As FashionBeans reported earlier in the year, polka dots are making their presence felt this season with good representation across both designer and high street collections.
Traditionally, circles and dots are applied to accent pieces, with spotty pocket squares and scarves a particular highlight of the Ermenegildo Zegna SS14 showcase:
But in recent seasons this subtle and timeless approach has given way to the rise of the statement dot and all-over micro-prints.
Hermès were a strong advocate of micro-dot patterns for SS14, with the fashion house choosing to apply them to wide-legged trousers, sports jackets and blazers, demonstrating the versatility of the print.
The majority of the looks came in one of SS14’s go-to shades, blue, while warm terracotta tones emphasised a summer vibe:
In addition to their polka dot scarves and cravats, Ermenegildo Zegna’s collection saw medallion-style prints applied to shirts, which were paired with relaxed-fit suiting for a 1970s feel.
A similar retro approach was adopted at Saint Laurent, where polka dots were carried on open-collared shirts in shades of burnt orange, charcoal grey, jet black and vivid red. Saint Laurent went on to feature a black leather jacket with all-over metallic studs that created a similar effect, epitomising Hedi Slimane’s signature rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic:
SS15 References
Statement dots were all the rage within SS15 collections, with Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Alexander McQueen and Giorgio Armani all applying large spots to formal garments such as suiting, blazers and shirting.
This oversized take on the print is a natural development and looks set to become a major trend next year:
Lookbook Inspiration
Current Pieces
Polka dots will always look classic and refined when applied as micro-dot prints to accessories and shirting. However, as proven at the SS15 fashion weeks, now is the time to keep your eye out for larger, more eye-catching circle motifs:
- ALLSAINTS FARSTA SHIRT
- ASOS POLO WITH POLKA DOT PRINT
- ASOS SLIM FIT SMART CROPPED TROUSERS IN POLKA DOT
- HERSCHEL SETTLEMENT BACKPACK IN POLKA DOT
- HE BY MANGO POLKA-DOT SILK POCKET SQUARE
- TOPMAN NAVY SPOT SKINNY TROUSERS
- SATURDAYS SURF NYC POLKA-DOT PRINT COTTON SHIRT
- RIVER ISLAND GREY BELLFIELD MIXED POLKA DOT T-SHIRT
- RIVER ISLAND DARK GREY POLKA DOT JUMPER
- ASOS SMART SCARF WITH POLKA DOT
- SATURDAYS SURF NYC MID-LENGTH PRINTED SWIM SHORTS
- HE BY MANGO 2 PACK POLKA-DOT SOCKS
But in recent seasons this subtle and timeless approach has given way to the rise of the statement dot and all-over micro-prints.
Hermès were a strong advocate of micro-dot patterns for SS14, with the fashion house choosing to apply them to wide-legged trousers, sports jackets and blazers, demonstrating the versatility of the print.
The majority of the looks came in one of SS14’s go-to shades, blue, while warm terracotta tones emphasised a summer vibe:
In addition to their polka dot scarves and cravats, Ermenegildo Zegna’s collection saw medallion-style prints applied to shirts, which were paired with relaxed-fit suiting for a 1970s feel.
A similar retro approach was adopted at Saint Laurent, where polka dots were carried on open-collared shirts in shades of burnt orange, charcoal grey, jet black and vivid red. Saint Laurent went on to feature a black leather jacket with all-over metallic studs that created a similar effect, epitomising Hedi Slimane’s signature rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic:
