The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Polka Dot Socks

Fun and flirty, polka dot patterns have been in style for decades. The color, dot-size, or other pattern details change, but polka dots have staying power. For a long time, women and young girls wore them, but now even men incorporate them into their style.

One great way to use polka dots in your wardrobe is to wear polka dot socks. The pattern can be as understated or attention-grabbing as you choose. If you want to put more polka dots in your closet, here are nine do’s and don’ts to wearing polka dot socks:

1. Do pattern mix

The great thing about polka dot patterns is that they can mix with other patterns. One of the best ways to master this look is to mix polka dots with floral patterns. The organic shapes of floral prints go well with the structured look of polka dots. 

Polka dots are such a widely used pattern that it can sort-of be treated like a neutral. Don’t be afraid to amp up your look by mixing patterns together. 

2. Don’t pattern clash

While pattern mixing is fun and trendy, it can be difficult to get it right. If you don’t choose the right pattern, you’ll end up clashing. The best way to prevent a pattern clash is to choose a cohesive color palette. If the colors all work together, that helps the patterns to work together.

You don’t want the patterns to drown each other out, it is important for them to complement each other. If each pattern competes too much for attention, the combination won’t serve to give you a completed look. Instead, it will look sloppy and confused.

3. Do stock up on different styles

No Cold Feet has a helpful guide covering some general tips for incorporating polka dot socks into an outfit. The easiest way to make sure that your socks match your look is by stocking up on different styles.

You can choose different colored backgrounds with different colored polka dots. Whether you’re shopping for everyday looks, for work, or for special occasions, you can find a few pairs to match your style. Mix them up throughout the week so you don’t get tired of wearing the polka dot trend.

4. Don’t leave them out of your work wardrobe

Polka dot socks provide a fun, bright pop of color. They may not be considered the most conservative look for the workplace, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place at work. 

For most women, plenty of polka dot options are appropriate for the workplace. This is less true with men. If you’re a man with a professional dress code, take polka dot socks as an opportunity to bring a little bit of silliness and personality into your work wardrobe.

5. Do try different dot sizes

Some polka dot socks have spots the size of a quarter. Some have spots the size of a pencil eraser. Some have teeny tiny spots like the head of a pin. Each of these options offers a different look, so stock up! Larger dots are louder and more fun; small dots are more understated and classic.

With different polka dot sizes, you can have a few different pairs of polka dot socks without looking like you only wear one style. Since polka dots are one of the most wearable trends, your polka dot sock arsenal will have you looking fresh.

6. Don’t be too matchy

We talked about how easy it is to pattern mix with polka dots, but mixing polka dots with more polka dots is actually something of a fashion faux pas. If you’re wearing a shirt or pants that already feature polka dots, maybe skip the polka dot socks that day.

With too many different polka dotted articles of clothing, you’ll end up looking like a polka dot monster. So keep it to just one or two accessories at a time — like socks and a bag— or just one main article of clothing. One of our favorite combos is red with polka dots!

7. Do give them as a gift

Polka dot socks make a great gift for anyone. These socks can be worn to work, at home, hidden beneath a pant leg, or put fully on display with shorts and sneakers. Everyone can find a way to wear them that fits their style.

If you know the person’s favorite color or understand their style well, go ahead and pick out a fun color! If you’re not so sure, stick to the classic navy or black with white polka dots.

8. Don’t be intimidated

Some people get unnecessarily jumpy when they try out new patterns or styles. For instance, the stereotypical manly man may be a bit hesitant to start strutting around in polka dots.

If you’re hesitant about making this style change, don’t be! Polka dots are one of the most popular patterns in the world. Buy a pair of polka dot socks in your favorite color and wear them at home to start. When you’re more comfortable, you can make your polka dot debut to the world.

9. Do wear them on your special day

When it comes to wedding dresses, there are many style options to choose from. Men and women who choose to wear suits on their wedding day have a little bit less flexibility. One way to add a pop of personality is with socks.

Wearing bright, patterned socks on your wedding day is a big trend. The entire party can wear the same style, choose color variations, or choose different styles altogether. Since polka dots are such a timeless pattern, depending on the one you choose, this sock pattern is sure to look great or silly in your pictures for years to come.

Bring an extra bit of personality and fun to your outfits with polka dot socks. Whether you’re dressing for everyday life, work, or a special event, polka dot socks can help you take your outfit to the next level. 

When polka dot socks aren’t appropriate, grab yourself a few pairs of The Most Comfortable Socks on Earth from Strideline. You won’t regret it!

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