Why Spots Are The New Stripes

If you like to be ahead of fashion trends, start swapping your Breton stripe for a forties-style polka dot because spots are the new stripes for AW17. Balenciaga, Andrew Gn and Emporio Armani?were just some of the labels that embraced this playful print. Here are five of the best polka dot pieces in stores now.

I picked up this skirt in & Other Stories recently and wanted it straight away.?It has beautiful movement, and the button-front detailing allows you to create a front split if you like. Feminine?and sexy, this skirt would look even better styled for winter with burgundy knee-high boots and a polo-neck.

Polka pleated dot skirt, €69 at & Other Stories?

Spots are a traditionally feminine print, so subverting that association by wearing them in the form of a casual T-shirt creates a strong contrast. This Zara tee comes in white also.

Contrasting polka dot T-shirt, €19.95 at Zara

There’s a lot of lovely detailing in this Bardot top – woven detailing, longline pleats, lace trim – that elevates it beyond similar styles. This piece offers a very subtle way to wear a polka dot as?the print is so petite and is anchored by a coloured background rather than white. I love that it’s styled with overlong trousers, which balance the bare shoulders beautifully.

Pleated polka dot shirt, €110 at uterque.com

I have a pair of trousers identical to these but in brown with a white polka dot, and they’re one of the best items I’ve ever bought. I get so much wear from them, and I think palazzo pants always look incredibly chic.

Silk-georgette palazzo pants, €537 (reduced from €1,790) at michaelkors.com

I love this dress. It artfully?uses colour-blocking to add further interest to a polka dot print. Worn over a polo-neck in winter, this would look exquisite.

Silk crepe de chine maxi dress, Diane Von Furstenberg, €465 at net-a-porter.com