As I searched for ideas for this week’s Rock the Cloth, concepts were not coming easily, so I started looking through fabric choices. My first selection was a navy blue with red polka dots, and the very next fabric I was drawn to was a black with beige polka dots. Being attracted to these, I thought this would make a good theme for the article. I selected a third print with dots and we agreed on our concept.

Polka dots may be used for casual looks but also for some corporate looks. Regardless of the nature of it, the styles are very often conservative. While each of the looks created has a conservative element, each has a balancing design feature to make it less so.

Look one: Blue/Red with cowl neckline. The cowl neckline might remind us of a conservative look and so to balance this, we made the skirt of the dress form-fitting. While form-fitting, this is still suitable for a day at a creative office, or for a lunch meeting or business errands. The dress may be worn with a belt too.

Look two: Black and beige dress. This is a very traditional print and to add a little fun we made it short and form-fitting. So much for looking frumpy or childlike in this polka dot dress — although you might feel quite playful.

Look three: Dotted Kimono-style dress: Not quite a polka dot, this dotted print still went well with the theme. We varied the kimono style which has been shared before to shape it in a decreasing curve as we go from sleeve to hemline. We also made it a little more exciting by making it form-fitting as well; a subtle way to show off curves.

Here are some tips to remember when wearing prints:

• Make sure the dots are somewhat proportional to your frame. Too large on a small frame or too small on a large frame should be avoided. Most people can wear medium-sized dots.

• If there is a colour that does not match your skin tone that you love and have always wanted to wear, you have the opportunity when it is the colour of the dots on a flattering colour. Or you may pair the print with a more flattering colour. If the dots are too large in that colour, however, keep it away from your face, or just skip it.

Steps: Kimono-styled dress

1. Cut on fold to remove the neckline and shape based on the desired shape from sleeve to skirt hem. Also cut a facing for the neckline.

2. Join facing to neckline and topstitch.

3. Fold front over back and join along the sides from underarm to hem (based on your measurements for bust, waist and hip).

4. Hem (optional).

Photos: Marc Evans

Models: Kadyan Salmon, 1st Runner-Up, Miss Jamaica Universe 2011.

Make-up: Angelie Martin-Spencer

Visit https://RockTheCloth.Blogspot.com for article archives.