25 Polka-Dot Outfits to Try This Spring — Plus, Our Favorite Pieces Starting at $12

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Prints can easily feel intimidating, especially if you're mostly drawn to neutral tones like me. Yes, I do fancy myself the occasional color pop, but typically in the form of a solid or entry-level floral. Prints just have a way of feeling overly fussy for me with the rare exception of classic stripes or, when I'm feeling a bit bolder, polka dots.

OK, sure. Polka dots are pretty mild in the print world, but considering my comfort zone is a feminine bloom or Breton, I'd say "bold" is a fair descriptor.

While I've admired them from afar, I've struggled with styling polka-dot pieces in a way that feels elevated instead of childlike. And while they usually come in comfortable shades of black and white, I somehow lack the ability to wear them at work without feeling out of step. But this is all about to change.

I'm determined to become a polka-dot professional. Why? After spotting plenty of dotted pieces in designer collections for Spring/Summer 2020, I've decided I must give the look a try. From darling dresses to cool button-down shirts and cropped pants, I feel as though it's a look I can finally master. And who better to provide me with endless outfit inspiration than the always-stylish women of the street-style scene?

Ahead, witness 25 polka-dot outfits I'll be attempting to re-create this season. Plus, my edit of polka-dot pieces, starting at just $12.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Break out of the black-and-white mold, and embrace a brightly colored polka-dot dress. A colorful bag and sneakers are playfully casual additions.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Mix your dots by pairing together an oversize pattern with a smaller dot. For a streamlined effect, sticking to a tonal palette will make the bold combo feel easier.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

Transition into Spring by styling a mock-neck polka-dot tank with a full skirt and tough combat boots.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

Give a colorful polka-dot dress an edgier feel by adding a thick waist belt and sleek combat boots.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | NurPhoto

How to Wear Polka Dots

For minimalist tastes, a brown pair of polka-dot pants feel unfussy with a crewneck sweater in a creamy shade.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

Tall boots and shorts are a big look this season. Give the outfit formula a try with a pair of spotted shorts and a colorful blazer to finish.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

Temper the sweetness of a polka dot by styling an oversize blazer over top and finishing with combat boots.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

'70s-style lapels are big this Spring. So, why not try the trend in polka-dot form?

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

How to Wear Polka Dots

A multicolored polka-dot dress is night-out ready with the help of a leather jacket and heeled boots.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

How to Wear Polka Dots

If blazers tend to feel dull to you, a polka-dot version is a playful take on tailoring.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

The easiest way to rock dots this Spring? A silk hair scarf whether tied around a ponytail or worn as a headband.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Polka dots can feel sexy in the form of a minidress with sheer tights and heels in the mix.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

For a feminine take on spots, try an asymmetrical midi skirt with a puff-sleeve top.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Neutral-lovers, take note: a polka-dot shirt with white jeans and black accessories looks fresh and graphic for Spring. For a skosh of nonchalance, let your shirt billow loosely over your pants, or half-tuck it for a little more shape.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

A crisp spotted dress is perfect for the office, though we love it with tube socks and colorful sneakers, too.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

Offset a the sleekness of a polka-dot blouse by layering yours over a turtleneck and styling with wide-leg (and slightly more casual) trousers.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

How cool does a polka-dot minidress look layered under an oversize sweatshirt with sneakers and a vibrant bag?

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Claudio Lavenia

How to Wear Polka Dots

A polka-dot pant is a fun way to break up the monotony of head-to-toe black.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Polka-dot dresses are inherently playful; for added polish, style a classic blazer over top for work or a nice dinner.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

How to Wear Polka Dots

In still-chilly weather, a polka-dot jacket looks cool belted over a pair of cargo pants.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Channel a retro vibe by wearing a ruffled polka-dot blouse under an oversize suit.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Edward Berthelot

How to Wear Polka Dots

For an unexpected night-out look, try styling a tough pair of tall boots with a tailored polka-dot mini.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

Step up your layering game by wearing a polka-dot shirt open over a t-shirt and layered under a trench.

How to Wear Polka Dots
Getty | Christian Vierig

How to Wear Polka Dots

On your most feminine days, a polka-dress dress is perfect under a silky jacket with colorful pumps.