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Polka Dots Outfit Ideas

25 Polka-Dot Outfits to Try This Spring — Plus, Our Favourite Pieces Starting at $12

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Prints can easily feel intimidating, especially if you're mostly drawn to neutral tones like me. Yes, I do fancy myself the occasional colour pop, but typically in the form of a solid or entry-level floral. Prints just have a way of feeling overly fussy for me with the rare exception of classic stripes or, when I'm feeling a bit bolder, polka dots.

OK, sure. Polka dots are pretty mild in the print world, but considering my comfort zone is a feminine bloom or Breton, I'd say "bold" is a fair descriptor.

While I've admired them from afar, I've struggled with styling polka-dot pieces in a way that feels elevated instead of childlike. And while they usually come in comfortable shades of black and white, I somehow lack the ability to wear them at work without feeling out of step. But this is all about to change.

I'm determined to become a polka-dot professional. Why? After spotting plenty of dotted pieces in designer collections for Spring/Summer 2020, I've decided I must give the look a try. From darling dresses to cool button-down shirts and cropped pants, I feel as though it's a look I can finally master. And who better to provide me with endless outfit inspiration than the always-stylish women of the street-style scene?

Ahead, witness 25 polka-dot outfits I'll be attempting to re-create this season. Plus, my edit of polka-dot pieces, starting at just $12.

How to Wear Polka Dots

Break out of the black-and-white mold, and embrace a brightly coloured polka-dot dress. A colourful bag and sneakers are playfully casual additions.

Faithfull the Brand Edwina Polka Dot Minidress

Faithfull the Brand Edwina Polka Dot Minidress ($169)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Faithfull the Brand Edwina Polka Dot Minidress
$169
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Mix your dots by pairing together an oversize pattern with a smaller dot. For a streamlined effect, sticking to a tonal palette will make the bold combo feel easier.

Alice + Olivia Gleeson Wool-Blend Sweater

Alice + Olivia Gleeson Wool-Blend Sweater ($119)

Image Source: ruelala.com
Alice + Olivia Gleeson Wool-Blend Sweater
$119
from ruelala.com
Buy Now

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Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress

Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress ($275)

Image Source: silklaundry.com
Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress
$275
from silklaundry.com
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How to Wear Polka Dots

Transition into Spring by styling a mock-neck polka-dot tank with a full skirt and tough combat boots.

Boden Thomasina High Neck Top

Boden Thomasina High Neck Top ($60)

Image Source: bodenusa.com
Boden Thomasina High Neck Top
$60
from bodenusa.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Give a colourful polka-dot dress an edgier feel by adding a thick waist belt and sleek combat boots.

POPSUGAR Long Sleeve Smocked Dress

POPSUGAR Long Sleeve Smocked Dress ($25, originally $50)

Image Source: kohls.com
POPSUGAR Long Sleeve Smocked Dress
$25
from kohls.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

For minimalist tastes, a brown pair of polka-dot pants feel unfussy with a crewneck sweater in a creamy shade.

Image Source: Getty / NurPhoto

Stine Goya John Polka Dot Pants

Stine Goya John Polka Dot Pants ($460)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Stine Goya John Polka Dot Pants
$460
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Tall boots and shorts are a big look this season. Give the outfit formula a try with a pair of spotted shorts and a colourful blazer to finish.

Bershka Short Paperbag Skirt

Bershka Short Paperbag Skirt ($30)

Image Source: bershka.com
Bershka Short Paperbag Skirt
$30
from bershka.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Leather pants make a polka-dot blouse and trousers combo feel fresh and edgy.

Eloquii Tie Neck Blouse

Eloquii Tie Neck Blouse ($80)

Image Source: eloquii.com
Eloquii Tie Neck Blouse
$80
from eloquii.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Temper the sweetness of a polka dot by styling an oversize blazer over top and finishing with combat boots.

Heartloom Londyn Dress

Heartloom Londyn Dress ($65, originally $129)

Image Source: heartloom.com
Heartloom Londyn Dress
$65
from heartloom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

'70s-style lapels are big this Spring. So, why not try the trend in polka-dot form?

ALEXACHUNG Polka-Dot Satin Shirt

ALEXACHUNG Polka-Dot Satin Shirt ($270)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
ALEXACHUNG Polka-Dot Satin Shirt
$270
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

A multicolored polka-dot dress is night-out ready with the help of a leather jacket and heeled boots.

Reformation Jaylee Dress

Reformation Jaylee Dress ($248)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Reformation Jaylee Dress
$248
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

If blazers tend to feel dull to you, a polka-dot version is a playful take on tailoring.

Baum und Pferdgarten Bente Dot Quilted Blazer

Baum und Pferdgarten Bente Dot Quilted Blazer ($259)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Baum und Pferdgarten Bente Dot Quilted Blazer
$259
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

The easiest way to rock dots this Spring? A silk hair scarf whether tied around a ponytail or worn as a headband.

Urban Outfitters Slim Silky Scarf

Urban Outfitters Slim Silky Scarf ($12)

Image Source: urbanoutfitters.com
Urban Outfitters Slim Silky Scarf
$12
from urbanoutfitters.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Polka dots can feel sexy in the form of a minidress with sheer tights and heels in the mix.

Zara Polka Dot Print Dress

Zara Polka Dot Print Dress ($50)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Polka Dot Print Dress
$50
from zara.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

For a feminine take on spots, try an asymmetrical midi skirt with a puff-sleeve top.

Sandro Polka Dot Pleat Skirt

Sandro Polka Dot Pleat Skirt ($295)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Sandro Polka Dot Pleat Skirt
$295
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Neutral-lovers, take note: a polka-dot shirt with white jeans and black accessories looks fresh and graphic for Spring. For a skosh of nonchalance, let your shirt billow loosely over your pants, or half-tuck it for a little more shape.

Whit Linen Marcel Top

Whit Linen Marcel Top ($328)

Image Source: madewell.com
Whit Linen Marcel Top
$328
from madewell.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

A crisp spotted dress is perfect for the office, though we love it with tube socks and colourful sneakers, too.

Ganni Polka-Dot Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress

Ganni Polka-Dot Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress ($285)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Ganni Polka-Dot Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress
$285
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Offset a the sleekness of a polka-dot blouse by layering yours over a turtleneck and styling with wide-leg (and slightly more casual) trousers.

Mother of Pearl Miles Faux Pearl-Embellished Printed Lyocell Shirt

Mother of Pearl Miles Faux Pearl-Embellished Printed Lyocell Shirt ($350)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Mother of Pearl Miles Faux Pearl-Embellished Printed Lyocell Shirt
$350
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

How cool does a polka-dot minidress look layered under an oversize sweatshirt with sneakers and a vibrant bag?

Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Mini Dress With Volume Sleeve And Tie Back Detail

Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Mini Dress With Volume Sleeve And Tie Back Detail ($56)

Image Source: asos.com
Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Mini Dress With Volume Sleeve And Tie Back Detail
$56
from asos.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

A polka-dot pant is a fun way to break up the monotony of head-to-toe black.

Rosetta Getty Bauhaus Dot Print Cotton Poplin Crop Pants

Rosetta Getty Bauhaus Dot Print Cotton Poplin Crop Pants ($560)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Rosetta Getty Bauhaus Dot Print Cotton Poplin Crop Pants
$560
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Polka-dot dresses are inherently playful; for added polish, style a classic blazer over top for work or a nice dinner.

New Look Curve Wrap Dress

New Look Curve Wrap Dress ($36, originally $45)

Image Source: asos.com
New Look Curve Wrap Dress
$36
from asos.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

In still-chilly weather, a polka-dot jacket looks cool belted over a pair of cargo pants.

Asos Design Petite Quilted Jacket

Asos Design Petite Quilted Jacket ($18, originally $79)

Image Source: asos.com
Asos Design Petite Quilted Jacket
$18
from asos.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Channel a retro vibe by wearing a ruffled polka-dot blouse under an oversize suit.

Topshop Ivory Oversized Spot Shirt

Topshop Ivory Oversized Spot Shirt ($68)

Image Source: us.topshop.com
Topshop Ivory Oversized Spot Shirt
$68
from us.topshop.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

For an unexpected night-out look, try styling a tough pair of tall boots with a tailored polka-dot mini.

Martin Martin Delphine Fil Coupé Velvet Mini Dress

Martin Martin Delphine Fil Coupé Velvet Mini Dress ($1,665)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Martin Martin Delphine Fil Coupé Velvet Mini Dress
$1,665
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

Step up your layering game by wearing a polka-dot shirt open over a t-shirt and layered under a trench.

Equipment Daddy Dot Print Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt

Equipment Daddy Dot Print Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt ($177, originally $295)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Equipment Daddy Dot Print Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
$177
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear Polka Dots

On your most feminine days, a polka-dress dress is perfect under a silky jacket with colourful pumps.

Mango Polka Dot Shirt Dress

Mango Polka Dot Shirt Dress ($80)

Image Source: shop.mango.com
Mango Polka Dot Shirt Dress
$80
from shop.mango.com
Buy Now

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