i styled every polka dot in my closet
7 polka dot outfits for summer, starting with a pair of capris that pleasantly surprised me.
plink! plink! plink!
That’s how I imagine my polka dots sound in the laundry, bouncing off the dryer walls and tumbling into each other.
I have a plethora of polka dots. It’s funny to call them my polka dots—not “my polka dot skirt” or “polka dot pants” because I see them more like little critters that stick onto the said clothes…because of their roundness, they feel human to me. Like a pair of eyes, a blob head, a lump of a baby.
In fashion, dots have perhaps most associated with the itty bitty polka dot bikini or with clown costumes. Which is so camp. Historically, in Europe, dots were actually a sinister symbol of disease because it reminded people of blemishes from plagues and ‘poxes. Artist Yayoi Kusama famously used her signature polka dots as a way to metaphorically melt into the universe itself. Cell by cell, molecule by molecule. Dot by dot. In her words:i
Our earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos. Polka dots are a way to infinity.
Dots connect us with our most existential and imaginative selves.
Maybe it’s the height of summer heat getting to me, but I’ve been in a major dotty mood lately. So, I decided to style every polka dot in my closet.
*Also, on Thursday I will be adding a roundup of secondhand polka dot items in my secondhand sonar google doc (link at bottom) for paid subscribers.
Ok, here’s the first look!
This outfit was styled around the pants, of course! I saw the short inseam on these capris and thought they would be the perfect ankle grazing pant for me, and I was right. They’re a lightweight pant that doesn’t fit too tight against the skin, so it’s perfect for the recent hot weather.
The polka dots are more poppy-orange than bright red, which inspired me to wear it with an orange tank top (thrifted online for $20 and cut the neckline myself to make it more open).
Another look at the slight kick flare at the bottom of the capris. I feel like they’re a great shape of pant to wear with kitten heels. This particular pair was a Japanese eBay Miu Miu score, with an elastic slingback that makes it more comfortable on the foot.
I am not sure if the brand will restock the capris, but they’re also listed here on what appears to be the designer’s Depop account where you can inquire about availability before purchasing. I sent a message myself asking what sizes she might have and will update this if I hear back today.
I couldn’t help but play around with how this could be styled for early fall lol. I did not wear this for long (as it was too hot, even indoors) but draped this slouchy Apparis jacket which autumn-izes the look…outfit idea in the back pocket for October, maybe. The silver mesh bag felt like a playful way to mirror the polka dots in a less literal matchy-matchy way, because the embellishments are little daisies versus perfectly round dots.
Also—I didn’t buy anything from the MNZ x J.Crew collab, but appreciated the inclusion of the mesh “Birthday Bag” that’s so core to the MNZ brand. Utilitarian like a lunchbox but sexy like a sheer bralette, it’s a simple genius design of a bag. I found 4 vintage bags that are similar in spirit (and less than the collab bag price of $50).
Reflection…MNZ x J.Crew has been rightfully compared to Doen x GAP, and it’s easy to see the parallels in the type of brands working together and how they are mutually beneficial. While I am intrigued by what the collections look like—I want to look and assess how they are fusing brand identity for the customer—I never feel too compelled to buy anything. I think it’s because I am so used to buying secondhand, and devote time/energy to researching for it, that if I truly wanted a unique MNZ piece I’d rather wait the long game and find it on Depop or whatever. Not everyone has the time resources to shop secondhand though, so I recognize how this is very appealing for the MNZ fanbase who wants the design ethos at more accessible prices. Also, Karaspoke pointed out there are cotton tees and I think it’s awesome they took a ‘J.Crew basics’ fabric to an MNZ girl cut that’s typically produced in some kind of polyester mesh. Tbh, I wish Doen x GAP went more ‘GAP cottons’ route.
mnz-ish mini totes
You’ve seen this skirt recently in my “pineapple butt sniffer” outfit post. It’s just a wonderful summer skirt: bright yellow, festive red dots, interesting sheer overlay effect. I wanted to do a bit of pattern mixing here and wore this vibrant magenta floral print top—yes, the patterns are a lot going on but I believe it still works because the fabrics are of a similar weight and sheerness. So there’s a continuity for the eye as you move down the outfit.
I tried this outfit on with sandals but it just felt a little lackluster? These chocolate boots felt the best, maybe because it counters the sheerness and floatiness with its rich brown leather.
Side view of the gorgeous print, which you can’t really see from the front. SJP wore this Marni SS2000 print in an episode of SATC.
I love this Anna Sui top. The long bow tie is dramatic, similar to designs from last year’s Sandy Liang shows. It’s quite unlike any other top I have…the empire waist long top/minidress situation is challenging to style. It needs just a teeny bit of miniskirt underneath, otherwise the flimsy cotton flared part looks a bit too much like underwear. The polka dots are so bold here with the stripe accents, I don’t need much else in the outfit.
So I just wore some tall boots again, but with a flatter heel (vs. heeled, cause I think it would look too costume-y with the short hemline).
Back to the capris, because I wore them so much this week. I wore a fitted corset tank this time, with a row of buttons down the front and pleated bustline. With gingham flats, it’s a simple 60s-inspired outfit.
The straps are a little long. I have to admit, this top is not the most comfortable by nature of its corset design. But I love how it looks with a relaxed pant!
The classic pleated polka dot skirt. I always lean into the school uniform vibes when I style it. So a striped button-down it is! Stripes and dots are an easy pattern matching formula. I also find the Neapolitan color scheme so satisfying.
Do not underestimate the power of knee high socks. This outfit reads very different with a crew sock or sandal. Pairing these socks and platform brogues is one of my go-to “calf down” styling tricks to make something feel more edgy without the weight of a tall boot.
This was an outfit I wore for a day of eating and exploring in Mexico City. It was super comfy. The print here is more “bubble” than “polka dot” but what I love about dots is that there’s so many variations of it. For me, this is an example of an outfit that has a lot of color going on but doesn’t feel overly “rainbow paint thrown at a wall.”
The futurism of the metallic blue backpack accentuates the bubble skirt, it brings to mind fanciful imagery like soap suds or spacesuit helmets. My Keens go with any sock color, really…you can get away with wearing a lot of colors from the foot below because it’s such a small surface area that it doesn’t overwhelm.
The last polka dots in my closet—a silk halter dress. I was happy to get more wear out of this dress since buying it earlier this spring and wearing to for my LA trip. It’s perfect for a nice dinner out. I kept it very simple with mannish t-bar leather flats and my everyday gold necklace.
Google doc to be updated on Thursday with a fresh batch of polka dot finds.
Do you like to wear polka dots?
Did any of these looks inspire you?
What’s your favorite way to style them?
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
viv
I LOVE that black corset top! I have a white Carolyne Roehm dress with little black polka dots that I haven’t worn this summer. Maybe tomorrow will be the day!
I really loved the orange polka-dot capris - polka dots and capris were two of many contemporaneous trends I predicted, alongside halter dresses/tops! Orange polka dots are also so very Sabrina Carpenter.
I loved the sailor motifs of the Anna Sui empire waist, almost baby-doll style top.
In January I speculated heavily that polka-dots would be a massive trend - I wrote an article, but due to some email mishaps I'll be reposting it soon.