As you might have noticed from my previous post on how to wear leopard print, I love patterns and prints. I love mixing them up, but I also love having them as the focus of my outfit. For this post, I am going to show you guys how to wear polka dots - one of my absolute favorite prints.

Below, I have created four outfits for very different occasions, all featuring polka dots – a casual daytime look, an outfit for a day at the office, a date night ensemble and a formal look. I hope they inspire you to bring this trendy print into your life!

1. Daytime Casual
When I think of polka dots for daytime, my thoughts go straight to patterned shorts. Although they were a summer trend, there is no reason you can’t keep wearing your favorite pair into next season – just add opaque tights and a cardigan, like I did in the outfit above. Finish the look off with a cute anchor necklace for a fun nod to thenautical trend.

2. Dots at the Office
Although most summer-long internships are over now, I know many of you CF readers are still working while you’re in school. But even if you’re not working right now, a cute, professional-looking outfit is essential for events ranging from meeting your advisors to job interviews.

I love workwear, but I hate boring pant-suits, so this look is a fun take on corporate chic. The skirt is long enough to be office-appropriate, while the polka dot shirt is girly and fun. A big bag and girly cardigan help this look transition between many temperatures and settings. I added dotty tights for interest, but you could substitute plain tights for a more subtle look. I finished the look off with heels, but you could also wear flats instead.

3. Date Night
Date night outfits are tricky -  whether it’s a blind date, a date with a guy you’ve had your eye on for a while, or simply a night out with your boy, it’s difficult to get the sexy/chic balance right for that special occasion.

Fortunately, this perfect little polka dot dress is the epitome of cute and sexy. It has a gorgeous fit, yet is completely simple; it’ll make you look amazing, but not like you tried too hard. I added a bag in this season’s hottest color, bright red, and a cardigan for warmth (unless he’s a real romantic and offers you his jacket!). A belt will cinch you in at the waist (belt it over your cardigan) and these Chanel-esque flats will keep you comfy yet stylish, no matter where the night takes you.