Polka-Dot Dresses

Fun and playful, polka-dot dresses are the perfect way to perk up any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a polka-dot prom dress, polka-dot homecoming dress, or a casual party dress with polka dots, choose the dotted pattern that’s best for your style. Appropriate for all ages and no longer reserved for itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikinis, dresses with polka-dot prints are popping up in main-stream fashion again. Get ready for flowy maxi dresses with dotted designs and semi-formal fashions that will have you seeing spots. For formal attire, polka-dot dresses in classic colors, like black and white, provide a sophisticated look. Sporting a polka-dot prom dress is one way to show that you have style! Wearing this retro print is a great way to evoke an energetic vibe at prom, homecoming, or another special event.

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How to Wear Polka Dots

The suggestions on how to wear polka dots remain the same, whether you’re looking for a casual, semi-formal, or formal dress with this timeless design. From tiny spots to big bold dots, polka-dot dress patterns can vary in size, color, and placement. To find the most figure-flattering polka-dot dress for you, check out these 6 tips on how to wear polka dots:

  • Choose an Appropriate Color. While you can find polka-dot patterns in nearly any color imaginable, you’ll want to find a color combination that’s appropriate for your style and event. Keep your look classic when you go with black or navy dots against a white background or white dots against the dark background. For an attention-grabbing pattern go with bright colors like yellow polka dots against a red or royal blue background. Or, opt for a soft, subtle look with white or ivory polka dots on muted background colors like light pink or baby blue.

  • Consider the Polka Dot Size. Large-scale polka dots typically add volume, while small-scale polka-dot patterns are subtle and usually decrease the overall volume of your look. For instance, if you have a slender figure and want to add the illusion of curves to your look, a beautiful dress with big polka dots scattered across the skirt will do the trick. Petite figures and those looking for a refined style should stick with tiny polka dot prints, as these patterns provide a sophisticated look and won’t overwhelm you. Whatever your desired look and personal style, be sure to find a dress with polka dots in the size best suited for you.

  • Take Pattern Placement into Account. You can wear a dress with an allover polka dot pattern, but you also can wear a dress with polka dots only covering a portion of the dress. Blending a solid-colored bodice or skirt with the excitement of a polka-dot print is great for guiding attention to your favorite features. Polka-dot patterns become a focal point, so choose dresses with spots on the bodice to draw attention upwards or dresses with polka-dotted skirts to visually elongate your look.

  • Consider the Arrangement of the Pattern. The arrangement of the polka-dot pattern can affect the visual appearance of your figure. Whether the pattern of polka dots is an organized sequence of dots or a random sprinkling of spots, the spacing can make a difference in the overall look. Polka dot dresses with a large amount of blank space between spots are visually volumizing, as it takes longer for your eye to wander from spot to spot. On the contrary, polka dots placed close together in a repetitive pattern leave less background visible and therefore tend to have a visually slimming effect.

  • Keep Your Body Type in Mind. Savvy fashionistas know that when done correctly, you can use prints and patterns to emphasize your best features. How you accentuate your figure with polka dots depends on what you want to enhance or disguise. While some busty ladies may want a dress with a dense small polka-dot pattern on the bodice to minimize volume, other curvy girls may choose to play up this feature with a wide or bright colored-pattern on the bodice. Ultimately the choice is yours, but picking the right polka-dot dress for your figure can create a unique and picture-perfect look.

  • Accessorize Wisely. Polka-dot dresses, while inherently girly, are surprisingly versatile and can transition quickly from day to night. Accessories are a great way to take this look to the next level. To keep the pattern the focal point of your look, choose accessories that complement your dress rather than compete with it. If you’re wearing muted or classic color polka dots, you can opt to add a pop of color with your jewelry and shoes. However, if your polka-dot dress is brightly colored or bold in design, it is best to choose neutral or muted accessories to complement your overall look.

Since fashion influencers are breathing new life into this trend, now is the perfect time to liven up the prints and patterns in your wardrobe with the addition of some playful polka dots. A great go-to look for everything from casual get togethers with friends to formal dances, polka-dot dresses prove that nostalgic fashions can easily be revived. To explore additional unique patterns and designs, be sure to check out PromGirl’s collection of print dresses here.