If you are a fan of cartoons, then Minnie Mouse is sure to remind you of the polka dot pattern anytime you see it. From being a tabooed print to being a timeless fashion trend, the polka dot pattern has come a long way and right now, Style Ravens are loving it!
Back in the days, and we’re talking about the medieval times (hey, that’s around the 5th to 15th century) in Europe, wearing dotted fabric was considered a taboo. The polka dot patterns were reminiscent of rashes caused by a number of extremely contagious diseases such as smallpox, the bubonic plague, and leprosy. It is said that this negative association with spotted fabric continued through the Renaissance.
The modern term “Polka Dot” is believed to have come from the polka dance craze that swept through Europe in the mid-19th century.
However, at home in Africa, the case was different. The pattern usually represented magic and male potency. Many African art and costume traditions feature different types of dots in a variety of sizes and colours. The more densely packed the dots, the more magical the person or object.
The modern term “Polka Dot” is believed to have come from the polka dance craze that swept through Europe in the mid-19th century. While the connection between the dance and pattern isn’t clear, it is believed that the pattern evokes the cheerful, light nature of the dance. Many “polka” items came from the European polka craze of the 1840s. However, the term “polka dots” used in reference to a spotted fabric first appeared in print in 1857 in Godey’s Lady’s Book, a Philadelphia-based women’s magazine of the time period.
From the 1940s through the 1960s, the dotted print reached a peak in popularity in America. Following that time frame, the pattern was seen as a retro print. Vintage or not, the pattern has never really gone away and if the last 18 months is anything to go by, the polka dot print is here to stay in the fashion world. Classic polka dot patterns have been worn by everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Princess Diana, who was a big fan of the print.
Style tip:
There are many ways to style and wear monochrome print. The pattern is both fun and youthful yet also chic and sophisticated which makes it a versatile fashion item. The best thing about it is that it can be paired with jeans, leather, velvet, and many other fabrics.
The print can also be mix-matched with other patterned prints to create your own unique fashion statement. If you’ll rather take baby steps, then incorporate some polka dot accessories into your look with a bag or shoes.
Loving the polka dot trend and ready to dive in?
Here are 13 super cool ways to wear polka dots…
Match your top/bottom with the dots
Pair smaller dots with bigger ones
Shop Editor-approved polka dot skirt here…
Employ a pop! of color
For the love of pastels
You can’t go wrong with classic monochrome
Shop Editor-approved polka dot blouse here…
Dots and stripes with a pop! of sunshine
Serve double the trend
Be a sunflower!
Shop Editor-approved polka dot dress here…
Style with dotted accessories
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