Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Just about any outfit can be made better with a few beaded accessories, but what if that outfit is already bold and busy like a polka dot dress? How about a sundress with a mini dot print? What about the dotted item that falls between the two? Polka dots are already a statement waiting to be made, so how on earth do you accessorise them? Bold and beautiful is one way, and taking a minimalist approach is another. Your approach depends on the garment and the size of the dots.
When the spots are 10cm, they are typically multi-coloured. For example, a dress may have a white background, and the giant dots will be aqua, light pink, chocolate brown and dark pink. Create beaded accessories to match one shade on the dress. To try and coordinate with more than one colour will not be very flattering, and will look messy and unfocused.
For a big, bold dotty print with spots the size of golf balls, a knotted bead necklace and bangle in contrasting colours works well. For example, if the background of the dress is black and the dots are white, a splash of red, coral, yellow, hot pink or lime green is in order. Make a multi strand necklace of 6mm round beads in your choice of contrasting colour, or a single strand of 8mm or larger beads.
A green dress with white dots would be fun paired with lemon yellow or red bead accessories. Navy blue with white dots would look nice with yellow, white or red pieces.
Earrings for the golf ball sized dot should never be drop style. They should always be post so as to remain subtle and not compete with the print. Besides, this style of dot pattern is so fun and retro, the earrings should be a reflection of that. If you really want to have some fun with yesteryear, make a set of clip-on earrings!
For small dots, jewellery can be a bit more detailed since the spots function more like ambiance, rather than the main show. Combination pieces of Lucite and metal beads are good matches for tiny pin dots, as are metal flowers and brooches.
A delicate sundress with narrow shoulder straps will look charming coupled with simple earrings and a bracelet. Choose metal and flowers or resin and Lucite. For a sweet, warm weather look, French braid hair and use a heavily-beaded hair elastic, or wind hair into a French twist, and use a pearl-encrusted comb to hold everything in place.
If you have a collection of vintage treasures, some of them may work with your vintage-inspired polka dot garment. Simple metal flowers or a graduated strand of rounds may be the perfect choice for your peppy, perky polka dots!
When wearing polka dots, it is important to follow the rule of putting on three accessories, then removing one. Because spots are a busy pattern, regardless of the size, it is not difficult to over-accessorise. In some cases, all that is needed to pull off a perfect polka dotted look is a pretty clutch purse or stunning hat and a chunky bangle bracelet.
If your outfit's spots are black, and your dress is red or cornflower blue, what should you wear? Some people believe diamonds are a girl's best friend, however the real best girlfriend is named Pearl. You can never go wrong with pearl accessories no matter what you are wearing. A set of ivory pearls will not only be the best shape to wear with polka dots, but they will match any colour combination of spots, as well. Choose graduated strands, or same size strands, post earrings or clip-ons, and your youthful, sunny polka dot outfit with shine!
Polka dots are the hottest fashion trend for the foreseeable future, and with your whimsical, bold accessories, you will look breezy and confident no matter if you are hosting a garden party, having lunch with friends, or giving a demonstration in the boardroom. So invite some polka dots to the party, put on some bold, new jewellery, and dance through the next few seasons!