For many of us, our first introduction to the polka dot print in fashion came courtesy of Minnie Mouse. The iconic Disney character made her debut in 1928 at the Walt Disney Animation Studio wearing her trademark pink and white polka dot dress. In fact, the dots were initially excluded in the early films due to the difficulty of animating them. Disney alternatively depicted the nostalgic spotted skirt in still images.
While they may still evoke memories of the beloved childhood cartoon, polka dots have since evolved across the fashion landscape. Today, they've firmly made their mark in high fashion, with designers elevating them to become one of this season's most coveted sartorial trends.
We've seen the classic pattern adorned onto avant-garde garments and fresh silhouettes on recent runways that retained the print's timeless charm tinged with contemporary style. Polka dots initially resurged in the spring/summer 2025 shows, with the likes of Jacquemus and Acne Studios integrating them into their designs.
Fast forward to the autumn/winter 2025 runway season, polka dots positioned themselves firmly on the fashion frontlines – think Fendi and Isabel Marant. Moschino was sure to make a loud statement with their polka dot blazers while Conner Ives made a creative twist on the classic pattern with sheer slip dress gracing gown the runway adorned with large tonal spots. Over at Altuzzarra, we spotted cosy knitwear, wispy coats, and halterneck dresses printed with the pattern. Meanwhile, Brandon Maxwell appliquéd a black-and-white scarf coat with dots while Bora Aksu opted for a romantic approach with the print adorned with layers of tulle off-cuts.
The polka dot domination isn't limited to high fashion – Susamusa's black-and-white Meadow Skirt has been quickly recycled by influencers and street style moguls as soon as the sun started shining.
The popularity of the print flourished in the 1920s, with the likes of Gabrielle Chanel integrating the pattern into her designs. With a brand tailored around empowering women through challenging traditional style codes, Chanel transformed the playful print into one that exuded feminine flair.
Fast forward to the 1950s, a decade that witnessed a surge in the popularity of the polka dot pattern, making it a key reference point in sartorial history. Marilyn Monroe became the poster girl for the print, most famously wearing a black-and-white polka dot dress designed by William Travilla for the 1955 classic The Seven Year Itch.
Polka dots carry flirty and fun connotations – they retain an innocent, girly charm with touches of elegance and high-fashion sophistication. Their legacy continued to dot into the 80s and 90s courtesy of fashion moguls like Princess Diana – remember when she graced the royal box at the 1988 Ascot dressed in a classic navy and white polka dot dress.
Whether you're looking to secure a playful polka dot halterneck dress for your pending European summer, or fancy a whimsical tie-neck blouse for the office, we've got you covered. Bold enough to make a statement yet refined enough to ooze timeless elegance, discover our favourite polka dot pieces to wear this summer.
Best polka dot pieces for SS25:
How we chose:
Price: Our list boasts a myriad of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels.
Style: Ranging from trending cult label skirts to cutting-edge Dolce & Gabbana designs, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.
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