Polka Dots have long been part of the fashion conversation, but this season the retro print got a sophisticated makeover. From micro spots to over sized dots, the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and DVF among others gave this playful print a new lease of life. Already a favorite with the fashion forward crowd, polka dots are the new stripes for winter.

Don't be intimidated by the boldness of the print and embrace it whole heartedly this season. If you are a print novice, we suggest limiting yourself to one polka dotted piece at a time for a sophisticated on trend look. For the more spirited fashionistas, there is just no limit to the way you can show your spots. Wear them on their own or mix them with another pattern, go with a classic black & white palette or wear it wildly in brighter combinations. The au courant circular motifs are appearing on everything from hats to lady like dresses, and we have rounded up some of our favorite pieces for your ease of shopping:

1. Mango Dress: Rs. 2990
   This form fitting dress with sheer polka dot panels is a strong reminder of Stella McCartney's trendy new avatar of the trusty LBD. A bit of sheer underlay lets the print pop out and brings flirty undertones to the dress. This dress is a sure shot way to add some sizzle to a special night out. So, take our advice and let the dress speak for itself. Keep your look minimal with neatly pulled back hair and a sheer gloss. Just accessorize with a pair of diamond studs and some slim stilettos.

2. Mango Cardigan: Rs. 2690
   Whether you're in the mood for another sweater, or you were already on the hunt, this cardigan is one of the chicest iterations of the polka dot trend and will make for a great layering piece in the coming months. Make it office appropriate by wearing it over a slim pencil skirt . Throwing it over your knit wool dress takes this sweet cardigan to a dressy place. And when it gets freezing cold outside, add some fun to your style by letting it peek out from your thick cold weather jacket.

3. Promod Skirt:
   If you are itching to swap your breezy summer skirts for some cozy transitional pieces for fall, then this skirt from Promod perfectly fits the bill. Playfully sweet this skirt will give any look a retro girl twist. Crack the corporate dress code and team up the skirt with a simple button down, a pair of black tights and pumps for a polished office look. You can also keep it casual chic and wear it with slouchy knee high leather boots for a day of shopping with friends.

4. Forever 21 Sweater:
   Master the art of dressing down with this quirky and surprising versatile sweater from Forever 21. For an effortless mix of style and comfort, wear this pullover with a pair of rolled up jeans and ankle boots with socks sneaking out from the sides. We also love the idea of wearing it over a short pleated skirt and a pair of textured tights to make a traditionally summery piece more season appropriate. Yet another way to mix it up is to pull it over a plain white button down to add a unique twist to an everyday essential.

5. Forever 21 Pants:
   Fearlessly chic yet slightly eclectic, these easy fit printed pants are a great way to show off your sartorial skills. Team them with a cropped jacket and an oversized knit for a casual weekend outing. Give the pants a more refined edge and wear them with a white silk blouse and sky high pumps to step out in style.

6. Spotted Extras:
   If the head-to-toe patterned look isn’t your thing, go for the spot-light with accessories like a scarf or headband. We absolutely love the black dotted Mango scarf (Rs. 1390) with the yellow edges to add a flirty pop of color to your look. The headband from Forever 21 and the Mango resin bangle (Rs. 1150) are some other ways to put a playful and trendy spin on your everyday outfit.
   A little bit preppy and a whole lot of chic, makes this Zara hat (Rs. 890) the perfect outfit topper. Wear them with anything from maxi skirts to jeans, its a great way to give your casual outfit a downtown spin.

7. Zara Blouse: Rs. 2990
   This green blouse from Zara had us mad for spots all over again. A polka dot blouse in the season's hottest hue is the perfect perky complement to some of fall's wide leg trousers. Take inspiration from our mood board and pair yours with a bright mustard pant or with a pair of high waisted plaid pants and some heels for a fancy pull together look. Alternatively, wear it with a short structured skirt and ankle booties for a sleek urban style.

8. Forever 21 Dress:
   Get a double dose of chic with this adorable polka dotted dress adorned with a lace yoke. This cute little dress can be layered or worn solo and can easily transition from day to night. Wear it with a black blazer and ballet flats under the sun and as the night sets in push the look forward with a pair of heeled sandals and an eye catching clutch.

9. Zara Blazer: Rs. 5990
   If you were on the lookout for a striking piece of outwear, that will make you standout in the crowd, then you are in luck. This youthful spirited polka dot blazer from Zara will help you stay on top of your fashion game. Take a cue from our mood board and pair it with a sheer chiffon white blouse and pair of extra flared jeans. To neutralize any cutesy undertones, we suggest adding on a pair of chunky towering heels. You can also use the jacket to amp up your casual outfit by pairing it with your relaxed fit cargos and some cool brogues.

So ladies, tell us how do you wear your polka dots?

Source: Style.com; LittleBellRing; Style Safari