Polka dots, much like a classic Breton stripe, have become a neutral in my wardrobe - making up nearly 80% of it. There’s an inherent polish to the polka dot print that requires little effort, which may explain why it’s long been a favourite of fashion’s most iconic dressers, from Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn. Decades on, the dot’s association with timeless, ladylike style hasn’t faltered. Today, it’s embraced by a new generation of style muses, including Kate Middleton, Sienna Miller, Kendall Jenner and, most recently, Olivia Dean.
Ever one to hop on a trend, Dean was recently spotted wearing a white polka dot midi skirt from Susamusa (now sold out), elegantly pairing it with chocolate brown Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and a grey knitted long sleeve top - ushering in the trend long before the official start of spring. I think you'll agree that we'll be copying Dean's outfit formula as inspiration throughout spring/summer, pairing flowing skirts with a simple top or knit and kitten heels for the ultimate effortless aesthetic.
Dean is just one of many to confirm our suspicions that a) polka dots are back, and b) the polka dot skirt has become the focal point of the print’s revival. But it’s not just celebrities embracing the trend. At the McCartney show, models were sent down the runway sporting airy polka dot mini dresses with sheer overlays and ruffles, while Dolce & Gabbana, naturally, presented a much more dramatic take on the trend, defined by voluminous floaty skirts, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. This look has inevitably filtered down into the high street, where brands like M&S, Anthropologie and Mango are embracing the motif in more accessible ways.
Among one of my favourite iterations is the new-in Marks & Spencer Polka Dot Mini A-Line Skirt, £39.50. Designed in a slightly off-white ivory mix, with enlarged black polka dots, a mini length and A-line silhouette, the M&S skirt is ideal for styling with a boxy blazer and kitten heels for an evening out, or with an oversized knit and trainers for a look that's more casual.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Despite only being released a mere few days ago, this M&S polka dot skirt is already on its way to a sell-out. With its timeless polka dot print, mini A-line length and hidden zip, its flattering features mean the skirt is in high demand - shop now to avoid missing out.
While polka dots have long been a go-to for dresses, it's the skirt that’s now taking centre stage as the ultimate canvas for this ’90s-inspired print. Whether it’s a breezy midi paired with Adidas sneakers or an A-line mini styled with a tailored blazer, the polka dot skirt captures that playful spirit while remaining effortlessly timeless. Below, shop a curated selection of the best polka dot skirts to add to your wardrobe.
Shop: The Best Polka Dot Skirts
Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com
If you're into a midi length, as opposed to a mini skirt, Anthropologie has the perfect polka dot skirt for you. Its Maeve design has a comfortable elastic waistline, cool knee-hitting length and even a matching crossover top. Simply add a pair of barely-there heels and a statement bag to finish the look.
Mango shop.mango.com
Mango's polka dot offering comes in the form of this linen-blend floaty midi skirt. Not in your traditional black and white polka dot mix, but instead in a very on-trend chocolate brown, style it with biker or cowboy boots and an oversized graphic t-shirt.
Reformation www.thereformation.com
Reformation's 'Claire' skirt is available in a black and white polka dot pattern, too. This style is designed to be fitted at the waist and then flare out to an A-line hem, perfect for pairing with flat sandals and ballet pumps.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
M&S has another great new-in polka dot skirt, which is slightly different to its mini design, with a longer length and tiered shape. Make from an organza fabric, it will give you that Dolce & Gabbana-esque look, at a fraction of the price.
Sezane www.sezane.com
Sezane, the brand for fashionable French women also has a maxi polka dot skirt. It features a flared skirt hem, invisible zip fastening and is lined, making it the perfect skirt to transition you from spring into summer.
Ganni www.ganni.com
As you'd expect, Ganni's polka dot skirt is a little bit different to any of the others that make the list. Its style features two unique front pockets, each with individual zippers and poppers, as well as a satin finish and fitted waist. You can even style it with the matching top too for a full polka dot outfit.
Pull & Bear www.pullandbear.com
If you're not fully on board with the polka dot renaissance, Pull & Bear has an affordable midi skirt for you to try out the trend with. Style this mini skirt with a pair of chunky flatform sandals and a black tank top for the ultimate 90s-inspired outfit.
Reformation www.thereformation.com
Although Reformation's Brandy Skirt comes in lots of different types of print, its polka dot skirt is by far the standout. It's a mini skirt that's equally as floaty as its maxi designs, and will look great when paired with ballet flats and a cardigan for a more preppy look, or with heels and a blouse for an evening out.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
& Other Stories's polka skirt is a little more subtle than the classic bold black dot design - instead, it has light brown dots scattering the white skirt. Plus, it's finished with small buttons down the front of the skirt, giving it a more whimsical feel than some others.
Main image credit: Instagram/@malintomkins, @aliciaprivett, @poppyyjune
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).