Spot On

Fringes – they’re cheaper than Botox and great for hiding gigantic spots on your forehead. But this spring there is no hiding from the spotty craze that has hit the shops. From polka dots to oversized spots, a piece of spotted clothing is a must-have for this spring. And if you are bored of stripes but not into your florals, this is a great way to inject some newness into your wardrobe. You don’t have to go down the old-fashioned, twee route – as ever, it’s about how you wear it.

Here are the pieces to buy into this season:

Probably the easiest way into the trend is with a spotted blouse and I tried on this Polka Dot Bodysuit £29.99 at Zara which I loved. I tried on a bodysuit before Christmas from Zara which was too short so you could see the black pant part above the line of your trousers – not a good look. This one, however, was longer through the body so didn’t have that problem. It also comes in black with a white spot which looks good with the wide legged denim. They have put the cream spot with a rust spot trouser which I can categorically state I would not wear as a combo. Give me a nice black trouser – cuffed/tapered or otherwise, a skirt or a relaxed jean. I like this for day to evening too with a quick change of footwear.

Another larger spot is this Sadie Spot Blouse £45 from Monsoon. Wear tucked in with wide legged trousers or culottes or a straighter legged jean.

Warehouse’s Spot Print Double Frill Top £29 is very nice too.

&Other Stories has a slightly smaller spot in its classic Silk Blouse £79 which looks lovely paired with a tailored track pant – I like the go faster stripes with the spots as a nice way to tone down the twee.

For a smaller scale then they also have this Smock Sleeve Blouse £49 which is perfectly toughened up with some leather trousers.

On the more casual front, I love this Flocked Spot Sweatshirt £79 from Whistles. Perfect for jeans, soft skirts or tailored crepe trousers.

To make more of a statement there are plenty of spotty dresses around and this Wrap Dress £69 from &Other Stories is one of my favourites. Most of the wrap dresses around this season are festooned with frills which isn’t really my thing, so these clean lines really appeal and make this a modern looking dress.

Another good style is this Polka Dot Print Crepe Dress £52 from Warehouse. Not a girly, frilly, short wrap so a dress you can wear to work and be taken seriously in. But it’s low on stock and sold out in a lot of sizes.

If feminine is what you want, then this Longer Spot Tea Dress £49 from Oasis would certainly do the job. They also come in shorter lengths which are good for the petite or younger crowd.

Or for wow factor, this Marceau Spot Maxi Dress £190 by super popular and cool brand, Ganni, is a winner dressed down with trainers or up with boots.

You could certainly do a Julia Roberts with this Polka Dot Skirt £35.99 from Mango.

Or this Printed Pleated Skirt £49 which looks gorgeous styled here. Definitely one for warmer weather though.

And finally, it’s the turn of the jumpsuit because they have also gone dotty. I like this Polka Dot Long Jumpsuit £59 from Mango (another that is reminiscent of Pretty Woman) which also comes in black although the spots are larger and more spaced out.

This Polka Dot Print Jumpsuit £59 from Warehouse is also a goodie. So good that stock levels are already very low in some sizes and sold out in others.

Otherwise there is this Mika Spot Wrap Tie Jumpsuit £189 from Whistles.

And now for something totally useless for now or anytime soon unless you happen to be heading abroad: Dot Print Bardot Playsuit £42 from Topshop. Oh hurry up summer.

But while on the subject of summer, head to Boden for all spotty beachwear. From these Santorini £60 and Positano £60 swimsuits to tankinis, bikinis and bottoms.

And to finish off with a much more useful bit of kit: the trainer. But not any old trainer – Boden’s Hollie Trainers £98 have been given a spotty makeover and come in navy and gold. A nice bit of levity to pop on your feet.