Milk of Lime Berlin Spring 2026 Collection
Verhaegan (he's Belgian) and Ballardt (she's German) first met when they were studying at the Royal Academy in Antwerp, and there was definitely something of that city's raw and dissolute Flemish romanticism in this collection, particularly that of the '90s persuasion. Milk of Lime's third outing—made all the more impressive given Verhaegen and Ballardt's relatively tender years—focused on a sinuous silhouette of jacket, billowing shirt, long skirt, and soft, wide pants, which embraced both construction and deconstruction, and it was one blessed with a wistful, almost melancholic charm.
The collection was built around a multitude of those jackets of theirs, shaped close to the body, with defined shoulders. Some were crumpled, some frayed, some pieced together, as if they'd been constructed then reconstructed. (I really liked those which had rows of buttons running from the cuffs to the elbows.) 'The refined roughness is a big part of the poetry,' said Verhaegen. 'A blazer might be perfectly finished but we've cut it off, cut it open, cut it back together again. The cut of the jackets is the same, but every one is different because of the materials we've used.'
Many of those fabrics, incidentally, are from deadstock supplies, and the new life Milk of Lime brings to them can involve layering them one on top of the other, like building up a series of veils; it was particularly evocative when used for their trailing paneled skirts, putting lace with chiffon with a silk and linen jacquard. Their color palette was mostly black in all its myriad variety, mixed with what Ballardt called, 'non-colors…they have an indefinable quality to them. We had this idea of a layer of mist over them.'
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Try starting small with this charming bag that Saper recommends. It also comes in black and white if you don't want something that pops as much. Kate Spade Devin Breezy Dot Double-Zip Dome Crossbody Steinbrink vouches for this darling little crossbody made of durable saffiano leather. Leitz also recommends a nearly identical version of this bag at the Kate Spade outlet for under $100. Kate Spade Seasonless Dot Silk Bandana Scarf Another trend we're loving? Ascots. Tie things together (literally) with one of these polka-dotted silk scarves that Steinbrink loves, which comes in three color-contrasting designs that'll make a classic white tee instantly look more chic. Just like history, fashion tends to repeat itself. From Minnie Mouse to Lucille Ball to Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman,' polka dots have been part of many iconic wardrobes over time, and their recent popularity comes as no surprise, said Saper. 'When the world feels scary and uncertain, we reach for what feels familiar and what brings us joy. Our familiarity with polka dots makes them comforting and their playful design and associations makes us happy,' she said. Coming off the heels of more minimalist trends, it was time for something bolder and more playful to take their place. 'Polka dots evoke energy, optimism and fun,' said Saper. 'Their high-contrast is attention-grabbing, the perfect antidote to the sea of neutrals we've been swimming in.' The following FAQs were answered by Michaela Leitz, a size-inclusive fashion expert; Gab Saper, stylist and founder of Wardrobe Editor; Ellie Steinbrink, stylist and personal brand coach; and Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist, style creator and on-air style expert. Can you mix and match polka dots? Can you mix and match polka dots? The experts all agreed that you can mix and match polka dots, but with a few tips to keep in mind. It's important to consider the scale and color of the polka dots when coordinating components of your outfit. Saper said to make sure the patterns you're wearing — whether that's polka dots, stripes or florals — are the same or extremely different in order to look intentional. 'A penny-sized polka dot mixed with a quarter-sized polka dot? Feels like you tried to match and it didn't work. A penny-sized polka dot mixed with a grapefruit-sized polka dot? Absolutely, yes,' she said. If you're mixing two patterns, such as stripes with polka dots, Saper said scale isn't as much of an issue since they're already different. When it comes to the colors you choose when wearing different patterns on the top and bottom, she said each piece should have at least two of the same colors to ensure they work together. 'If you're wearing a black, white and yellow floral skirt, with a black, white and red polka dot top, it will work. If you're wearing a black, white and yellow floral skirt, with a navy blue and brown polka dot skirt … people will have questions,' she said. With most rules, there's always an exception. Saper said at the end of the day, if you love your look and it defies this guidance, go for it! What colors can you mix with polka dots? What colors can you mix with polka dots? If you're new to wearing polka dots or bold patterns, it's always a safe bet to pair the pattern with a solid-colored piece, though Steinbrink said you don't have to be boring when it comes to polka dots. 'Many people assume you need to wear neutrals with polka dots, but you can absolutely mix it with color,' she said. Teich and Saper both recommend mixing a classic black and white polka-dotted piece with a solid red piece if you're not sure where to start. Steinbrink added that it's a good idea to lean into colors that work for you and represent your personal style. 'If you love the clean look of black and white polka dots, but black isn't a color that works for your skin tone, you can consider wearing it on the bottom, or in accessories like shoes or handbags.' What size polka dot should you choose if you want to go bold? What size polka dot should you choose if you want to go bold? In short, the bigger the polka dot, the larger the statement. If you're not looking to be the center of attention, Steinbrink recommends opting for small dots. She said, 'You can even look for a piece that uses textures like Swiss dot, embroidery or cutouts to give the illusion of polka dots, without contrasting colors.' If you want to accentuate a specific part of your body, Saper said to wear a polka-dotted piece to highlight that area. 'Love your legs? Try a big polka skirt or skinny pant. Want to show off your décolletage and chest? A large-scale polka-dot top with a lower neckline will bring the attention,' she said. If you don't want to flaunt a certain area, refrain from wearing a bold print like polka dots. Is it better to wear polka dots on the bottom or top? Is it better to wear polka dots on the bottom or top? According to Leitz, it depends on where you want to draw the eye. 'If you love your neckline or shoulders, choose a blouse with an off-the-shoulder cut and a strong dot pattern up top,' she said. 'Polka dots are playful, but they're also a visual tool, so use them intentionally.' Teich added that it's a good idea to do a color analysis with a professional, which will determine if you can wear high-contrast patterns and what colors look best on you. If you are a high-contrast person, she said you can wear polka dots on top. If bold patterns don't work for you, she said to opt for a top with a lower neckline, smaller polka dots or polka-dotted bottoms. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on the polka dot trend for summer. Michaela Leitz, personal stylist and size-inclusive fashion expert Gap Saper, stylist and founder of Wardrobe Editor Ellie Steinbrink, stylist and personal brand coach Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist, style creator and on-air style expert CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus interviewed four fashion experts on the best polka-dot pieces to wear this summer, along with tips on how to wear the trending pattern.
