dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s in Polka Dots

February 22, 2021 / 38 Comments
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

Sweet, darling, fanciful, fun polka dots. While there are not very many prints and patterns that I don’t love, polka dots have a special place in my heart because they bring a sense of cheerful nostalgia and childlike whimsy to my style game. And I will forever remain a child at heart. This crazy world may try to corrupt and pollute my innocent soul, but I will continue holding on with a very tight grip to my youthful frivolity. Nothing exudes the gaiety of youth quite like some bold polka dots and spirited pattern mixing.

When Daenel announced this month’s Fab 40’s theme was polka dots, I knew immediately I wanted to do some sort of pattern mixing with dots. We shared a similar dotty theme a while back where I created my outfit with four different wardrobe pieces in black and white polka dot prints including the scarf I am wearing in this post. I was all covered in dots and I loved it!

For this month’s polka dot prompt, I decided to combine these new striped shorts with all black and a polka dot scarf. The combination of stripes and polka dots is an easy one for print mixing beginners and I think the pairing creates a liveliness in one’s appearance that is much needed in these dark times. I definitely felt an increase in my level of cheerfulness and an extra bounce in my step that came from this combination of joyful prints and bold color palette. What we wear on our bodies absolutely effects our moods. For me, incorporating prints and colors that make my heart sing is a great mood booster for a dreary winter’s day in the midst of an extraordinarily long season of bitter cold and snow.

dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

As much as I love this fun little outfit to boost my energy and my mood, I think if I had painted my face white I would very much resemble a mime! But that’s kind of fun, too. Who doesn’t love a good mime? Haha. I know, I know, lots of people find mimes kind of creepy. Not me. They make me laugh!

While mimes make me laugh, polka dots make me smile. So let’s talk a bit more about polka dots and some fascinating dotty facts.

*Note: I have not checked the accuracy of my sources, but since I am just talking about polka dots I don’t think I have to be all that concerned if I share some bits that may not be entirely accurate.

Did you know that in Medieval Europe, polka dot prints were viewed as very unpleasant representations of disease and impurity? During this time period, wearing polka dotted clothing was very taboo. There was no technology for creating symmetry in polka dot prints, so the prints of that time featured asymmetrical and unevenly spaced dots of different shapes and sizes. The randomness of the dots on apparel resembled the rashes that were caused by severe illnesses rampant during the later Middle Ages like smallpox, leprosy, and the Bubonic plague. This negative association with dotted prints carried through into the Renaissance period. Stripes were also viewed in a negative light as they were considered a pattern that only outcasts wore. So I guess if I had worn this outfit 500 years ago, I would be a very taboo outcast!

During that same time period, non-western cultures used dots as a sign of male virility but they also had magical connotations as well. Dotted prints played a hugely important role in many African art and costume traditions. There is much more variety in sizes and colors of polka dots in these traditions. For example, tiny densely packed dots convey the idea that an object or person donning the dots has magical powers. The denser the dotty pattern, the more magic that was held within that object or person.

dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

But polka dots were not called polka dots until the mid-19th century when the Polka dance craze swept throughout Europe. Although the relationship between the dance and the dots in unclear, it is believed that the pattern evokes the same cheerful vibe of the dance and so the two things, dance and dots, became forever connected in the modern world.

Once polka dot mania took off in the mid-19th century, it has never really died in the world of fashion and has become a classic and timeless print with a very rich history. If you interested in reading more about polka dot history, here are the articles that I have read in writing this post.

dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge
dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

And now let’s have a look at my fabulous friends in their polka dots. Be sure to click on their photos or links to go read additional details about their dotty outfits.

The Fab 40’s is a group of four fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme with the goal of taking on style trends and showing how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With four widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

As much as I do love the whimsy of a traditional round polka dot, how much sweeter it is when the dots are in the shape of hearts like Ada’s adorable little swing dress in black and white.

Elegance and Mommyhood
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

I am loving Daenel’s easy boho vibe in this beautiful top and comfortable denim. Can you spot her adorable polka dotted earrings and dotty coffee mugs?

Living Outside the Stacks
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

Suzy of The Grey Brunette

Suzy did some amazing pattern mixing with her dotty look combining two dotted prints and some zebra. I really love her mustard colored trainers peeking out from her wide legged trousers, too. Such a cool street style vibe going on!

The Grey Brunette
Suzy of The Grey Brunette

And me…

dots and stripes, polka dots, velvet blazer, fashion over 40, polka dots, Fab 40's, Shelbee on the Edge

Before I sign off today, I want to take a moment to extend an invitation to any bloggers in their 40’s who are interested in joining this group either on a permanent basis or as a guest blogger appearing only occasionally with us. If you wish to become a permanent member of the Fab 40’s group, you do have to commit to posting once a month with us on the final Monday of each month. The only other stipulation is that you must be in your 40’s. If you are interested, please feel free to let us know either in the comments or through email! We would love to expand this group by adding a few more members for some additional style diversity.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: (All old things from my closet except the shorts which are new) / Blazer-Thrifted / Blouse-Burlington Coat Factory / Bralette and Shorts-Torrid / Tights-c/o Sheertex / Shoes and Gloves-Target / Beret-TJ Maxx / Coat, Earrings, Brooch, and Scarf-Old

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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