The polka dot dress has been having a moment. Over the last few years, the Princess of Wales has stepped out in many polka dot pieces, particularly by Alessandra Rich, and they were all over the spring/summer runways, from Altuzarra to Dries Van Noten.
The timeless style is elegant but playful, statement but effortless, sophisticated but fun, which could explain the royal's unwavering penchant for the print.
Its history goes way back, first peaking in popularity in the 1920s, before another boom in the 1950s thanks to the likes of Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe. It's also a favourite of Queen Letizia of Spain, who's worn several polka dot dresses while out on engagements.
- The chocolate brown editor's pick: Reiss Polka-Dot Cut-Out Midi Dress, £218 / $398
- The white editor's pick: Rixo Eleanor Midi Dress, £275 / $395
- The black editor's pick: Friends Like These polka Dot Dress, £59 / $118
- The butter yellow editor's pick: Nobody's Child Cut-Out Polka Dot Dress, £69 / $130
- The mini editor's pick: Zara Mini Dress with Dots, £27 / $49
- The designer editor's pick: DÔEN Emerence Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Dress, £490 / $450
Royals & celebrities wearing polka dot dresses
Princess Kate has been seen in so many polka dot dresses by Alessandra Rich, the two could collaborate on their own collection. Most recently, she was pictured in this white midi dress at Westminster Abbey's VE Day service in May 2025. She previously wore the same dress at the Order of the Garter Ceremony in July 2023.
The Princess of Wales has also worn polka dot dresses in black and brighter colours, stepping out in this azure blue midi at the 2022 Wimbledon finals and a black Emilia Wickstead piece in summer 2020.
© Neil Mockford
© BBCLast year, Cat Deeley wore a polka dot dress by Sosandar to present This Morning. She looked stunning, styling the ruffled hem, blouson sleeve midi with a black leather waist belt.
© @catdeeleyPoppy Delevingne proved a polka dot mini dress can look so chic when she wore one to attend Cannes Film Festival in summer 2024. She styled it with Aquazzura's Almost Bare flat sandals.
How I chose the best polka dot dresses
- New-in: You'll find all of the best new season polka dot dresses on the high street in this edit.
- Variety: I've included a range of casual and more formal pieces, so there's something for every occasion.
- Price: There are also options to suit a range of budgets, from budget to designer.
The best polka dot dresses to shop this season
Mango A-line Polka-Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
Mango just dropped this beautiful strapless polka dot dress. Falling to a midi length, with a flattering ruched tie waist, it's so chic for summer.
Reiss Polka-Dot Cut-Out Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
I love Reiss for timeless pieces (as do the royals) and on my wish list is this chocolate brown polka dot midi dress, which has playful cut-out details. Also featuring contrasting binding, a high neckline and a front split, it's beautiful for any spring or summer occasion.
Rixo Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress
© RixoEditor's Note:
If you're looking for a cotton polka dot dress for summer, Rixo's classic beautiful style can be easily dressed up or down. Made from a lightweight cotton-blend, it features a halter neck and gentle tiered skirt.
Friends Like These Polka Dot Dress
© NextEditor's Note:
The floaty silhouette of this polka dot dress flatters every figure. The style is perfect for summer, and I'd style it with ballet flats or sling-backs.
Reformation Sabine Linen Dress
Editor's Note:
Reformation has so many cute polka dot dresses, it's hard to choose just one. With its classic cut featuring a square neckline, midi length and comfortable smocked back, this is a style you'll wear year after year. It's made from pure linen, so it's ideal for spring.
Karen Millen Drape Dot Maxi Dress
© Karen MillenEditor's Note:
Beautiful for any summer occasion, it's made from a lightweight material, with a dramatic cape effect and blouson fitted bodice.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Dress
© Nobody's ChildEditor's Note:
Nobody's Child polka dot dress comes in summer-ready butter yellow. The cami piece is so pretty for all occasions this season,
Wallis Polka Dot Scarf Maxi Dress
© WallisEditor's Note:
Scarf neck dresses are so elegant and they're still big this season. This one also comes with a flattering panelled waist and tiered skirt.
M&S Shirred Polka Dot Dress
© M&SEditor's Note:
Made from a soft fabric in an easy-to-wear floaty cut with a comfortable shirred panel, this piece is the ultimate everyday dress. I love the frilled shoulders.
DÔEN Emerence Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from a buttery silk-blend with a chic boat neckline framed by delicate ruffles, this polka dot midi dress by royal-favourite brand DÔEN is so beautiful for summer.
Omnes Shirred Polka Dot Mini Dress
© OmnesEditor's Note:
For a mini dress I'll wear on repeat this summer, I'm adding this Omnes polka dot style to basket immediately. Made from pure cotton, it's lightweight and it will actually last.
Topshop Ruffle Shoulder Amalfi Slip Dress
Editor's Note:
If you're shopping for an upcoming formal event, I love Topshop's chiffon polka dot maxi, which features a scoop neck, ruffle details, and a bra-friendly cut-out back.
