Polka dots with attitude

It can never be said that the Domestic Sluts don't like a good polka dot pattern ... we're bloody dotty about them. The high street seems to agree and we're seeing spots everywhere again. However, and it's a very reluctant however, perhaps there can be such a thing as too many polka dots in your wardrobe? The pretty girl in a pretty dotty dress sadly seems to have become a bit of a cliche. How can you wear dots and make them, well, a little less twee?

Go for a different decade

While the 1950s polka dot prom-style dress is an acknowledged classic, how about trying the spots on a shape from another era? The ASOS cocoon dress (£95), shown below, is ace for pretending you're Bridget Riley in the 60s, while you could add some 70s slink to your spot repertoire with the above Julien Macdonald number for Debenhams. It's currently reduced to £52.50 in the sale.

Go sexy

This polka dot dress is definitely not for faffing around with cupcakes in. It's a (fallen) angel martini kind of dress. It's £46 from Topshop.

Go supersize (but not in green)

This dress is a bit grim I know. Sorry. I actually wanted you to see it in the black version which is really much nicer. However,  you just can't make out the spots in the picture. So the conclusion is, if you want to wear giant spots, make sure you buy it in black, yes? Both colours are £50, again from ASOS.

Go for colours

Though I repeat, not green. Here's lots of dots of many colours, looking rather fun. Wear this dress with some full-on jewellery to steer it away from looking too pretty. Dorothy Perkins are selling this for £42.

And, if all else fails, go for accessories

Be it a chunky bangle, some crazy tights, or Topshop prove themselves top of the dots with this Dalmatian spot bag. Priced £32, it's cool rather than Cruella.