Trend: Polka Dots - Reena Rai

Despite its reputation for reinventing itself every 6 months, fashion can be very cyclical and predictable. While some things might be harder to predict, like the meteoric rise of Vetements, others are much easier to predict, like certain trends. In the immortal words of Miranda Priestly; “florals for spring, groundbreaking”. I like seeing florals filter through to the high street, much like lighter mornings they’re a surefire sign that winter is behind us. But it does seem like a formulaic signal of the seasonal transition. But this season, they’re firmly benched and we’re wearing polka dots instead.

I haven’t given polka dots much thought for years. They always seemed far too cutesy for me. I don’t have a signature style, sometimes I don a killer heel and other times I’ll channel my inner tomboy but I will never go for something cute or sweet – which is what polka dots are to me. I guess I always equated them to Minnie Mouse or dresses I wore to parties as a kid. But I started paying attention last season when the likes of Jacquemus and Balenciaga channelling the print. Just one season later, we saw sheer polka dot skirts and blouses at Dior, supersized dots abound at Junya Watanabe and bold hues at Valentino. The message was clear, ditch the florals for the dots.

I have to admit, the polka dot pieces I’ve seen recently are much cooler than I remember. I’ve been drawn to sharply tailored co-ords, sexy low cut blouses and of course, pretty dresses. I’m a huge fan of Jacquemus so I’ve been on the lookout for a fun, contemporary take on the ubiquitous polka dots. I think I found the perfect high street piece. This blouse is deceptively extra, from the blown up prints to the exaggerated sleeves and contrasting monochrome. I threw it on with a pair of pearl jeans from last season…or perhaps the season before. The pearl detailing echo the polka dots, which I totally love.

Will you be wearing polka dots this season?