Wearing the right outfit to a wedding is extremely important. As a guest, you want to look your best while also avoiding any fashion faux pas that could be seen as distracting from the bride and groom’s big day. One fashion choice that can raise questions is wearing white polka dots to a wedding. Let’s take a closer look at whether this pattern is wedding-appropriate.
Quick Answer: It Depends on the Style and Occasion
The quick answer is that it depends on the specific style of the white polka dot outfit and the formality of the wedding. Small white polka dots on a darker colored dress or skirt suit may be fine for semi-formal or casual weddings, but would not be appropriate for formal/black-tie weddings where guests should not wear white. Larger polka dots can come across as distracting and competitive with the bride’s outfit. When in doubt, choose a different pattern or color to stay safe.
White Polka Dot Dress or Romper
A dress or romper featuring white polka dots all over should be avoided for weddings. An all-over print in white can appear visually distracting and may look like you are trying to upstage the bride’s gown. Even if the base color is not white, polka dots in white stand out and draw the eye. This look would be better suited for a baby shower or brunch than a wedding.
Exception
The exception would be if the wedding was extremely casual, like a beach wedding or backyard barbecue reception. Then a white polka dot sundress could potentially work. But for most indoor weddings, especially church ceremonies, steer clear of white polka dot dresses.
White Polka Dot Blouse
A blouse with white polka dots may be acceptable if done tastefully. Look for a blouse where the white dots are small, spaced out, and set against a darker neutral color like navy or black. Pair it with a solid skirt in a dark color and conservative accessories. Stay away from a white polka dot blouse with bright colors or large dots, as that can look like you are calling attention to yourself.
Recommendations
- Navy silk blouse with small white polka dots, pencil skirt in navy or black, simple pumps in navy or black.
- Black and white polka dot blouse with small dots paired with a black skirt and cardiagn, black heels.
The polka dot blouse should not compete with or distract from the bride’s dress. If done tastefully, it can work for semi-formal and formal weddings. Use discretion and when possible, check with the bride.
White Polka Dot Skirt
Much like a polka dot blouse, a skirt with white dots may be wedding-appropriate if styled carefully. Go for a skirt in a neutral color like navy or black, with dots on the smaller side. Then pair it with a solid top that complements the color of the skirt. For example, a navy skirt with white dots could be worn with a sleeveless chambray top.
Recommendations
- Black pencil skirt with small white dots paired with a solid black or red sleeveless top.
- Navy midi skirt with white polka dots and a solid white peasant blouse.
Stay away from pairing a white polka dot skirt with bright, bold colors or prints. The outfit should not demand more attention than the wedding couple on their big day. Aim for simple and elegant styling.
White Polka Dot Accessories
Small white polka dot accessories can provide a subtle touch of pattern to a wedding guest outfit. White polka dot shoes, a scarf or a handbag can be tasteful choices. Just keep the dots dainty and minimal. Giant or overtly bold polka dots risk being distracting.
Recommendations
- Nude pumps with a small white polka dot print.
- A thin white polka dot neck scarf over a solid dress.
- A small white clutch with white polka dots.
When it comes to polka dot accessories, white pairs nicely with darker neutrals like black, navy and charcoal. Stay away from bright flashy colors that may be inappropriate for more formal weddings. Subtle and sparse dots are the way to go.
White Background with Colorful Polka Dots
A dress, blouse or accessory that is white with colorful polka dots can be worn to a wedding. Since the background color is white rather than the dots, this can be a great way to incorporate fun dots without drawing excessive attention. Just be sure the polka dots are relatively small and spaced out.
Recommendations
- A fit and flare dress in solid white with navy blue polka dots.
- A white handbag or clutch with green, orange and pink polka dots.
- White pumps with black polka dots.
The colorful dots will appear subtle against the white background. This is a safer way to wear polka dots, compared to white dots on a colored background which stands out more.
Large or Oversized Polka Dots
In general, you should avoid large or oversized polka dots for weddings. No matter the colors, big bold dots come across as loud. They grab the viewer’s attention and can be distracting. For example, a big white polka dot dress would look like you are stealing the spotlight.
Giant polka dots in other colors like black, navy or pink can also be too eye-catching and informal. Dresses, skirts, blouses and accessories should all stick with small to medium dots. Stay away from those with dots bigger than a couple inches in diameter.
DIY Polka Dot Outfits
Occasionally a bride will request or encourage guests to wear DIY polka dot attire that coordinates with the wedding theme. This requires discretion. Make sure the polka dots are not so big and bold that they outshine the bride. Pastel polka dots rather than bright colors are a good option.
Also, consider the formality. DIY polka dot outfits are best for garden weddings and laid-back beach ceremonies. The polka dots should not upstage the couple but rather gently coordinate with the wedding vision.
Red Polka Dots
Red polka dots can be worn to a wedding if done carefully. Small red dots on a white or neutral background are generally OK. But proceed with caution when it comes to large red polka dots. Red is an attention-grabbing color, so keep the dots muted and minimal.
An entire outfit covered in red polka dots risks looking distracting or inappropriate. When possible, check with the bride and see if she is comfortable with red polka dot attire. She may prefer you choose a different color or pattern.
Black Polka Dots
Black polka dots on a white or light colored background can make for a chic wedding outfit. The dark dots pair nicely with solid colors and provide just a hint of pattern without being overpowering. Black polka dots tend to be timeless and stylish.
Some examples of outfit ideas featuring black polka dots:
- A white collared shirt with small black dots tucked into a black midi skirt.
- A pink sundress with thin black polka dot stripes.
- A boat neck navy dress with a black polka dot skirt.
No matter the garment or accessory, make sure the black dots are on the smaller side. Large black polka dots may be too dark, bold and attention-demanding for a wedding.
Blue Polka Dots
Different shades of blue polka dots can be great options for wedding attire. Blue is a soothing color that pairs nicely with white or ivory. For example, a navy polka dot blouse with an ivory skirt can look both chic and bridal shower-appropriate.
Some other ideas for wearing blue polka dots to a wedding include:
- Royal blue polka dot pumps
- A cobalt blue polka dot headband
- A light blue polka dot dress with a navy cardigan
Pale blue and navy blue polka dot outfits tend to work well for weddings across the formality spectrum. Just stick to smaller dots and aim for an elegant look.
Pink, Peach or Coral Polka Dots
Softer pink, peach and coral polka dots can be tasteful choices for a wedding if styled carefully. Dots in these colors complement ivory, champagne and other tone-on-tone hues. Keep the dots relatively minimal and pair them with solid neutrals.
Some examples of wedding-appropriate ways to wear pink, peach or coral polka dots include:
- An ivory dress with pale pink polka dots.
- A peach polka dot blouse with a navy pencil skirt.
- Nude heels with coral polka dots.
Stay away from neon or bright pink polka dots, which may be better suited for a 1980s party. Muted, delicate dots are best for weddings.
Yellow Polka Dots
Yellow polka dots require caution for wedding attire. Small mustard dots may work for semi-formal ceremonies, but can look distracting if they are large or bright yellow. In general, yellow is a very eye-catching color, so proceed with care when incorporating it into a wedding outfit.
Some safer ways to wear yellow polka dots include:
- A white sundress with small mustard yellow dots.
- A solid yellow clutch with barely visible white dots.
If possible, ask the bride her thoughts on yellow polka dots before planning an outfit around them. Some may see the color as fun and festive while others may prefer you avoid it.
Purple, Lavender or Lilac Polka Dots
Soft purple hues like lavender, lilac and mauve can make pretty polka dot prints for weddings. Pale purple dots complement white, silver, gray and light blue dresses or accessories nicely.
Some examples of purple polka dots include:
- A lilac polka dot headband with a solid lavender dress.
- White heels with pale purple polka dots.
- A white blouse with lavender dots and white skirt.
Dark eggplant purple polka dots are better to avoid as they can look almost black and stark. Light, airy purple shades keep the dots looking feminine and romantic.
Orange, Lime Green or Neon Polka Dots
Bright, punchy colors like orange, lime green and neon shades are best avoided when it comes to polka dot wedding outfits. They tend to look too flashy and attention-seeking for weddings.
Even if the polka dots are small, neon colors are simply too bold and distracting. They look better suited for a party or fun casual event rather than a meaningful wedding ceremony and reception.
If the wedding has some funky or bold retro theme, check with the couple before venturing into the bright polka dot zone. Otherwise, stay away from hot oranges, limes and neons.
Groom or Groomsmen with Polka Dots
For groom and groomsmen style, it is best to avoid polka dots altogether. Men’s suits and tuxedos traditionally call for solid colors and patterns. An overall polka dot suit or accessories would likely come across as an eyesore.
If the wedding has some quirky theme, the groom may opt for a polka dot tie or vest, but these should be subtle. Bold polka dots risk clashing with the bride and bridesmaid dresses. Keeping the groom and groomsmen’s attire classic and understated is a safer bet.
Mother of Bride/Groom Polka Dot Dresses
Mothers of the bride and groom should also use discretion when it comes to wearing polka dots. Conservative small-dotted prints may work for some mothers, but not others.
Many mothers of the bride and groom opt for sleek solid dresses in floor length gowns or dressy skirt suits. If polka dots are incorporated, the pattern should remain very minimal. For example, a navy dress with an ivory polka dot collar.
Mothers should avoid overly bold, distracting polka dot dresses that bring excessive attention. Simple and elegant is key. When possible, check with the bride and other VIPs on their outfit choices first.
In Conclusion
Can you wear white polka dots to a wedding? In summary:
- Avoid polka dot dresses, especially white and red polka dot dresses.
- Subtle polka dot accessories like shoes or handbags may be OK if dots are small.
- White polka dot blouses or skirts can work for semi-formal weddings when styled tastefully.
- Small dots in blue, black, pink, purple, gray are safer than white, yellow, orange, lime.
- Big, bold polka dots of any color tend to look distracting and inappropriate.
Aim for simple, chic outfits with minimal polka dot accents if any. The focus should remain on the wedding couple rather than the guests’ fashion choices. When in doubt, opt for no dots at all. Solid colors and subtle patterns are timeless options. Most importantly, check with the bride and respect her wishes about polka dot attire on her big day!
