The polka dot dress has been having something of a moment recently. 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 Jacquemus to Acne Studios.
The timeless style is elegant but playful, statement but effortless, sophisticated but fun, which could explain the royal's unwavering penchant for the print.
It's also a favourite of Queen Letizia of Spain, who has worn several stunning polka dot dresses while out on engagements. Even Cat Deeley, TV's latest style queen, has worn one recently for her hosting duties.
Its history goes way back, with the print first peaking in popularity in the 1920s, before another boom in the 1950s thanks to the likes of Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe.
- The navy polka dot dress: Boden Samantha Scoop Jersey Dress, £86 / $125
- The pink polka dot dress: Phase Eight Nicola Spot Dress, £159 / $350
- The white polka dot dress: Reformation Naira Dress, £298 / $298
- The black polka dot dress: New Look Polka Dot Belted Shirt Dress, £33.99
- The strapless polka dot dress: Nobody's Child Polka Dot Felicity Midi Dress, £99 / $168
- The halterneck polka dot dress: Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress, £295 / $425
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 high-neck 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, and she wore a very similar style at Royal Ascot in 2022.
© Neil MockfordThe Princess of Wales is also partial to polka dot dresses in brighter colours, stepping out in this azure blue midi at the 2022 Wimbledon finals. She later recycled the look at a summer party in London to celebrate the NHS.
© Carlos R. AlvarezQueen Letizia looked beautiful wearing an elegant Carolina Herrera white polka dot dress in Bailen in 2019. Falling to a midi length, it featured a coordinating wrap waist belt.
Like Kate, the Spanish royal has also been spotted in a powder blue polka dot number. She was pictured wearing one to celebrate National Armed Forces Day with her husband King Felipe VI in 2022.
© @catdeeleyEarlier this year, Cat Deeley, the host of This Morning, wore a polka dot dress by Sosandar to present the show. She looked stunning, styling the ruffled hem, long blouson sleeve midi with a belt to cinch her waist.
How I chose the best polka dot dresses
- New-in: You'll find all of the best new season polka dot dresses from HELLO!'s favourite fashion brands 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 £33.99 at New Look to £298 at Reformation.
The best polka dot dresses to shop this season
Boden Samantha Scoop Jersey Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from soft and comfortable jersey and cut with short sleeves and a flattering scoop neck, this polka dot midi dress from Boden is the ultimate daytime style. It even has pockets. Use PQ4D for 15% off.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Felicity Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
With its strapless fit-and-flare cut, Nobody's Child's gorgeous bandeau white polka dot dress is so chic for the new season. It's selling out fast.
Phase Eight Nicola Spot Dress
Editor's Note:
How chic is this polka dot dress by Phase Eight? Featuring short puff sleeves and delicate ruffles on the bodice, the pale pink midi is beautiful for a wedding or a day at the races.
Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
Princess Kate owns several dresses from Rixo. With her penchant for polka dots, I think she would love this navy halterneck, which features a scarf-style neckline and tiered skirt.
Reformation Naira Dress
Editor's Note:
Reformation's royal-worthy polka dot Naira dress has a modest cut with short puff sleeves and a long relaxed skirt. Super versatile, it's comfortable enough to wear day and night.
Finery Mela Navy Polka Dot Crepe Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This Finery polka dot dress is a classic choice thanks to its navy colourway and regular fit, with an empire line waist seam and flowing midi skirt. It also features subtly ruffled sleeves.
New Look Polka Dot Belted Shirt Dress
Editor's Note:
Shopping for a polka dot dress in black that's still suitable for spring/summer? This one from New Look has a breezy shirt silhouette and flutter sleeves.
Karen Millen Tailored Jacquard Polka Dot Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This sophisticated polka dot midi dress from Karen Millen is a bestseller for the brand thanks to its statement cape sleeve and tailored pencil fit.
Hobbs Larina Dress
Editor's Note:
I could see Princess Kate in Hobbs’ white polka dot midi dress. The elegant piece has a shirt-style silhouette with long sleeves and a detachable tie waist to flatter your shape.
