Fashion Over 50: The Polka Dot Connection

One 2011 trend that hasn’t gotten much fashion magazine coverage is the polka dot print. Perhaps, it’s hard for fashion editors to get excited about a print that appears with the regularity of locust. But a quick perusal of the web finds polka dots on everything from dresses and shorts to handbags and sandals for summer.

Polka dots are fun and versatile. They're perfect in and out of work. I once had a tiny red and white polka dot dress that was dressy enough for a summer wedding. The thing I find interesting (considering there's really nothing new about polka dots) is I always get compliments on my latest dotted garment. The thing I love about polka dots is that they're ageless, flattering to all women. I started assembling a selection of garments and accessories with polka dots for this post and quickly realized there was just too much out there. So for this post, I'm focusing on clothing--dresses, blouses and even some shorts. I'm going to do a separate post for accessories. Editor's note: Neither post will feature a polka dot bikini. Yes, there are polka dot bikinis out there, but I'm assuming none of us is thinking about anything of an itsy, bitsy nature.

DOT DRESSES...
If you're reading this before June 15, Jones New York is offering an extra 30% off at checkout on all apparel summer. Here are a few polka dot dresses from the clothier. Price tags do not reflect the additional 30% off at checkout. To shop the entire Jones site, click on any of the Jones photos or click the promo link in the left-hand margin.




Jones New York Black And White Shirt Dress ($128)









Jones New York Flutter Preplum Dress ($128)










Jones New York Show Stopper Dot Print Dress (was $109, now $75.99 with additional 30% off at checkout). Only in sizes 6 and 12.


And from Shopbop...




Marc by Marc Jacobs Smudge Dot Jersey Dress ($188)



DOTS: TOP TO BOTTOM...
Polka dot blouses is a pretty tame wardrobe choice. But what about dotted shorts or skorts? Perhaps, on the golf course?





Jones New York Polka Dot Ruffle Sleeveless Blouse ($64)








Jones New York Long Sleeve Tie Front Blouse (was $74, now $43.99 before additional 30% off at check out). Only in Size Medium.







Jones New York Polka Dot Cardigan ($79)





From Shopbop...




T-Bags Polka Dot Blouse ($164)








Alice + Olivia Polka Dot Flutter Shorts ($99)








Free People Staying Cool Skort ($58)