Even if you don’t have your finger on the sartorial style pulse, you’ll no doubt have noticed that polka dots have been trending in a big way so far this year. Splashed across dresses, tops, skirts and everything in between, fashion really has gone dotty. But as with most trends (see stovepipe jeans taking over wide leg's popularity), the style pendulum is starting to swing the other way as an opposite look is emerging. We’re of course talking about stripes.
If polka dots aren’t the print for you, you’re in luck this season. While spots and stripes have long been pitted against each other, there’s no denying both are eternally chic and timeless in their own ways. Take this white and black short-sleeve striped top from Next as all the proof you need.
More elevated than a basic tee, this design features a boat neckline, dropped shoulders and voluminous short sleeves that fall just past the elbows for a relaxed silhouette. Crafted from an ecru and black striped fabric with a distinct knitted texture, the classic pattern adds a level of sophistication that’s instantly modernised thanks to the asymmetric cut.
A refined option for daily wear, the monogram colour palette makes this top an ideal companion for just about everything in your wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with denim in any style to achieve an effortless ‘jeans and a nice top’ outfit.
Or, for something a little bolder, follow the model's lead and pattern clash with a pair of polka dot shorts – just make sure to stick to a similarly neutral colour palette to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark.
You’ll reach for this top again and again throughout this season and beyond.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
