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 spotted wearing a white polka dot midi skirt from Susamusa, elegantly pairing it with chocolate brown Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and a grey knitted long sleeve top – ushering in the trend back in spring.
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 my favourite iterations is the Nobody's Child Polka Dot Slip Skirt. Designed in a crisp white with tiny polka dots, the bias cut 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.
Shop: The Nobody's Child Polka Dot Skirt
www.nobodyschild.com
While this Nobody's Child skirt has smaller polka dots than the Susamus skirt, it's bias cut fit skims the thigh before flowing down to the knee similarly. The slinky skirt is perfect for dinner dates and days in the office alike.
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 trainers 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
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
This M&S polka dot skirt is already on its way to a sell-out, thanks to its timeless polka dot print, flattering A-line silhouette and elasticated high waist. Elegant and versatile, shop now to avoid missing out.
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 damsonmadder.com
Damson Madder's polka dot offering comes in the form of this ruffled midi skirt. Not in your traditional black and white polka dot mix, but instead in a very on-trend burgundy, style it with biker or cowboy boots and an oversized graphic t-shirt.
Reformation www.thereformation.com
Reformation's Dion skirt is an excellent mini take on the trend. It's designed to be fitted at the waist and then subtly 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, with a longer length and tiered shape. Made 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 wrap silhouette like a sarong and is rendered in a deep chocolate brown, making it the perfect skirt to take you from summer to autumn.
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.
On sale
Pull & Bear www.newlook.com
If you're not fully on board with the polka dot renaissance, New Look has an affordable skirt for you to try out the trend with. Style this maxi skirt with a pair of strappy sandals and a black tank top for the ultimate 90s-inspired outfit.
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).