I should probably start off by apologizing for speaking far too much about polka dots this summer… but that would be entirely disingenuous.  Can’t stop, won’t stop.

Give solid colors the day off, and delight with me a moment in dots–polka dots.  Certain outfits stand out, and I don’t just mean to people passing by on a sidewalk, I mean to you, too.  Some looks have a sense of specialness that can carry through to your whole mood and outlook.  I can’t think of a better example than the crop top and midi skirt I’ve got going on here.  (Alright, I’m definitely not counting wedding dresses and such, but you get the point.)

Basically begging to be paired with a crisp hat and Chanel heel, I topped this look off with a mini statement bag and classic sunnies to round things out.  A bold red lip never hurt–ever.  This printed pairing is more than just something to wear for the day, it’s a mood. You don’t look at this outfit and ask yourself how I’m feeling–you get the sense I feel amazing, like I’ve just come out of a Celine Dion concert and later, Celine and I have made plans to have a sleepover and braid each others’ hair.  Packed with positivity, I’m going to have a good day in this outfit, come hell or humidity hair.

While polka dots are the real star, and carry most of this outfit’s impact, I also think you can create this look for yourself with any kind of matching set, especially when you accessorize it well. Matching top-and-bottom moments got a bad reputation somewhere along the way (I feel like it had a lot to do with 80s movies), but here’s hoping this look makes major strides toward improving their PR.

I know it’s tempting to save these cheerful style moments for special days–but maybe don’t?  The next time you need a little optimism, know that it’s probably hanging in your closet.