The Budget Fashionista

Okay, we promise not to make any bad puns about seeing spots. But we are. Because polka dots are hot this Spring. You say you’ve seen them before? Well, us too—but that doesn’t mean we don’t kind of love them. Some tips on how to make them very 2008:

Carry them. Handbags are one of our favorite ways to incorporate a seasonal trend that might be on it’s way out before you’ve gotten your money’s worth from a clothing item. Try this polka dot tote from JCPenney for $30, for a more traditional take; to up the it factor a bit, we like this CL by Laundry Polka Dot Hobo Bag from Target, on sale for just $16.09.

Slip into them. Okay, we have a confession—since Julia Roberts wore that brown number in Pretty Woman we have always had a weakness for a polka dot garment. This Tempted Chiffon Polka Dot Top from Macy’s, on sale for $28.50, is definitely a current take, and for something even more unexpected, we love this Cascading Dot Print Dress at Lane Bryant, on sale for $41.65.

Add spotty accessories. Whether they’re subtle dots—like this feminine Juice Sandal for $24.99 at Payless—or bolder ones—like this bracelet from Torrid for $9, polka dots can add a little punch to an otherwise basic ensemble. Oh, and since it’s spring, we would be remiss to not include a funky pair of polka dot rain boots, like these Mod Dot Rainboots from Target, for $19.99. Really, why not?