I talk a lot about wardrobe heroes on Mademoiselle, and I figured it was about time that I dedicate a little series on the subject matter, particularly given that they comprise such a huge part of my closet. The first item in the ‘wardrobe heroes’ series that I wanted to focus on are polka dots. Mostly because I got spotty for anything dotty, that I couldn’t narrow it down to just one piece.
Wearing c/o JAG polka dot mini dress (this is also cute!), MVN faux leather jacket (also love this one), Jo Mercer buckle boots, Chanel chevron boy bag (also here or cheaper alternative here) Mejuri earrings, Reliquia necklace (similar here)
So, just what are wardrobe heroes?
A wardrobe hero is a garment or silhouette which fits your style to an absolute tee. It’s one of those grab and go staples that you always feel good in, and seems effortless no matter the occasion. It’s the leather jacket you’ve worn all season and you can bare tucking it at the back of your closet once the weather heats up. Or it’s the classic black pumps which go with absolutely everything and are comfortable to boot. Essentially, it’s those hard-working, wardrobe workhorses that you look forward to reaching for, no matter how many times you’ve worn it.
My wardrobe is rooted in these kinds of pieces. From a little silk cami, to a skinny jean and my favorite day heels, they’re every day essentials that form the very backbone of my wardrobe, and the foundations of my personal style.
I’ll be the first to admit that I shop more than the average person, but behind every new wardrobe addition is the intention of finding the next wardrobe hero to add to my stable of every day basics. Each piece has to earn its keep, and I’m constantly striving to bridge the gap between the 20% of my closet that I always wear, and the 80% which I sometimes wear.
Why polka dots?
I’d call my style pared back, simple or ‘minimal’ to a point, but I do strive to inject a little bit of whimsy, whether that’s through the flounce of a sleeve, or an understated print. Which is where polka dots come in as one of my wardrobe heroes. I’ve made steps over the last six months to broaden my colour palette ever so slightly, but nothing helps to jazz up an outfit more than an eye-catching print, and a good polka dot is one of the few that just so happen to be truly timeless.
The most recent spotty addition to my wardrobe is this little polka dot number from JAG in a simple t-shirt dress style silhouette with a flounced hemline (a huge thanks to the very kind publicist at APG&CO, who knows me too well!). I like that the design details are kept simple but executed well, and the splatter style spot print adds a playful vibe which is really offset by the edgier elements of this outfit.
Since my Karen Walker obsession of my late teens and early twenties, I’ve steered clear of most prints – it’s one of the biggest pieces of style advice that I ever took from my mum, and it’s never steered me wrong. But polka dots? They’re one of the few prints I’ve found that have proven to stand the test of time, and an element of my wardrobe that isn’t about to disappear any time soon.
Aside from the style playing a huge part of what I add to my closet, the functionality and versatility of a piece are key; anything that can do double duty for my weekend wardrobe while still looking professional for the office is a winner for me, and most items I’ve picked up with a spotty print have managed to straddle those two worlds with ease.
What is the biggest wardrobe hero in your closet?
