Brian Maynor March 13, 2014

By Brian Maynor
March 13, 2014



Dots are a classic print that ebbs and flows in popularity, and this season they were very popular.  You could find them on catwalks in every major fashion week and in various sizes and proportions.

From large filled circles to microdots the variations offer endless possibilities for creating your very own signature look.  Here are a few tips and inspiration looks on working this hot trend into your spring and summer work wardrobe:

1.    Placement.  While dotted suits may have graced the runways, they probably shouldn’t grace your work place.  Unlike a pinstripe suit, dots head-to-toe will be overwhelming and farcical.  These statement pieces are more for editorial purposes than real life.

Gentlemen, if you work in a formal work environment keep the dots small and on the top half of your body.   A dot shirt works great with a bold striped tie or under a sweater and solid suit jacket.  If your environment is more casual you can move towards larger dots and incorporating them in your pants.  It is also good to remember that as temperatures rise microdots can really add depth to lighter weight summer materials.  

Women have the fortunate ability to pull off dotted items on either half.  Keep the cuts tailored and sharp if you want to pull off a more professional look, while soft and flowing cuts are more relaxed and casual.

2.    Proportion.  This season you can find dots that are large and randomly placed, or tiny and uniform and each style offers very different opportunities.

Large and oversized filled dots are great for grabbing attention and because they are not repeating will not make the area look larger.  Whether they are on a neutral or colored background these pieces are bold and stand-alone.  They are not ideal for layering, but would work under an open jacket or sweater.

Small dots can be found in both uniform, grid-like patterns and random splotches.  While they are small, they remain clearly identifiable and will be seen as a print, not a texture.  These are great for layering, because sometimes all you need is a fun collar or cuff to be visible to really set your look apart.  

Microdots are the smallest form of dot and are usually only seen as a texture.  Often in a jacquard, or embroidered onto the material, these are the most subtle dots and easiest to pull off for anyone.

3.    Pairing.  Dots work equally as well when teamed with bold, vibrant colors as they do with neutrals.  Your choice should be based upon your comfort level and what would be most appropriate for the situation.  

Obviously neutrals and darker colors are more conservative and downplay the print, where bold, saturated colors are lively and accentuate it.  You should also step out of your comfort zone and try mixing dots with strips and graphic prints.

4.    Pulled Together.  Accessories are the quickest; easiest; least expensive, and no-fail way to pull off this trend.  Ties, scarves, shoes, belts and jewelry can all be found in dots and will liven up any solid or color-blocked outfit.

Start seeing spots this spring!  Another great thing about dots is that they have not been ‘claimed’ by any particular fashion brand as a signature – unlike the zig-zag stripes by Missoni, the small floral prints of Liberty or nova plaid of Burberry, which means every pieces is an original, regardless of the price point.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.