Leave others seeing spots when you walk by.
Polka dots always have been a classic for spring wardrobes, but this season, they are being spotted in new combinations.
"A fresh new way to wear polka dots is to mix them with something like a floral print," says Treena Lombardo, Allure magazine fashion director. "Wearing polka dots with polka dots gives too much of that Minnie Mouse message."
Polka dots are a traditional print for any woman's wardrobe, Lombardo says. What's new is the variety of color combinations on blouses, dresses, pants and accessories.
Pulling off a trendy look with a polka-dot dress depends on the confidence level of the wearer, Lombardo says. Let it make the statement, and keep complementing pieces neutral.
A fun look is to pair polka-dot pants with a white shirt, Lombardo says.
Polka-dot accessories range from headbands to hats to handbags to footwear.
"A pair of polka-dot shoes might be hard to pull off unless you want to go with a pair of sneakers, which could work for a more-casual look," Lombardo says. "All-over polka dots aren't easy to pull off, unless you are (designer) Betsey Johnson wearing head to toe polka dots. She would look fantastic, but it's not for everyone."
Polka dots are a fun, retro pattern that can be whimsical, says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom fashion director.
"Polka dots are like stripes," Andrews says. "You always feel feminine when you wear them, and they make you happy."
He suggests that women wear them in lighter fabrics and consider polka-dot shoes and accessories.
"I love the polka-dot skirts. Wear them with a jean jacket to create the feeling of soft mixing with rugged," Andrews says. "Even a polka-dot handbag works. Navy and white are classics, but choosing other colors will do, too."
Polka dots make bright-colored shoes or a bag pop, says Abby Samet, Macy's fashion director. She says a polka-dot blouse also is a great way to use this new print with colored denim.
Polka dots don't have to be perfect circles. And, they can be muted or of varying sizes.
For spring, polka dots are being seen as casual and dressy, says Owen Kelly, L.L. Bean senior design manager. On the casual side, opt for a cotton sweater with dots in fun pops of color, or go with a polka-dot shirt to dress it up a little.
And you never can go wrong with polka-dot swimwear, Kelly says.
"Polka dots also translate well in accessories that can be worn with many outfits," Kelly says. "Try a lightweight, printed summer scarf, bag or footwear."
Polka dots have evolved well beyond the 1950s housewife, says Marie Kojitani, Zappos.com style editor.
"If you can only add one piece to your spring wardrobe, definitely go with a pair of polka-dot denim," Kojitani says. "Denim is so easy to transition from day to night. Wear them during the day with a T-shirt and Converse sneakers, and update your look for a girls night out with a silk blouse and sky-high heels."
