Timeless, trendy, and totally you — let’s talk polka dots

Who doesn't love polka dots? One would be hard pressed to find a print so cheerful, so cute and yet, so elegant! Don't they instantly transport you to the glory days of girlhood, when your mother would sweetly dress you up in a lovely pink silk frock strewn with white polka dots, trimmed with cute lace? Your most precious possession, it made you feel like the princess from your fairy-tale book that you spent hours reading! And then, in your teens, you bought a slightly grown-up version of the same dress, only this time, it was a slinky white number with black dots, making you look chic and sophisticated! And now, in your late twenties, polka dots are everywhere, and the eternally sweet little girl in you is here for it, and how! That's the beauty of polka dots — she is a beauty and she makes everyone look pretty! She will hold your hand, be your friend from childhood to girlhood to womanhood and beyond!

Photo: Priyankar Chakma (Hill Valley Production)

The best thing about polka dots is their versatility. A silk shirt with small polka dots is perfect for office, paired with a black skirt or pants. A black pussy bow number is also another fabulous option for work as well, with its oversized bow that adds a sweetness to your look. What's best, you can easily transition from the boardroom to your best friend's place, looking pretty in your polka dotted shirt! Just change out your pearl studs for some gold hoops, and voila! Speaking of hanging out with friends, a red dress with white dots is perfect for such occasions; sweet yet sophisticated.

Photo: Priyankar Chakma (Hill Valley Production)

Tenzing Chakma is enamoured with polka dots, and rightly so! His new collection is an ode to polka dots in various shapes, forms, and colours, which makes our hearts sing! A tangerine dress with ruffles on the sleeves is feminine and flirty; just the dress for your end of summer getaways. Made of soft, breathable georgette that is easy, breezy, and beautiful, these dresses are a dream for our sweltering summer days! A black halter neck dress with white polka dots is incredibly sexy and elegant at the same time, and has been a favourite of fashionable ladies since the Fifties. Isn't it amazing how a trend is so trendy and yet so timeless at the same time?

Photo: Priyankar Chakma (Hill Valley Production)

Polka dots are mostly associated with western attires, and yet, they look fantastic when reimagined with traditional, ethnic outfits too, which is a solid testament to their unique versatility. Bangladeshi designers have put their own distinct spin on polka dots by combining them with traditional designs and styles, creating a fusion that is extraordinary!

A white Muslin saree with black polka dots is the perfect foil for zardozi embellishments, cutdana, which look bold and beautifully Bangladeshi! This saree can be happily worn at an engagement party or a grand dawat with lovely Kundan jewellery to stunning effect. The same saree with multi-coloured embroidery patches is lovely for an afternoon tea soirée. A mint green number with pink polka dots and lovely pearl embellishments will look amazing with a sleeveless blouse, hair in a French knot, and some oversized pearl earrings for your next daytime wedding reception.

Photo: Priyankar Chakma (Hill Valley Production)

A sleeveless blue kameez with white polka dots, and tone on tone embroidery, will look great for your best friend's birthday bash. Pair it with sky high heels, some chandelier earrings, and you are bound to be the polka-dotted belle of your ball!

Model: Kreesti Dewan

Wardrobe: Sozpodor by Tenzing Chakma