Why the polka dot is the solution to your stripe style rut

I’ve decided to consciously uncouple from stripes. I’d become far too reliant on them and needed some space to find myself. They’ve come to my rescue for years, making summer holiday packing a speedy process and always having my back when I was stuck for what to wear.   We’ll remain friends, of course; I can’t part with any of my six Breton tops, and my oversized Whistles shirt is a regular on my workwear roster.

I’m not saying they shouldn’t be a staple in your wardrobe by the way, but stripes have become ubiquitous over the years, so branching out this summer could be good for us all.  On my mission to find the new prints of my dreams I happened upon the polka dot. I’d spotted the most stylish woman on the Victoria line wearing this red & Other Stories skirt (yes, I’m that person who asks) with the matching top (￡45, stories.com) and that did it for me.

Gina dress, ￡120, Rouje; Drawstring blouse, ￡17.99, H&M; Wrap skirt, ￡109, Baukjen

The teeny print was subtle and sweet (small dots are so much chicer than giant ones, IMHO) and, paired with tan sandals (Boden) and a pretty basket bag (a market in Rhodes last year – annoying), she’d nailed heatwave dressing without a stripe in sight. My new spotted wrap skirt from Baukjen, right, is a longer, floatier version that would work by day and night.

Personally, I hadn’t ever bought a striped skirt (too much angst about finding lines that wouldn’t widen my legs or make a show of my bottom), but this dotted number slipped nicely into my summer wardrobe, no overthinking required.  I’m not much of a blouse person, but if you are there are some pretty ones in H&M at the moment that would look great with blue or white denim.

Silky top, ￡25.99, Zara; Midi skirt, ￡49, & Other Stories; Headband, ￡28, Anthropologie

Avoid fussy pussybow styles and stick to slim shapes or shirts, the latter of which Ganni is brilliant for.  Zara can always be relied on for chic prints, and this sage silky top has a pair of matching palazzo trousers, which I’m considering for a garden wedding at the end of summer if the heat holds up.  

I’d steer commitment- phobes towards accessories; this chiffon headband is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face on the beach, and these satin slides will see you through all of your summer evening events.  The key, I’ve realised, is to add a little laid-back attitude to balance the prim tea party vibes of the polka dot. I paired my wrap skirt with adidas trainers and a Ganni T-shirt. While we’re on the subject, slinky fabrics and bias cuts are much more modern than structured cotton pieces. Think more Pretty Woman at the polo, less Minnie Mouse.