What to Wear With Polka Dot Pants: 3 Modern, Fun Looks!

It’s natural to want to add a little fun and playfulness to your wardrobe in the Spring. Polka dot pants are an easy way to do that!  But what do you wear with them at 40+ so you don’t look juvenile or like you just stepped out of the 1950s?  Here are some ideas for what to wear with polka-dot pants to look modern, lively, and on-trend.

1. Wear a Pop of Bright Color With Polka Dot Pants

The traditional way we were all taught to style polka dot pants was to match the top’s color to the pants’ color. So, you would pair blue and white polka dot pants with a white or navy top. Or, to be more daring, you might wear a red top since red, white, and blue is a traditional, safe color combination.

Today there’s much more leeway. Wear polka dot pants with a solid, bright pop of color up top for a more modern look. For example, if you read my color report for 2023, you know that Classic green is of Spring’s top colors.  I’ve paired this classic green boatneck sweater with these stretchy, cropped polka-dot pants. Bright green + navy is a vibrant “now” color combination and looks more youthful than wearing safe, traditional shades.

I also like to wear my navy and white polka dot pants with this pretty lavender tee (similar).  This cute tee takes things one step further because of the lace, which adds texture.  So a bright color + lace on a t-shirt worn with polka dot jeans = new and fresh.

Wear this if you want to look classic with a modern twist!

2. Combine Stripes with Polka Dot Pants

I tend to prefer solid colors, but from time to time, I will wear a print. However, not usually with print pants. I thought I’d be slightly different this time and mix a navy striped top with polka dots.

If you are new to mixing prints, unsure how to mix tracks, or like a conservative mixed print look, stripes with polka dots are easy and always work. The key here is that you want to keep everything in the same color family this time to get a continuous flow from top to bottom.

Mixing prints is a creative look; using the same colors makes the look elegant instead of confusing to the eye. If you want to take it one step further, you can add a third color, like a bright bag or colorful shoe, but for my taste, doing both would be overkill.

3. Wear Polka Dot Pants with Florals

Florals are another classic print you can wear with Polka dots. As with the stripes, try to stay in the same color family to look intentional and not just mismatched. Florals are a great way to add some femininity mixed with florals; this is a very artsy look.

I hope you’ve picked up some good ideas and that you try these out if you buy a pair of polka-dot pants, shorts, capris, or a dress! This way of styling polka-dot pants works for them all.

One more thing. I love getting your photos. If you create a polka dot look, please send me a good-quality photo of you in your outfit. I’d love to see how this worked out for you!

Rather have a top? Here’s how to wear a Polka Dot Blouse without looking Clownish.