It’s not often polka dots catch my eye, despite them being prevalent in the vintage-inspired clothing world. There’s something about black polka dots on white, though, that I really love. Maybe it’s the cute, fun feel that polka dots give off warring with the most minimalist, simple colour pairing possible. I think it’s as chic as polka dots are able to get, but it still retains their whimsy.

Dress: White Polka dot Beatrix dress gifted by Dolly & Dotty
Bag: Previously gifted Lola Von Rose boxbag
Heels: Old – Similar
Hat: Black 1950s Cartwheel Sun hat previously gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Gloves: Black Lady Fingers gloves by Savage x Fenty

This polka dotted Beatrix dress is the kind of dress I think would be a comforting but pretty choice for folks who aren’t yet fully confident in their vintage style, or who find it stressful to buy for a big occasion. This dress is definitely ready to be paired with black or red accessories for the easiest outfit assembly ever, an answered prayer for those who hate shopping or struggle to construct an ensemble. Technically, you can choose any colour to pair with this dress, as black and white work with everything, but I personally hold ill feelings towards orange and purple, so emerald green would be my next back-up for a killer colour pairing. Ignoring my own personal colour preferences, this dress is a blank canvas and you can get as wild as you want decorating it.

Made from a soft scuba fabric, Beatrix is stretchy and oh-so-comfortable to wear. The three-quarter length sleeves flatter every body type, in addition to providing some warmth in cool weather, and confidence-coverage for those who worry about their upper arms. The high round neckline makes this a modest choice that can work for almost any occasion, whether special or everyday. The wide box pleats in the skirt allow some room for a slim volume petticoat to create a gentle lift away from the legs, but it lays beautifully worn as is. Pockets are the final—and obviously most important—feature, hidden in the side seams of the skirt.

I could have sized down into the 18 as there is so much stretch in the fabric, but for the best fit around the bust I opted for the 20 just in case. These days I prefer a little wiggle  room throughout seams over a painted-on fit, so I don’t mind the larger fit but there is ample stretch in this fabric to size down if you fall between sizes in Dolly & Dotty, so bear that in mind. The bust flat measures 45 inches with stretch to 50, while the waist flat measures 39 inches with stretch to 43 inches. The arms are graded up well, with the bicep circumference measuring 17 inches flat with stretch to over 20. The skirt is 29 inches inches long, and the dress is machine washable. The pockets fit my iPhone 7 plus without risk of it falling out and with room to spare for other items too. 

The Beatrix dress is available in U.K. sizes 8-26 and comes in 8 other prints and patterns. Dolly & Dotty ship worldwide.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Dolly & Dotty in exchange for an honest review. The bag was previously gifted to me by Lola Von Rose and the hat was previously gifted by Unique Vintage for past reviews. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links that would earn me a small commission from your order if used.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present or passing, practising responsible social distancing to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.