“Harvard won’t be impressed that you aced History of Polka Dots.” Remember those erroneous words? Uttered by (my legally blonde counterpart) Elle Woods' misguided college counselor? What said counselor didn't realize is that the polka dot carries a rich history, which has culminated in the print becoming a multifaceted symbol for lighthearted femininity on the one hand and 50's-housewife-nostalgia on the other. They're a complicated breed, not to be dismissed so easily. And frankly, I'm not too impressed by Harvard (so there, take. that.).
As a born-again (see below) polka dot aficionado, I encourage you to rock the dot and join the ranks of women who have embraced the playful print. The roster includes some late-greats like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucile Ball, as well as some of my modern-day fashion heroines: Gwen Stefani, Leandra Medine, Sienna Miller, and SJP. These icons have (in my humble opinion) elevated the polka dot above the help-me-I'm-a-domesticated-Betty-Draper-prisoner-of-misogyny associations of yesteryear to an empowered neutral (a la cheetah print, if you will) that pokes fun at its past and draws all the well-deserved attention in your direction (you goddess, you). Just don't overdo it with the face paint.
Off the Shoulder Top - Forever 21// Trumpet Skirt - Saloni// Chartreuse Round Cushion Clutch - Charlotte Olympia// Black Gumball Drop Earrings - Suzanna Dai// Blue Fold Over Clutch - DVF// High-Low Ruffle Dress - Sandro// Headband - Dolce & Gabbana// Beaded & Rafia Earrings - Bimba y Lola// Bikini - Mara Hoffman// Rainbow Purse - WaiWai// Yellow Fold Over Clutch - DVF// Cap Sleeve Dress - Reformation// Shoulder Tie Bodysuit- Zara// Wide-Leg Pants - Oscar de la Renta// Pink Satin Clutch - No. 21
Yours truly, at her own birthday party, rocking a RBF and most likely displeased because the make up artist did not understand the face paint clashed with the main attraction: the polka dots. Lesson learned - always, always do a trial run before the real thing.