Dot, dot, dot
I’ve been meaning to send this out as a midweek marvel for WEEKS! And time just slipped right through my fingers. I’m back though. Spring has sprung, the ideas are flowing, and my 75 no shopping is done. More on that soon!
For today, I rounded up the neutral of warm weather, a print that evokes joy, all while singing to yourself “itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini”—polka dots.
Looking back a few weeks, did Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscars dress catch your eye like it caught mine?! I saw some commentary that this wasn’t interesting enough for the Oscars or looked like something one would wear to a wedding or that small prints look cheap (if this is you, go ahead and close out this email now, no hard feelings).
To each their own, and to me, love. As a presenter, it felt fitting. Not too out there or showy, but a tried and true silhouette with some intrigue from a print you usually don’t see on a red carpet.
She hasn't missed in eons, taking up a stronghold in the classic girl-style aesthetic. This look in particular stands as a beacon of what a strong glow can do for any look. Not orange, just full of life!
Since this appearance, I started seeing polka dots everywhere. Of course now that I’m writing about it, I can’t remember all the influencer moments, but I do remember Arielle Charnas donning two polka dot getups on vacation recently. For a brief history, h/t to Cosmo.
An evergreen sign of spring and summer that can stand on its own or as a neutral. In my hunting, I’ve seen lots of sets (hello vacation!), and I’m digging styling polka dots with the simplicity of denim or a white t-shirt. From high to low, new to old, if polka dots strike you, there are lots of options!
I’ve had this dress on my polka dot wishlist for a long time. You can tie it differently so it’s appropriate for work, but the deep V with a bow screams “lady who lunches and is untethered from what’s appropriate, yet still chooses a twist on a classic silhouette and pattern.” I love that aesthetic.
J.Crew went hard on the polka dots in their latest drop, and their spring sale with many things 40% off is going on right now. Shorts, sets, dresses, vacationwear, even scrunchies. Reformation and Target are other hot spots for dots, and as luck would have it, Sezane is dropping their latest on Sunday with more wonderful dots.
The navy-white colorway is perfection. The set could be dressed up for a wedding, or worn site-seeing. The dress on the right lands above the knee, making it an adorable option for the guest of honor at a baby boy shower or a less formal wedding. If it were longer, it would be an immediate buy for me for an upcoming wedding.
DRESSES
Moving from left to right, we start off strong with chocolate options. The furthest left would be perfect for vacation or a hot summer day and the second would be an unexpected take for a wedding or formal event. Next, Doen enters the polka dot chat with a more streamlined, modern look than usual. The waist makes this a workable candidate for layering with a sweater during the cold weather months. Moving along to Mango and Hill House, both dress up or down options. This little white number could be thrown over a swimsuit or under a jean jacket. I’m a BIG fan of the cape or tail, and Reformation brings some drama with this option. Finally, this is Free People and has a strappy, open back. That’s not my favorite, but I thought this was cute enough to include anyway.
VACATIONWEAR
I really tried to make this roundup more than just a big fat ode to J.Crew, but I love how they stuck with opposite colorways and ran with it. Essentially making all the pieces ready for mixing and matching. Swimsuits of every style, linen shorts, dresses and tops, all make for great vacationwear. On the right, the rash guard is a sensible option from Gap, middle is a daring pick from Net-A-Port, and bottom is an easy Madewell choice.
OTHER BAUBS
A miscellaneous category! The cream, bigger dots second from the left is a set from Target, and a major find in my humble opinion. I also love Reformation’s take on a slightly sheer, polka dot top that’s second from the right.
REALREAL FINDS
Barely even scratched the surface of what was available. The second from the left is Zimmermann, and it was the first time I came across the chocolate, mint colorway, which feels seasonless.
Finally, and as an entree to the next edition, how about this polka dot dog jacket?! ADORABLE. Dogs and polka dogs share the same whimsical energy, and the crossover here is off the charts. Would Chili P wear this?! If I get her a dog jacket, does that mean I can no longer use the rain as an excuse to not walk?
If you’ve also been seeing dots, I’d love to know your thoughts and see anything on your polka dot wishlist! Xoxox!
Polka dots are the happiest pattern I can think of!
This is an amazing roundup!! I love polka dots!! They feel whimsical and are also a rewearable pattern imo!! JLaw can do no wrong imo and I thought she looked stunning at the Oscar’s. Like, I’ll have what she’s having, thanks! Also, that Sezane mini is TO DIE FOR. I have no where to wear her but I haven’t stopped thinking about her since I saw it!!! Ps you need to check out Posse for some of the best (and resonably priced) polka dot sets!