Polka Dots Are Fashion’s Favorite Throwback Print This Summer
From Carolina Herrera to Jacquemus, it's been spotted everywhere.
Whenever I see polka dots, my mind flashes to a few unforgettable fashion moments: Julia Roberts in that iconic brown-and-white dress from Pretty Woman (1990, if you need a reminder), and Naomi Campbell, gliding down Patrick Kelly’s Spring 1989 runway in a head-to-toe floral-and-dot co-ord.
While polka dots had their heyday in the ‘80s and '90s—not to mention the decades before—this season, the maximal pattern reenters the spotlight and fashion’s contemporary trend cycle.
From left to right: a screen grab of Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman and a snapshot of Naomi Campbell walking in Patrick Kelly’s Spring 1989 runway show.
Thanks to the Spring 2025 runways, the pattern is back in full force. Carolina Herrera delivered dots on crochet minis and sweeping evening gowns. Jacquemus went full vintage with a 1950s pencil skirt and matching jacket. At Moschino, polka dots took on playful forms: bow bralettes, ruffled dresses, and more. They’ve been around forever, but this summer’s polka dots feel anything but dated.
Don't run away even if you lean minimalist (like I do). Today’s iterations range from whisper-thin specks to loud, look-at-me prints. Case in point: Mango’s printed midi dress or Reformation’s silk Cherry top feel pared-back and chic. On the other end of the spectrum, Zara’s satin polka-dot pumps and J.Crew’s wide-leg dotted trousers go all-in on maximalism.
Ahead, shop a curated mix of pieces—quiet or bold—that prove polka dots can work for everyone.
Polka-Dot Dresses
Carolina Herrera’s polka-dot crochet dress belongs in every vacation wardrobe.
While polka-dot dresses certainly have retro roots, the designs below showcase a more modern twist through fresh silhouettes. Consider rounding out your summer workwear lineup with modest alternatives from Reformation and Mango. On the other hand, sultry thigh-skimming options from Lioness and More to Come will fit seamlessly into your rotation of going-out outfits.
Polka-Dot Shoes
According to Jacquemus, polka dots deserve to be worn from head to heel.
Try the polka dot trend with embellished shoes that are guaranteed to add a hint of excitement to any outfit. LPA and Zara offer kitten heels and slingbacks that will effortlessly anchor your assortment of formal looks, while Dolce Gabbana and Alexandre Birman provide sandals with a more relaxed vibe.
Polka-Dot Tops
Acne Studios adhered to a “more is more” style memo with a loud T-shirt and a pair of balloon-like barrel jeans.
Designed with short sleeves and barely-there straps, the tops you’ll find here are perfect for hot summer weather. Pair these styles with Bermuda shorts or linen pants to stay cool during the day, and if temperatures drop at night, switch your lightweight bottoms for a sturdy pair of jeans.
Polka-Dot Bottoms
I wasn’t convinced that I needed a polka-dot skirt, until I saw this peplum piece from Carolina Herrera.
Between Free People’s capri pants and Miaou’s mini skirt, these bottoms will definitely serve as the focal point of your outfit. Let the following styles take center stage by pairing them with simple basics like plain white tees and neutral button-downs.
Polka-Dot Bags
Follow Carolina Herrera’s lead and top off a polka-dot outfit with a matching handbag.
If you want to embrace the polka dot trend without breaking the bank, discover a selection of designer bags priced under $1,000 below. For smaller handbags and crossbody options, consider Ganni, Mansur Gavriel, and Sezane. If you require a larger tote to hold all your essentials, Michael Kors’s tote bag will do the trick.
