{Outfit Inspiration} Polka Dots

Polka dots as an outfit inspiration? Indeed. Although I think if you’re older than 10, you need to be careful when wearing this fun pattern, as it can look juvenile or retro. We know I have an inner 12-year-boy (whom Megan thinks I should name Skipper), but I think his little sister lives here too because I love polka dots!

Do polka dots in design conjure up images of fun little girl’s rooms?


fabulous little girl rooms, no less! Emily A Clark

True, the pattern can be juvenile, but it can also be fabulous when done properly. Even in large doses:


Vogue Italia via CasaSugar



Via

Dots are also just as impactful in small doses.




Via

 

Via


Notice these are all black & white dots? I think it’s the most sophisticated combination, but since I always need a pop of color, I paired my polka dot with a dash of magenta.

Picnik collage

Since I wore this outfit to work, I kept the polka dot to a minimum. But I think it keeps things from looking too serious
Picnik collage

Too bad I wasn’t invited to the Lonny New Year’s Eve dinner, I could have been another accent!

Picnik collage

And at the risk of looking like Liberace, I can’t resist a ruffly collar! Are there patterns you steer clear of in your home or wardrobe?

{Outfit deets: ress – Martin + Osa; ruffled top – JCrew; cardi – JCrew; belt – JCrew; shoes – Gianni Bini; earrings – Banana Republic}

Leave a Comment

32 Comments

  1. Danielle Oakey Interiors wrote:

    i love polka dots lately. why can't i have a million rooms so i can have everything i love!

    you are so cute, i love that polka dot accent!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  2. Janell @ Isabella and Max wrote:

    You look beautiful! Great colors and I love the little bit of polka dot at the collar! Janell

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  3. Sara Mueller wrote:

    You look fabulous! I love the colors!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  4. Ali Rockwell wrote:

    Great outfit! I love the little pop of polka dots.

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  5. Kelli wrote:

    Please tell me you have seen" Because I Said So"… im totally going to dress like Dianne Keaton when I get old. I think polka dots are fab. I really needed that first picture back in october when we did DD room. She said she wanted a ladybug room, this is exactly what I was picturing but DH didn't get it so I ditched the idea… sad day.

    I wonder what he would say if he came home and I was painting her room…. 🙂

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  6. Erin @ Crafts and Sutch wrote:

    Adorable, as always! I've missed your outfit inspiration posts! 🙂

    …and a patent Mary Jane is always a good thing!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  7. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia wrote:

    Your so beautiful Cassie!
    Love the dots on your outfit, so pretty!
    XOXO
    Kristin

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  8. Chassity (Look Linger Love) wrote:

    Girl, you're HOT HOT HOT. Love this outfit, love the whole post. You should have been at the Rue party. And I dig a ruffly neck too.

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  9. Ashly@Moon Walk wrote:

    Love the dots!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  10. christine {bijouandboheme} wrote:

    LOVE your outfit- the ruffly collar is fabulous. Really loved this whole post- fashion to decor is one of my favourites!!! xo

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  11. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} wrote:

    I'm a polka dot ADDICT! I am so enamored with that outfit…okay, please spill the beans as to where you found that amazeballs top…pretty please…I'm dyin' here! You also look smashing, btw…(c;

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  12. Brittany {Gallery No. Eight} wrote:

    Cute outfit!! I tend to avoid wearing orange and most yellows just because they don't go with my skintone. But I love them in interiors!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  13. Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File wrote:

    LOVE it! Love the dots… what a great outfit!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  14. natasha {schue love} wrote:

    Oooo I love this post! Love all the polka dot inspiration and your OOTD. Very chic!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  15. courtneyoutloud wrote:

    Aren't you a cutie patootie! I love the hint of polka dot at your neck. It's "sexy prim" 🙂

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  16. Allison wrote:

    You look beautiful, Cassie! Love the ruffles around your neck and that's a great color cardigan on you. The whole outfit is just perfect and the touch of polka dots really makes it!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  17. Emily wrote:

    You are too cute! Love it all!!

    Emily Hewett
    A Well Dressed awelldressedhome.com/blog

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  18. Rachie @ A Chi Chi Affair wrote:

    Cassie, you are so stylish!! honestly your outfit is so well put together! Love the wall polka dots – not sure i'm brave enough though but love them in a childs room! xo

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  19. christine, just bella wrote:

    Work it, girl. You look awesome. I like the polka dots and I never met a ruffle I didn't like 🙂

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  20. Cassi wrote:

    I love this outfit. I like the hint of polk-a-dots.

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  21. Simply LKJ wrote:

    Love the outfit! You look amazing!!! Love polka dots. Wore my polka dot cardi yesterday.

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  22. The Zhush wrote:

    Adore polka dots as well…and once you add in purple and ruffles, well, I just want your whole look!

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  23. Kelly Krugh wrote:

    Polka dots make me so happy!! I never tire of seeing that second image either! Such a fun post 🙂

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  24. Simple Dwellings wrote:

    Great post! I love your outfit- you look beautiful! I love polka dots in any space! They're fun and whimsical! 🙂 Happy (almost) Friday.

    Posted 2.17.11 Reply
  25. Allison wrote:

    You look gorgeous! If you ever tire of your outfit let me know. I love it!

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  26. Michaela wrote:

    Girlfriend! You look adorable. I love your outfit inspirations (: Love me some polka dots…and PURPLE…my fav (:

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  27. Dana {Southern Inspired} wrote:

    Love love LOVE the outfit! I'm all about some polka dots! I think you need to bring this decor to outfit feature back more often! 🙂

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  28. emily wrote:

    Gorgeous! Love the whole outfit (and the inspiration rooms too)!

    Questions: Are you at work when you take those pics? Do you have a co-worker take them for you?

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  29. Megan {Honey We're Home} wrote:

    I love these posts Cass! You are gorg!!! Since I'm back to work I was thinking of doing a few too- half the fun of going to work is getting all spiffied up!

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  30. Simply Brookes: wrote:

    Just came over from Honey We're Home. Love the look. Love the blog. As you are into polka's, I am loving stripes. The polkas so work. Love them.
    Oh, and I'm a new follower! See you tomorrow!
    Wendy
    at
    Simply Brookes:

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  31. jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas wrote:

    Love your 'fit! Stylish with a touch of "whimsy!" 🙂

    Posted 2.18.11 Reply
  32. Suzie @ cupcake monkey wrote:

    I am so behind checking in with all of my blogs, so I am way late on this. You look so great!! What a gorgeous outfit! Everything is perfect!

    Posted 2.23.11 Reply