Trend Tracking: See Spot Walk The Red Carpet

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
June 16, 2011

Marc Jacobs, DVF, Lanvin

Fall 2011: Marc Jacobs (photo by Randy Brooke/Contributor), Diane von Furstenberg (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Lanvin (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

We love a good nautical stripe as much as any the next summery fashion piece, but lately, we've been in the mood for the whimsical polka dot. What was spotted (pun intended) as a runway fashion trend from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Diane von Furstenberg for Fall 2011 has already gained some worthy traction on stylish celebrities this season. Liv Tyler likes her pattern via a sheer fabric; Rihanna prefers hers mini and decorated with lace, while Heidi Klum lends her platforms a polka punch. Here are our polka dotted fashion picks (culled from over 21,000 listings for "polka dot"' in the women's fashion category), inspired by a chic cast of bold-faced names.

Sheerly Spotted

Model and actress Liv Tyler is dotty for polka dots. The rock progeny attended pal Stella McCartney's Saks Fifth Avenue shop-in-shop opening in a black contoured cocktail dress by the fashion designer featuring sheer dotted sleeves and neckline. This look is not for the fashion wallflower, but with some strategic layering, a sheer polka dotted dress can add texture to your wardrobe.

Roll over items for details

Sheer Polka Dot Tights

(buy it now price, $5.68)

Sheer Polka Dot Top

(current bid, $1.75)

Sheer Polka Dot Dress

(buy it now price, $85)

Trend Tracking: See Spot Walk The Red Carpet

Liv Tyler (photo by Andrew H. Walker/WireImage for SAKS Fifth Avenue)

Seeing Red

The eternally stylish Lauren Hutton plays the polka dot fashion trend just right. Add a dash of dots to an otherwise simple outfit with a bright red polka dot scarf.

Vintage Vera Polka Dot Scarf

(buy it now price, $19.99)

Large Club Monaco Red Cashmere Polka Dot Scarf

(current bid, $40)

Vintage Ginnie Johansen Polka Dot Scarf

(buy it now price, $32.99)

Lauren Hutton (photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Lace and Dots

Leave it to the raven-haired pop star to take the classic polka dot for a racy spin. The cherry red-tressed singer donned a ruched dotted mini with lace accents on a New York spring day. Rihanna balanced the lingerie touches with a ladylike updo, simple gold hoops and pointed toe nude pumps.

Kate Spade Polka Dot Dress

(buy it now price, $219)

Polka Dot Sundress

(buy it now price, $99.99)

Polka Dot V-Neck Dress

(buy it now price, $75)

Rihanna (photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

Retro Redux

For a flattering feminine fit, try a vintage silhouette. Kelly Osbourne flaunts her trim waist in this cinched-in polka dotted dress. She updates the retro shape with a modern day beige shoulder bag with chain detail and flat loafers paired with white bobby socks.

Vintage 1940s Polka Dot Day Dress

(buy it now price, $299)

Vintage Style Halter Polka Dot Dress

(buy it now price, $44.99)

Vintage Navy Polka Dot Silk Jersey Dress

(buy it now price, $44.95)

Kelly Osbourne (photo by Jordan Strauss/WireImage)

Open-Toe Polka

If you're not quite up for the full polka, try Heidi Klum's accessorized take. The model-entrepreneur jazzes up a casual outfit with fanciful polka dotted sandals.