Spend enough time on Instagram and it's likely you'll start to see the same items crop up again and again. This is true whatever you're looking at, whether it's the M&S lamp that sent everyone into near-frenzy or an unexpected trend inspired by a meme of a tomato. It's a weird place, the internet, but it is a limitless source of sartorial inspiration. This week is a prime example, as I discovered a seemingly simple item via Instagram which, it seems, everyone (and by that I mean many colleagues and also non-fashion obsessed friends) is already discussing.
The item in question is a polka dot dress. I know, this does not sound like it warrants such fanfare but indulge me a little longer if you will. I first saw my friend (and sometime colleague) Harriet Davey wearing this dress to a wedding. It's black with white polka dots, has a fitted bodice and slightly (very slightly) flared skirt.
There was just something about it – it's classic without feeling boring, while the silhouette is somehow both timeless and modern. Naturally, I immediately interrogated Harriet and found, to my surprise, that said dress is from Monsoon. I had assumed it was something much more expensive – Harriet, I don't think she'd mind me saying, is a prolific shopper – but it was actually a high street special.
Since spotting (pun intended) Harriet in the dress, I've seen several other well-dressed women on social media wearing, praising and discussing the dress in great detail. So, why does Harriet think it's suddenly so popular?
'While spots combined with an A-line shape would usually scream ‘50s, the square neckline and longer hemline makes it feel fresh instead of retro,' she said. 'For reference, I’m 5’ 4”, and it was verging on being a maxi on me – perfect to wear with flats at my cousin’s outdoor wedding. I like how the tighter top made sure I didn’t lose my waist, but the floaty skirt meant I could leave my shapewear at home and eat as much as I wanted at the buffet! And if I needed any extra snacks or somewhere to keep my phone, this dress also has pockets. I’ve swerved the leopard print revival for spring/summer so far, however, I loved the polka dot dresses seen at Stella McCartney and Carolina Herrera, so this is one trend I’ll keep wearing this season.'
India Cardona, Erica Davies and Katherine Ormerod are three of the aforementioned well-dressed women who have worn Monsoon's polka dots and who, when they each posted to Instagram, received many comments from their followers asking where they found it. In fact, Monsoon says it has seen a significant increase in searches for 'polka dot print dress' on its website, with hundreds of clicks. It's been so popular that the dress has sold out in most stores but, luckily, it's still available to buy online.
As Harriet can attest, it's an easy winner for weddings but, as Instagram has demonstrated, it works equally well with trainers as just a lovely summer dress. Even better? You don't have to navigate a complicated bra situation. As Harriet says: 'I decided to go braless as the tighter body and zip all the way up the back still made me feel supported but you could definitely just wear your usual bra without it showing thanks to the thicker straps.'
Bra-friendly straps and pockets on a chic midi dress that's comfortable, too? It's nothing short of a miracle.
Shop: The Monsoon Polka Dot Dress
www.monsoon.co.uk
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.