Do the polka

Take a moment, close your eyes and try to recall one of the earliest memories of polka dots — you might see Minnie Mouse in her perfect little polka dot red dress with a matching bow or Rosie the Riveter’s red headgear or Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe aka polka dot’s chief exponents rocking a dress. Polka dots, in one of a number of round dots repeated to form a regular pattern on a fabric, is not only special in our wardrobes but in our memories too.

However, celebrity stylist Aastha Sharma says that this season, the runways have challenged our preconceptions of the retro motif by abandoning its sugary roots in favour of contemporary pattern blocking, and cosmic colouring.

“I believe that people of all ages and generations own at least one polka dot outfit. But this season designers have filtered the pattern through a fresh pair of sartorial lens. But that doesn’t mean you have to go for a particular type of polka dot. It can be as small as sugar and big as a bunny. I have been loving the pantsuits with polka dots pattern on them. And I think pairing print on print is very 21st century.”  

While there can be something wistfully nostalgic about wearing them now, there’s a fine line between a trend that’s playful and one that’s infantile. So, how do you wear the timeless polka dot without looking overly twee? Designer Aniket Satam says, “For starters, a simple button down shirt in mono tone polka over a pair of well-fitted denim works best. A timeless feminine silhouette a la a slip dress with uneven flare or cotton daytime off-shoulder dress works the best. For a really edgy night option, go for tone on tone polka dots. Think different patterns and vivid textures. Jumbo sequins on a matt textile or polka dots in velvet or on a sheer, fluid fabric for a poetic and gypsy look.”  

Jacquemus

Polkas used on clothes that are knotted or tied haphazardly or as asymmetric panels of colour are great too. You can even opt for polka dots that double up as flowers. That’s two trends for the price of one. Oversized 3D polka dots recur on everything from backpacks to buttons and it’s worth a try.   

Designer Aditi Somani feels sundresses, flirty blouses or button-down shirts that have a feminine silhouette make polka dots look more youthful and sexy. “While small dots in high numbers create a lovely effect, the same cannot be said if the dots are too big in size and in loud colours. Try to play with polka dots in such a manner that they make you look girly and not a clown. Some simple mix and match tricks like pairing your cut polka dot shirt with printed/solid skirt or tights or a dotted bodycon with a plain jacket can be wonderful options.”