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I once had a boss who came at me for suggesting a story on polka dots. I don’t have PTSD about it anymore, but I will never forget it. (We are talking like 15 years ago.) She told me no one over five years old would or should wear polka dots….it gets worse but I’ll spare you.
I was young and inexperienced and didn’t have the fashion vocabulary to fight back, but luckily for you, I DO NOW! It would be hard to find a more universally fantastic print than polka dots. A print that could and can communicate so many identities. Playfulness, femininity (see Miu Miu), rebellion (see Comme des Garçons!), power (see Saint Laurent), mod, retro, balance. You name it, polka dots can pretty much always swoop in and give a look some depth.

BUT, not all polka dots are created equal. A sophisticated polka dot gives off a sense of control. A messy polka dot (as I call them) can veer into chaos.
Basically, the polka dots of 2023 are small, evenly spaced and create a pattern - either grid-like, or spaced every/other. You’ll notice it now. Polka dots that appear to be slapped on at random or are clownishly large (with a few VERY EXPENSIVE exceptions) are distracting! They don’t let you, the person, lead, but walk into the room before you. A small polka dot on the other hand could be swapped out with your navy and white stripes relatively seamlessly.


In fact, it’s kind of hard to even call polka dots a trend at all. They’re a print that you can feel confident you won’t be sick of in a year. And even if you are, you’ll definitely like them again in a few more.



We are all gaga over Miu Miu’s FW23 collection, naturally. The below pull out from the Vogue.com review of the collection discusses the balance between youth and well-worn elegance. To me, this is front and center, specifically in the polka dotted looks.
“Elegance isn’t as easy as subscribing to a trend. Dressing and acting elegantly are inevitably something that comes with age, and try as they may, thankfully the younger generation whose mindset Miu Miu reflects and affects are still living life their own way. Prada wrapped that infectious sentiment of youth into a Miu Miu collection that read like a shopping list for the fall 2023 wardrobe.”
It’s a print that reminds many of their youth (see: Rei Kawakubo. or friend of 5 Things Rya B.) but it takes a certain level of design knowhow to turn the silly little spots into sheer ELEGANCE! To make them feel fresh, but 100% grown up at the same time.
There are lots of places to find these petite points. Below, I’ll show you where (and how) to look for them. Broken down into five general categories but really just a bunch of great spots that you can throw on whenever you have to leave the house.
Comme des Garçons is a natural search term you should start with. There are second-hand deals to be had all over the place. There are pages on The RealReal and eBay.
There is a smattering of Miu Miu dots that are new this season across the internet and some Saint Laurent power dots in a slew of separates. But there are also Mango dots and Zara dots! And men’s dots and dotted scarves. Silky dots and sheer dots. ETC. ETC. ETC. The dots below all have a few things in common. Their smaller size. Their neutral palette. And, the fact that I’d wear any of them. :)

TOPS


SKIRTS: aka my favorite category of dots




DRESSES

PANTS

SCARVES (well really, just one awesome scarf)

And there you have it. Many more than five this week (we will go back to a tight edit next week, don’t worry) but I think you get the idea now. Happy shopping!
Yours TRULY,
Becky
NOTE: I use affiliate links when applicable which means I may get a small commission from things you buy (no cost to you!) Thank you for supporting my work and trusting me with your shopping!
Polka Dots are for Everyone
I just sent two polka dot dresses to ThredUp and will now have to buy them back from myself.
Justice for polka dots!! Always has and always will be my fave pattern.