The Polka Dot Sensation Hits this Spring

This past week has been pretty dismal, but with the unseasonably warm weather that made an appearance, and my dreams of spring fashion to come, I am feeling much better. What better way to lift your spirits than to look at beautiful things? It is so nice and refreshing to dwell on the real issues, whether I can pull off polka dots, rather than the questions of our "futures" that we must deal with in our daily lives. We could all use a little distraction. I won't pull myself back down into the misery of the daily grind; I am determined to lift us out of it, with polka dots, that is.

Some of you, heck most of you, are probably reading this thinking, "This girl is definitely ridiculous and maybe a bit crazy." Perhaps you glanced at this column just to see what it was about, and you find polka dots so frivolous that I have lost you as a reader forever, but I hope that you will bear with me, as I explain why I love them. And just for the record, I know I am a little crazy, but it is fashion that makes me happy, so I won't apologize.

Polka dots are the pattern of the times. They have been hailed as the hype of the season, and rightfully so. Not only are polka dots iconic, but also there are so many ways to make them fresh and new even today. As far as trends go, I love seeing one that I can relate to. One that flatters all body types in some way or another, one that is not too outlandish, offensive, or expensive to reach the masses, and one that just plain old doesn't take itself too seriously. The polka dot is the perfect trend for spring.

Though this has been a particularly mild winter thus far, it surely has been a grey one. I wish all that rain were snow, since it is generally pretty dreary out there. What is more cheerful than a polka dot? The frivolousness of them can't help but lift your spirits and pull you out from the dreary dumps. Children wear polka dots, old people wear polka dots, fashion icons, movie stars, legends of all sorts can rock the ditzy dots. Their enduring popularity across time, space, and culture stems from the joy they bring. They are a bit unexpected, and make people think twice; they are a conversation piece, as all fashion should be.

Polka dots exist in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite rendition would have to be the pairing of two different sized dots, which just says "chic." Also, wearing a polka dot with another print is a little bit adventurous, but who doesn't love bending the rules of fashion from time to time? From raincoats, to pants, to shoes, to blouses, skirts, scarves, bags, and everything in between, rocking the dots can bring some joy to an ensemble, and to your day, as well. We all need a little bit of fun in our wardrobe, and this is the perfect way to find fun in a trend.

So the jury is out: invest in a piece of your own. My personal suggestions would be J.Crew's "Hot Dot" bathing suit line, the Betsey Johnson polka dot trench coat, or Topshop's "Cream Spot Midi Dress," or maybe even sport some polka dot nails. Can't wait for spring to start sporting the trend? Grab a polka dot iPhone case to text, call, Tweet, e-mail, play games, and whatever else you do on there in style. Or, find a new polka dot tote and swap out your old school backpack or purse. Changing up your school bag, and carrying your books in even a subtly-dotted satchel will make each day feel a bit more special.

But most of all, at Boston College, especially during the dreary "Summer Internship Fair" week, it is important to remember to not take oneself too seriously; there'll be plenty of time for that at the nine-to-five internships people will be trekking to this summer. So enjoy some wardrobe freedom while you still can, smile, throw on some polka dots, and I swear spring will be here soon.