During a recent closet purge, I gave the heave-ho to a polka dot shirt with puffy ruched sleeves. The navy and white Anthropologie top, an old favorite, seemed too fussy and feminine compared to the more minimalist and tomboyish pieces in my current wardrobe.
I’m just not the polka-dot type, I thought, tossing the t-shirt into my growing pile of clothing that had me questioning my personal style.
However, my resolve to avoid polka dots began to waver upon receiving J.Crew’s April catalog, which featured pages upon pages of dots, including this updated version of a classic polka-dot blazer. And when I spotted (pun intended) this button-down shirt at Banana Republic, the black dots appeared surprisingly chic instead of girlish. Especially when paired with high-rise flare jeans and a floppy Coachella-worthy hat.
So maybe I’m OK with a scattering of polka dots every once in a while. But I definitely don’t see myself rushing out to buy ruching anytime soon.
Polka-Dot Shirt by Banana Republic | The slightly relaxed blouse is the perfect length to wear with skinny jeans (meaning, it covers your ass), and it’s on sale! I also like this shirt with unexpected larger polka dots.
Flare Jeans n/a GAP | My high-rise jeans were a sale rack score ($11!) back in December, but this pair and this pair are pretty similar.
Felt Hat by Hinge | You could also wear this hat or this hat on days you simply don’t feel like doing your hair. Or, you know, to your favorite outdoor musical festival.
Suede Booties n/a GAP | These lace-up chukka-style booties are several years old, but if I were buying a similar pair today, I’d try on these, these, and these.
Black Shoulder Bag n/a Kate Spade | My purse is an old outlet find, but this shoulder bag looks like its more sophisticated older sibling. And I love that this one also boasts a tassel but has a chic saddle bag shape.
Gold Necklace n/a The Tulsi Project | Although they’re both circles, this necklace and this necklace are reminiscent of my sapphire-dotted tusk-shaped pendant, which is, sadly, no longer available.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1535563″]
Photography by Laura Metzler for A Girl Named PJ.
PJ, you always look SO effortlessly stylish! I love this look, the polka dots are so much more refined than on some pieces.
What a huge compliment, thanks! And I’m definitely keeping my eye open for polka-dotted pieces that veer toward posh instead of playful.
I’m loving those jeans!
They were such a steal — $11 at the Gap back in December! (PS: Always check the sale racks!)
Girl, you’ve got MAD style! And that polka dot shirt looks fantastic on you! I’m glad you’ve moved over to the dark polka dot side
I’m not sure how many polka dots I’m ready to add to my wardrobe, but I’m happy to know that I CAN actually wear them. Thanks!
Such a cute outfit PJ! I love the top. It’s the perfect amount of girly! I’m not usually the girliest dresser either!
Thank you! I admire so many girly outfits, but it when it comes to actually getting dressed, I’m much more of a tomboy.