Polka dots [1] are a print that instantly transport me to my childhood. My favorite dress I've owned — to this day — was a navy blue silk puff-sleeve party dress, complete with a lace-trimmed neckline, obi-style sash, and — you guessed it — large cream-colored polka dots. It was a flower girl dress, in theory, but I would have worn it to school, the park, and even bed, had I been allowed. Spoiler: I was not.
As it turns out (shocker), I was not alone in my love of the print. In fact, some of the most iconic moments in fashion have been made of polka dots. Julia Roberts [2]'s brown dress from Pretty Woman, Marilyn Monroe's black-and-white ruffle bikini, and too many to even begin to count that were seen on the unmatched Princess Diana [3]. Today, it infiltrates our own fashion lexicon, seen on the Spring 2019 runways from designers such as Carolina Herrera, Max Mara, Celine, and more.
Polka dots are a unique print: both whimsical and elegant, loud and classic — it all depends on how you style it. You might choose a microdot skirt with a classic white tee [4] or go all out with color and oversize circle prints that mix and match with similarly clad styling pieces. No matter how you wear yours, one thing's for sure: polka dots are the print of the season.
And now that the warm weather is here, we're busing out all our polka dots with reckless abandon. From shoes to dresses, swimwear [5] and blouses, find some major speckled styling inspiration ahead from some of the chicest women to grace our Instagram feeds on the regular. Then shop my favorite polka dots of the moment, just in time for Summer.
Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia Farah Sleeveless Polka-Dot Mini Dress [6] ($175, originally $350)
Gabriela Hearst
Gabriela Hearst Alba Leather-Trimmed Polka-Dot Faille Espadrilles [7] ($235, originally $470)
Rosie Assoulin
Rosie Assoulin - Polka-dot flocked cotton-blend poplin midi skirt [8] ($498, originally $995)
Zimmermann
Zimmermann Zippy Gathered Frill Dress [9] ($1,150)
Solid & Striped
Solid & Striped The Anne-Marie Polka-Dot Swimsuit [10] ($159)
Solid & Striped
Solid & Striped - Polka-dot voile shirt [11] ($98)
Reformation
Reformation Anchorace Polka-Dot Georgette Mini Wrap Dress [12] ($178)
Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe Kelly Braid Sandals [13] ($228)
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Polka-Dot Twill Mini Dress [14] ($1,378, originally $2,297)
Madewell
Madewell Polka Dot Sash Tie Wrap Top (Regular & Plus Size) [15] ($40, originally $78)
Ganni
Ganni Polka-Dot Cotton-Voile Mini Dress [16] ($145)
Anine Bing
Anine Bing Bar Polka Dot Silk Midi Skirt [17] ($300)
Peony
Peony Polka-Dot Bikini Top [18] ($75) and Peony Polka-Dot Bikini Briefs [19] ($75)
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Polka-Dot Pleated Chiffon Midi Skirt [20] ($1,325)
RAILS
RAILS Leanne Dress [21] ($178)
Erdem
Erdem Yvonne Polka Dot-Flocked Silk-Tulle Blouse [22] ($518, originally $1,295)
& Other Stories
& Other Stories Asymmetric Wrap Midi Skirt [23] ($69)
Mango
Mango Perkins Neck Dress [24] ($80)
Réalisation Par
Réalisation Par The Valentina [25] ($120)