
It is rare to find someone who does not like polka dots. If you want to revive this ‘70s fashion staple, you need a few polka dot dress outfit ideas. The key is to go retro but in 21st century style.
Polka dot dresses are the epitome of versatility and can be styled according to the occasion. The ‘70s silhouettes, with its flowing one-pieces, ruffled tops, and maxi skirts, offers many opportunities to rock polka dots – but keep in mind to not just blindly follow trends but experiment with exciting combinations yourself. Their playful print allows them to look effortlessly chic. You can style polka dot outfits with heels and a blazer for a polished look or just pair them with sneakers and a denim jacket for a relaxed and casual look. Here’s your chance to wear polka dot outfits and look cute. Discover 13 stylish ways to wear your polka dot dress for any given occasion in this article. Scroll down to check out some interesting polka dot clothing ideas!
Ace The Look
- Body Type: Flowy polka-dotted tops or an A-line dress for an apple-shaped body type, polka-dotted jumpsuits for the hourglass, pencil skirts for rectangular body types, and a long ball gown for a pear-shaped one.
- Occasions: Summer outings, parties, picnics, get-togethers, or even office (when styled right).
- Makeup: Subtle makeup, cat eyes, and red or pink lips go best with polka dots.
- Hairstyles: Short- or medium-length wavy hairstyles, fish-tail or French plaits or a sleek ponytail.
In This Article
1. 13 Ways To Wear Polka Dots
2. Key Takeaways
3. Do’s And Don’ts For Wearing Polka Dots
4. Infographic: 5 Polka Dot Outfit Ideas To Slay Any Occasion
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Illustration: Ways To Wear Polka Dots
13 Ways To Wear Polka Dots
The best way to sport polka looks is to break away from the stereotype and look at them differently. You can pair them with plaids, florals, and prints, and play around with colors. Red, blue, white, pink, black…there’s so much you can do. Scroll through our lookbook and get started!
1. Black And White Off-Shoulder Gown

A stunning black-and-white off-shoulder gown featuring an elegant neckline that highlights the collarbone. The dress combines a fitted bodice with a flowing silhouette, creating a timeless and sophisticated look perfect for formal events. Classic polka dot or solid patterns can add versatility to the design.
2. Coral Polka Dot Gown

Flaming coral mixed with polka dots is how you turn up the heat on the otherwise subdued polka pattern. If this doesn’t prove to you that polka dots are more than just a retro pattern, we don’t know what else will. Put your hair up in a ponytail, go with nude makeup, dab on some brown lipstick, and finish off with ankle-length booties.
3. White Polka Dress

A chic white polka dot dress adorned with playful black dots, featuring a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. Perfect for casual outings or semi-formal events, it exudes timeless charm and effortless elegance.
4. Blue And White Polka Slit Dress

Borrow some of that Parisian panache and strut around like a diva in this ultra-chic slit dress. A slick bun, silver pumps, a belt, and angular shades add up to a hundred to make this look work. If you want to spruce this outfit up further, you can go for ankle or knee-high boots.
5. Black And White Polka Dot Skirt

There’s nothing more flattering than a polka dot skater skirt paired with a tank top and a shrug. Kitten heels, simple studs, beachy waves, and a laptop bag with this outfit will let you breeze through from a day job to a summer soirée.
6. Polka Dot Jacket

Here’s another signature piece with this timeless print that you can add to your closet. Go for monochrome or a full black outfit and finish it off with a polka dots jacket. It is neither too loud nor too twee. It is just perfect. Feel free to add a pop of color with red pumps.
7. Polka Tube Top

We found you an ideal companion this fall, but not something that is straight out of a magazine. A polka tube top. Unassuming, right? A tube top, a long skirt, tan boots, and a trench coat. Damn, why did we not think of this earlier?
8. Polka Shirt And Suit

A dapper polka dot shirt paired with a tailored suit, blending classic sophistication with a modern twist. The subtle or bold polka pattern adds a touch of personality, making it perfect for formal events or stylish business attire.
9. Red Polka Dot Pencil Skirt

A bold red polka dot pencil skirt with a flattering, curve-hugging silhouette. Perfect for adding a pop of color to your wardrobe, it transitions effortlessly from office chic to a stylish evening look.
10. Pink Polka Dot Ruffle Dress

Spring or summer, beach or the local market, a party inside or a luncheon outside – get hold of one of these dresses because, as you can see, they come in handy no matter where you are headed. If you have no other go-to party outfit ideas, why not give polka dots a try?
11. Brown Polka Dress

After the signature black and white polka dots print, brown is the most coveted. It is understated and almost like a style underdog. Gowns, sweaters, wrap-around tops, and pencil skirts are all minimalistic, subtle, and classy ways of incorporating the brown polka print.
12. Polka Dot Sundress

One of the most refreshing takes on the polka dot has to be the sundress! Combining a cutesy pattern with a cutesy dress paints the perfect summer picture. The pattern is lively, and so is the flowy, loose cut of a sundress in breathable fabric. Opt for bright or vibrant colors for a perfect warm-weather fashion.
13. Polka Dot Peplum Dress

A stylish polka dot peplum dress featuring a fitted bodice and a flared peplum waist detail. This chic design flatters the figure while adding a playful touch, making it perfect for both formal and semi-casual occasions.
Key Takeaways
- The key to wearing polka dots the right way is to style the outfit with balance so that it can look retro yet modern.
- Polka dots create a statement of their own, so it is best to not mix polka dots with other loud colors.
- Use simple and small accessories instead of chunky ones to create a harmonious look with polka dot outfits.
Do’s And Don’ts For Wearing Polka Dots
Do’s:
- Mix Sizes: Pair larger polka dots with smaller ones for a balanced look.
- Use as a Statement: Keep the rest of your outfit simple to let polka dots shine.
- Choose Flattering Colors: Pick colors that complement your skin tone and occasion.
- Accessorize Smartly: Add neutral or minimal accessories to avoid clashing with the bold print.
- Experiment: Try polka dots on different pieces like blazers, skirts, or shoes.
Don’ts:
- Overdo It: Avoid wearing polka dots head-to-toe unless it’s a statement outfit.
- Mix with Loud Patterns: Steer clear of pairing polka dots with busy prints to maintain harmony.
- Neglect Fit: Ensure polka dot garments are well-fitted, as oversized pieces may overwhelm your figure.
- Go Overboard with Accessories: Skip overly embellished items that might clash with the playful print.
- Stick to Only Black and White: Explore colored polka dots for a fresh, modern vibe.
Infographic: 5 Polka Dot Outfit Ideas To Slay Any Occasion
Polka dots are timeless classics. If you know how to style them the right way, they are perfect for almost every occasion, summer or winter. Check out the infographic below to find out the best ways to style polka dot outfits for your special occasions.

It is an undeniable fact that most women love polka dots. However, what is also a fact is that not everyone can carry a polka dot outfit with elegance and panache. The trick to successfully wearing a polka dress is seamlessly blending a retro vibe with modern aesthetics. The polka dot outfit ideas shared in this article can serve as inspiration for styling flowy one-pieces, ruffled tops, formal gowns, and skirts. You can easily pull off a polka dot outfit if you keep balance in mind. However, avoid chunky jewelry and too many prints or patterns when assembling a polka dot outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I wear a white and black polka dot dress to a wedding?
Ideally, you must avoid wearing white to a wedding as it is the bride’s color to shine in. But if black is more prominent in the dress and you have accessorized it well, you may wear it.
2. Can you wear polka dots in winter?
Although polka dots give a very summery look, you may wear them in winter too. Layering a polka dot dress with a cashmere, blazer, coat, jacket, or sweater will give you that perfect winter vibe.
3. Can I wear a polka dot dress for a formal or evening event?
Yes. Pick one in a darker shade such as black or navy in a formal cut, such as a gown or a fitted cocktail dress.
4. What shoes go well with a polka dot dress?
Pair it up with black pumps or metallic heels to add a touch of glamor for a formal look, or flat sandals or sneakers for an informal one.
5. How can I create a vintage look with a polka dot dress?
Go for Hollywood curls, a pearl necklace and lace gloves, and high heels. You can also wear a fashionable straw hat to top it off.
6. What hairstyles complement a polka-dot dress?
Depending on the type of dress and event, you can go for buns and half updos, ponytails, side braids, and loose waves.
Illustration: Ways To Wear Polka Dots
