Polka dots. You either love them or you hate them.

We happen to love them and we aren’t the only ones. 2015 has been the year of the dots–especially on the spring and summer fashion runways.

If you too love the polka dot, read on for some tips on how wear them and how to add them to your home.

Polka Dots Fashion and Home Decor Tips

Image: West Elm

1. Mix and Match

One of our favorite ways to incorporate the polka dot into you wardrobe or your home decor is to mix and match them with other patterns. Polka dots can add a bit of whimsy to stripes, gingham, plaid, damask, houndstooth, Greek Key, or really any pattern out there. The key is to match the scale or make a point to exaggerate the difference in scale between your patterns.

Image: Umberto Fratini / Indigitalimages.com

2. Go Big

For those who don’t really care for the polka dot, one solution is to choose patterns with larger dots and with more space between them. This look is more retro and less precious.

Image: Anthropologie

3. Go Small

On the other end of the size spectrum, choosing smaller dots can come off a little more polished. Small scale polka dots when seen from far away are almost invisible, it’s only when you get up close that you can see them. It works just like a small pinstripe pattern work.  Smaller dots are definitely more appropriate for more conservative settings, like the office.

Image: Pottery Barn

4. Accents

Any pattern can be just too darn much if overdone, that’s never truer than with polka dots. Instead of decking yourself, or your space, in head to toe dots, use the pattern as an accent. A scarf, a throw, gloves, or a rug would all work to give a little pop of dots!

Image: HAUSOFPROSE

5. Be Unexpected

Instead of wearing or decorating with polka dots in expected ways, like wearing a polka-dotted blouse or throwing some throw pillows on the sofa, get creative with your looks. Try polka-dotted pumps or a statement wall art piece instead, just don’t be predictable!

Image: starsandspirals

6. Own It

Do not be afraid to go all in with polka dots. If you love them, who cares if others don’t! Wear polka dots from your head to your toes and wear them proud.

Related on EcoSalon

How To Wear It: Polka Dots

7 Deceptively Simple DIY Black and White Decorating Ideas

Fearless Home Decor: Mix and Match Patterns

Image: OhongsDesignStudio

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