If there’s a perfect pairing made in fashion heaven between two contrasting opposites, spots and stripes are IT. Find out how to wear them both within one outfit.
Polka dots and stripes are staple prints that have captured the hearts of many and while the fashion world thrives of fleeting fads, these two prints reveal lasting impression follows the timeless.
Spots when present in the right shape, frequency and color over clothing and/or accessories organized well within a single ensemble warrants you a certificate that says ‘fashionably sound’ and the fashion police will have no reason to bother you unless… you’re caught wearing leggings as pants.
As far as clashing prints’ concerned, the teaming of polka dots and stripes together is rather tame. The serious mix and matching of patterns shown and flaunted off by catwalk models on fashion runways as dictated by fashion designers high on creative license often do not translate well when imitated by the rest of us.
And then, there are other people who are avid commentators on fashion who typically get intense about clothing of others whereupon the sight of dots and stripes intermingling in an outfit makes them very disagreeable.
We all know that subjectivity is rife but there is such a thing as a fashion disaster, so perhaps then those without positive views on this ultimately chic pairing might have unfortunately been exposed to one or two reckless outfits.
Alas, if you’re a a serial fashionista, by now your default mode is to not mind and be blessed that we are a diverse lot.
Personally, I find there is always a way to ruin any pattern mash up within an attire especially when both are visually intense and the wallflower in me automatically cringes at the thought of wearing one statement-making print with another just for the sake of fashion experimentation.
Not that there’s anything wrong with wanting to be a scene-stealer, mind you. However, for me, the simplistic and oh so wearable coupling of monochromatic/neutral polka dots and stripes is simply hard to resist.
If you’re green to print clashing, here’s a pairing that hovers on the edge of conservative (if you stick with safe neutral colors that is).
Experimental and bold with your style? Go have at it with dots and stripes rendered in candy hues or other color mixture that you’re fond of to reflect the spirit of spring/summer in your wardrobe. Color blocking along with bold pattern clashing is not for the faint hearted and must be worn with serious attitude.
Minimalist dresser, don’t despair: Polka dots and stripes belong under the umbrella of classic prints that when rendered in neutral hues and small scale in print size that go with all body shapes/temperaments, you may just be tempted to give the dotted-and-lined combo a go.
So, as always, to the lookbooks below for how to mix polka dots with stripes together in an outfit:
♥ polka dot shirt – Chicwish
♥ shirt and skirt – Stradivarius
♥ striped top and polka dot skirt – J.Crew
To the polyvore sets for more outfits dotted and lined to chic perfection:
♥ dress in stripes – Madewell | polka dot heels with striped soles – Debenhams
♥ long sleeve striped tee – J.Crew | polka dot disco shorts – New Look
♥ strapless prom dress in spots and stripes – Forever New | tote in stripes – JMclaughlin
♥ striped on pocket tank – Organic by John Patrick | polka dot denim shorts – G21
Do any of the print on print looks here appeal to your style senses? Are you excited to embrace this mild pattern mixing? Let us know in the comments!
“The loner who looks fabulous is one of the most vulnerable loners of all.” — Anneli Rufus
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Here on Fashionista NOW, our one and very own Miss Reverie showcases the latest in fashion trends and its various social implications in our everyday lives. You may read more of her at REVERIE SANCTUARY.
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