The recent December ‘Art’ issue of W Magazine saw Clooney made over by famed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama – best known for all those colourfully spotted Louis Vuitton handbags. Peppered with black and white polka dots, the camouflaged Clooney resembles a living and breathing version of one of those colour blind tests we were forced to do at school.
While we’re not advocating taking things to this extreme, it certainly is worth getting a little dotty about spots this season. A timeless print, polka dots go through peaks and troughs on the men’s catwalks, falling in and out of vogue when the mood takes designers and brands.
The great thing about polka dots is there are as many variations as there are dots. From large filled circles to tiny pin-dot motifs, there isn’t one defining look – which means we can all put our own individual stamp on the trend.
How To Wear: Polka Dots SS14
These days, you will occasionally come across suits with micro-dot patterning; Jigsaw is stocking a couple this season. The print is usually in a jacquard (embroidered into the fabric) and extremely subtle.
This understated approach helps add depth and structure to lighter, warmer weather items. I would never advise wearing a head-to-toe polka dot route, but if these suits appeal to you, look for one in navy and keep the cut slim and sharp.
However, the easiest way to wear polka dots is to decide which half you’re going to apply them to, top or bottom, and then team with complementary colours or neutrals…
Top Half
We will split this into two camps: work and play. For work, opt for micro dots applied to shirting.
Savile Row tailor Richard James is famed for his sky blue dots on a white base and while some guys may think this is a little too much for the office, it shows confidence and is only really noticeable on closer inspection. These shirts look particularly great when set against grey flannel or navy wool tailoring.
If this is your first foray into polka dots, stick to white backgrounds as it works to neutralise the pattern slightly and will seamlessly slot into your current nine-to-five wardrobe.
Team polka dot tees and shirts with casual trousers/jeans and layer underneath cardigans, blazers or lightweight outerwear.
This will again minimise the effect of the print slightly, ensuring it doesn’t overpower your look. Sometimes it’s nice just to see a slight pattern peeping out at the collar or cuffs, glimpsed underneath a jacket or crew neck jumper.
Bottom Half
This is more difficult, like most patterned trousers. Jigsaw produced a pair of micro dot white on navy trousers last summer, which completely sold out, and the brand has decided to release them again for SS14. From a distance they look like navy chinos and are perfect for warmer days.
If you want to make a statement with a pair of polka dot trousers, it’s important you keep the shape slim and tapered otherwise they can quickly creep into pyjama bottoms territory.
If patterned trousers aren’t your thing, polka dots are easier to wear on shorts. The shorter length breaks up the pattern and offers a chance to introduce more colour. Tailored versions are perfect for holidaying while statement motifs work really well when applied to
Accessories
This is where, traditionally, polka dots have resided in menswear. Be it ties, scarves, pocket squares or socks, they add a laissez-faire attitude to any look.
The polka dot neck tie is a timeless classic that is available in every conceivable variation and colour. Go for something with a matte finish, no shiny versions, and look for shantung silk or wool construction.
There’s something very approachable and likeable about a guy in polka dots. If you’re still not convinced, try a pair of swimming shorts on holiday or start with a simple t-shirt. For those of you worried about resembling a male Minnie Mouse, remember, polka dots are as masculine as you are.
So, what do you make of the polka dot trend? Would you rock or would you let your man wear them Let us know in the comments section below…
Source: fashion beans
