How to Accessorize a Polka Dot Dress

Co-authored by Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Last Updated: November 30, 2022 References

Polka dot dresses are fun and playful. This bold print dress should be the focal point of your outfit, so your accessories need to complement it rather than compete with it. The right accessories can accentuate the dress and break up the monotony of the pattern.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing an Accessory Color Scheme

1
Wear all neutrals for a sleek and modern look. Wear accessories in the same color scheme as your dress. If your dress is black and white, wear it with black and white accessories for a monochromatic outfit.
2
Try wearing bold colored accessories with a neutral color dress. A polka dot dress in black, navy, white, beige, gray, or tan looks great with bright accessories. The repetitive pattern of polka dots can make accessories blend in. Wearing accessories in bright colors makes them stand out.
- Black and white polka dot dresses look great with reds and pinks.
- If your dress is brown and white, consider wearing purple accessories.
- Yellow accessories look great with a navy polka dot dress.
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3
Keep the accessories neutral for a multicolored dress. If your polka dot dress has bright colors, wear neutral colored accessories. Pairing bright polka dots with bright accessories will make the outfit too distracting.
4
Mix patterns smartly. Mixing patterns can make the outfit too distracting. If you do mix patterns, though, make sure that one pattern is dramatically larger or smaller than the other. For example, a striped sweater should have stripes dramatically larger or smaller than the dots on your dress.^{[1]
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- Instead of patterns, you might opt for solid-colored accessories.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Simple Accessories

1
Wear simple jewelry. You can spruce up your polka dot dress by wearing jewelry. Don’t go overboard on the jewelry, otherwise your outfit will have too many different distractions. Keep your jewelry simple and don’t wear too much. Polka dots are not the time for large earrings or a statement necklace.^{[2]
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- Pearls look great with polka dots because they mimic the dots on the dress.
- Try a simple chain necklace.
- Wear studs or simple dangly earrings.
2
Choose the right shoes. Wear shoes that don’t have intricate designs, multiple colors, or confusing patterns.^{[3]
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Research source} Instead, go for solid colors. Polka dot dresses look great with boots, heels, sandals, wedges, or flats, depending on what you are wearing the dress for.
- For example, a summery polka dot dress might look good with kitten heels if you're going on a date. For a more wintery look, however, you might pair a polka dot dress in a heavier fabric with tights and riding boots or booties.
3
Wear a sweater or jacket to add layers. A solid-color sweater or jacket can break up the monotony of the polka dots as well as keep you warm. In the winter, a cropped cashmere cardigan can make your look cozy, and in the summer, a black or denim vest can give your look an edge.^{[4]
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Research source} You can also make a polka dot dress more professional by mixing it with a cardigan or blazer.
- As an alternative, choose a fur or faux-fur stole in the colder months.
4
Choose a bag to match your outfit. A purse or bag can be used as an accessory to bring your whole outfit together. Keep your bag in the same color scheme as the rest of your outfit. You can make your bag the bright focal point of your outfit against a neutral-colored dress.^{[5]
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- The size of the bag will also depend on the look you want to achieve. For a more casual look, go for a larger bag, but for a classy affair, you could carry a clutch in a solid color.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Finishing Touches

1
Try wearing a hat. A sun hat or a floppy hat can pull your outfit together.^{[6]
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Research source} A beanie is a great way to accessorize your polka dot dress and to keep your head warm. You can make a hat your statement piece of your outfit.
2
Wear hair accessories. Try wearing hair accessories with your dress, such as headbands, ribbon, hair scarves, hair clips, hair sticks, and other hair accessories. Hair accessories are a subtle accessory that can add to your outfit without taking away from the dress.^{[7]
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3
Wear a belt. Wearing a belt with a dress can accentuate your waist and break up the polka dot pattern. Experiment with different areas of your waste until you find the best spot for the belt on you.
- Figure out the width of belt that looks best on your body. You can have a really thick belt or a simple thin belt.
4
Try a scarf. A solid-colored scarf adds contrast to the busy dress pattern of polka dots.^{[8]
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Research source} Scarves also keep your neck warm in cold weather. Wear a scarf in a loop, knot, or circle around your neck.
5
Wear tights for additional warmth. Wear solid-colored tights or leggings to add warmth and style to your outfit. Black opaque tights look great under dark-colored dresses. You can opt for brighter tights to stand out against a neutral polka dot dress.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What color shoes and jacket to choose with taupe polkdots?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Any neutrals would go great with taupe polka dots. The big rule to follow is no more than 3 colors in one outfit.
Question

What color tights should I wear with a black dress with white polka dots and white heels?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Black opaque tights would be best. That way, you're keeping with the black-and-white color scheme.
Question

What accessories go best with a navy dress with white polka dots?

Community Answer

Wear white, grey, or light brown accessories to compliment a navy and white dress. You can incorporate a pop of color into your accessories such as yellow or orange.