet Flats
One of my favorite summer date night outfit. This polka dot top is sophisticated and elevated. Just add black tailored pants to create a sophisticated night time look.
Polka dot mesh tops can look cheap if not tailored the right way. And this top with wrap design fixes that problem. You have some areas that are see through and some that are covered which makes it perfect for date night look.
Add your favorite evening bag and you have a nice going out outfit that’s wearable and is also comfortable.
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Let me know which outfit you loved the most. And if you have any cool ways you are wearing polka dots this summer, we all will love to know.
