How to Rock the Polka Dots Trend This Winter

Source: Style.com | Jaeger London, House of Holland, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni)

Listen up, all you Minnie Mouses and vintage vixens- polka dots are back! And they’re going to be hot well into spring, so stock up on this pretty print now. Not sure if polka dots are right for you? Or unsure of how to wear them? Well stop your worrying friends, I’m here to straighten you out and show you the bauble-paved way.

How to Rock Polka Dots for Nights Out

(Dress, Jacket, Heels, Tights, Scarf)

If you thought polka dots were too cutesy for a night out, you have another think coming! Despite their flirty demeanor, these pearly white dots can be just as sexy as lace.

A great example of a sexy way to wear polka dots is this navy blue cutout dress. It hugs your curves in all the right ways, and shows off your back! The cut of the dress gives off an edgy fashion-forward look to offset the classic pattern. I added even more edge by pairing it with two classic pieces: a rocker-chic leather jacket and a pair of black round toe pumps. If you’re facing colder weather, I suggest pairing this outfit with one or two layers of tights as well as some sweaters or cardigans under a leather jacket – but for my example I tried to keep it simple.

How to Rock Polka Dots on a Date

(Headband, Cardigan, Shoes, Tank, Skirt, Green Cardigan, Coat)

In my humble opinion, polka dots are the perfect date night pattern. They exude a certain classy-yet-flirty girlyness that’s never over-the-top. Anywho, to get this look, I first picked out a soft yellow tank top and paired it with a super cute polka dot skirt. Depending on the weather and time of day, it may be cold, so I also found a sheer dandelion yellow cardigan to wear over your shoulders indoors.

Still cold? Pop on a faux fur trimmed cardigan, and for even more warmth, throw on a white coat like the one I chose. To up the cuteness factor, I also added some adorable tassled saddle shoes. Finally, to complete the look, I found this wonderfully dreamy floral headband that you can wear traditionally or hippie-esque around your forehead – your choice!

Overall, this look is flawless, and a surefire way to show your suitor that you’re the perfect blend of sugar and sass.

How to Rock Polka Dots on Campus

(Blouse, Shoes, Cardigan, Jeans, Scarf, Coat, Hat)

Your on-campus wardrobe should be three things: layerable, fashionable, and most importantly comfortable. And that is exactly what comes to mind when I look at this outfit.

To start off the look, I found the greatest polka dot cardigan in the world – in two equally gorgeous shades. Since gray and black are neutrals, you can match either cardigan with practically anything! Blues, browns, greens, reds- whatever color you want, pair them with polka dots and you can’t go wrong.

To add said color, I picked out a beautiful green blouse and paired it with some seriously comfortable jean-leggings (aka jeggings -I love these!). For your feet, I found a great pair of brown oxfords, and finally for your neck, I found an autumnal orange scarf to keep you warm. Lastly, I picked out a cute puff ball beanie and toggle coat to wear on top for extra protection from the winter winds.

How to Wear a Crop Top

I know many of you think crop tops are hard to wear, but I’m here to prove you wrong: They can be versatile AND flattering when styled correctly. Read on for my tips for wearing crop tops, as well as some sample outfits to get your inspiration going!



Tips for Wearing Crop Tops

• Pick a length. Crop tops come in a variety of shapes and lengths, and depending on how daring you are, you can pick a top that shows only a sliver of your stomach or one that bares your belly. Daring? Try a top that hits above your belly button (as seen above). More conservative? Opt for something that grazes the top of your jeans. When picking the length of your top, you should also consider what you’ll be wearing it with, and where you’re going!
• Pick and choose the rest of your look wisely. Crop tops are cute, but they can either look amazing or awful, depending on the outfit you wear them with. Each piece you pair with your top will evoke a different look. A higher waisted bottom paired with a crop top, for example, will limit the amount of skin you’re showing and can actually look sophisticated and fashion-forward.
• Add a tank. Not into showing your tummy in a tiny top? Don’t! You can still get that crop-top vibe by wearing one with a tank underneath. You can match your tank to your crop top, try a neutral, go for a color contrast, or just wear a nude tank underneath for the illusion of skin.
• Keep it classy. This is a perfect end-of-summer trend to try since, after all, crop tops really aren’t appropriate for work or class, and they’re a bit odd and out of place for a trip to the grocery store! They’re perfect, however, for the gym, the pool, and music festivals. Style your crop top right, and you can even wear it to a party or on a date. Just keep a fun, casual vibe in mind and consider your venue and you’ll be good to go.
• Try it out! Still afraid to incorporate crop tops into your summer wardrobe? Try wearing one on the beach over your bathing suit! It’s an effortless, but totally tend-conscious choice that will have people talking! Still not convinced? Layer, layer, layer! You can spice up a long-sleeved tee or a tight dress by wearing a cropped top over it as a layering piece.

Outfits for Inspiration

Surprisingly Chic

Product Information: Biker Jacket, Oli. When In Doubt Crop Top, Modcloth. Nine West Rocha Pumps, Lori’s Shoes. U.S. Polo Assn. Watch, Endless. BCBG Max Azria Textured Tube Skirt, Zappos. Tank Top, J.Crew.

This outfit is a perfect example of a classy way to wear a crop top–without ever showing skin (note the nude tank on the right)! Tuck a crop top into a high-waisted bandage skirt for a classic look with minimal bumps and bunchiness, or leave it untucked and play up the rock star edge. Added bonus: this crop top can be worn open like a vest! It’d be adorable with jeans and a tank in a contrasting color.

Effortless and Easygoing

Product Information: Back Stripe’s Back Tank, Modcloth. Filigree Cross Double Finger Ring, Urban Outfitters. Military Jeggings, American Eagle. Peacock Feather Earrings, Forever 21. Splendid Bandeau, Net-a-Porter. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals, Heels.com.

This crop top has a longer length than those in the previous outfits, making it perfect for those of you who prefer a less daring aesthetic. Not only does it boast a longer back and sides for more coverage, but its cropped length is just short enough to show a sliver of stomach. Comfy jeggings and metallic sandals top off this effortless outfit.

How To: Style a Pair of High-Top Sneakers

Despite my affinity for heels and wedges, sometimes my feet need a break! Ballet flats and boat shoes certainly make great alternatives, but if you’re like me, you love making a statement (even on your laid-back days).

Once reserved for hipsters or basketball players, high-top sneakers are on their way to making a full-fledged comeback . It took me a little while to figure out how to style these babies — at 5’2”, shoes with no heel and thick ankles can easily make me look stumpy. But I did a bit of research and found out that my new high top sneakers can be stylish and flattering if worn correctly.

Ready to take on the challenge? Read on for secrets to pulling this look off right!

Tips and Tricks for Wearing High-Top Sneakers

• Make a statement on your lazy days. Most people reserve sneakers for their “blah” days — I know I do! The great thing about high top sneakers is that they push boundaries just enough to make a statement without being over-the-top. Pair them with jeans and a hoodie for an extra kick.
• To tuck or untuck? Stars like Sam Ronson like to tuck their skinny jeans into their high-top sneakers, whereas Leighton Meester prefers to wear hers with skirts. I think they look cool with a pair of untucked boot cut jeans as well!
• Scared you’re channeling middle school emo vibes? Don’t worry. As long as you don’t pair your high-tops with neon leggings, a bandana, and Taylor Momsen-inspired makeup, all at the same time, you should be fine.

Outfit Inspiration

Outfit #1: Sporty and Casual

This outfit is perfect for a lazy day at class! Boot-cut or slightly flared jeans go great with high top sneakers — they’ll fall over the sides of the shoe, but leave the front on display. Next, just pull on a hoodie and simple accessories and you’re good to go!

Outfit #2: Classic and Cute

This outfit combines quite a few classic pieces, but is far from boring! Tuck a plain tank top into a black skirt, and throw a denim jacket on top for warmth. Lace up some high-top Converse All-Stars and finish with a cozy knit headband

Outfit #3: Trendy and Daring

This urban-chic outfit is a little daring, so be sure to rock it with lots of confidence! Wear a simple pair of jeggings under a black t-shirt dress, and add an on-trend military jacket. Strap on the loudest pair of sneakers you own, and accessorize with pieces that will make your shoes pop!