Polka Dots- Just Modernized Stripes?

Oct 28

Oct 28 Polka Dots- Just Modernized Stripes?

Stripes have been a classic style since Coco Chanel discovered them after the french revolution, but polka dots- their younger, trendier cousin- have joined them in the cohort of classics. How can these dots be chic, professional, and preppy at the same time? It all has to do with the way that we’re wired to think. Really, research has shown that curved shapes activate the region of our brain that controls the majority of our emotions (the anterior cingulate cortex). Curved shapes are traditionally used to evoke strong emotion, and paired with a perfect symmetry, they signal a sense of safety and belonging. Because of the range of emotional security and strength they evoke, polka dots have become universally acceptable, appearing everywhere from men’s dress socks to athletic sneakers. It makes sense- as we move towards a society more focused on embracing , the sharp geometric lines of the last century have been replaced with more rounded, whimsical shapes representing youth and adventure. Polka dots are here to stay- a modern twist on an old classic, anyone can pull them off for a more adventurous look.