Brian Maynor March 13, 2014

By Brian Maynor
March 13, 2014



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

From largefilled circles to microdots the variations offer endless possibilitiesfor creating your very own signature look.  Here are a few tips andinspiration looks on working this hot trend into your spring and summerwork wardrobe:

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

Gentlemen, if you work in a formal work environmentkeep the dots small and on the top half of your body.   A dot shirtworks great with a bold striped tie or under a sweater and solid suitjacket.  If your environment is more casual you can move towards largerdots and incorporating them in your pants.  It is also good to rememberthat as temperatures rise microdots can really add depth to lighterweight summer materials.  

Women have the fortunate ability topull off dotted items on either half.  Keep the cuts tailored and sharpif 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 tinyand uniform and each style offers very different opportunities.

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

Small dots can be found in both uniform,grid-like patterns and random splotches.  While they are small, theyremain clearly identifiable and will be seen as a print, not a texture.  These are great for layering, because sometimes all you need is a funcollar 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 themost 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 leveland what would be most appropriate for the situation.  

Obviously neutrals and darker colors are more conservative and downplay theprint, where bold, saturated colors are lively and accentuate it.  Youshould also step out of your comfort zone and try mixing dots withstrips and graphic prints.

4.    Pulled Together.  Accessories are the quickest; easiest; least expensive, and no-fail wayto 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 theyhave not been ‘claimed’ by any particular fashion brand as a signature – unlike the zig-zag stripes by Missoni, the small floral prints ofLiberty or nova plaid of Burberry, which means every pieces is anoriginal, regardless of the price point.

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