What do Kate Middleton, Dua Lipa, and Sienna Miller have in common? Aside from being permanent fixtures on our style mood boards, these stylish women understand the timeless charm of a polka dot dress - especially come spring. A true wardrobe staple, polka dot prints have long been associated with a classic, ladylike aesthetic: think Julia Roberts’ iconic day-at-the-races look in Pretty Woman, Princess Diana’s many polka-dotted ensembles on royal tours, and Charlotte York from Sex and the City, embracing her preppy roots in a flurry of chic spotted pieces. But now, the playful print is being reimagined - shaking off its old-school associations with class and status to become a bold, fun, and stylish statement. And right now, it's having a serious moment in the fashion sphere.
When it comes to runway moments, Moschino is perhaps the boldest of the bunch, sending models down the runway in sheer polka dot confections, some trailing dramatic fringe that swayed with every step. At Fendi, autumn/winter saw the classic print reimagined in vivid red, injecting new energy into otherwise understated silhouettes, while Conner Ives took a sultrier route, dotting slinky slip dresses with the playful pattern. But it’s not just the high end designers getting in on the action - the bubbly print has also taken over the new-in sections of some of our favourite high street labels, too.
Still not convinced? Just look to the street style crowd, who have embraced the timeless polka dot trend everywhere as the perfect spring dress - from casual city strolls to more formal occasions. Last spring’s viral hit, the Nobody’s Child Felicity Dress, made waves on Instagram and sold out time and time again. Now, a new polka dot dress is taking the spotlight: the Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress from high street favourite Marks & Spencer. Strikingly similar to the beloved Nobody’s Child design, this M&S number has become a spring favourite thanks to its flattering bardot bandeau neckline and on-trend dropped waist.
Shop: M&S' Polka Dot Sweetheart Dress
www.marksandspencer.com
While the ruched bodice cuts a flattering figure-hugging silhouette, the dropped waist cascade into an airy A-line silhouette. Available in petite, regular and tall lengths, the timeless dress is ideal for both formal occasions and casual weekend plans. Simply style it with classic ballet flats or kitten heels and minimalist jewels to let the bold print do the talking.
As well as the strapless design, we've also been eyeing M&S' Polka Dot Midaxi Tea Dress which offers an elegant look reminiscent of many Rixo designs with its lace trims and puff sleeves. Of course if you're after an investment piece, you'll find LA-based brand Dôen offers a host of luxe pieces while Reformation's celeb-beloved dresses are always a good idea.
Nostalgic yet playful and modern, polka dot dresses ooze vintage charm and are versatile to boot. Where daintier silhouettes are ideal as summer wedding guest dresses and garden parties, you could also rough up polka dots with an edgy leather trench or denim jacket paired with sporty Puma Speedcats or chunky boots. Whether you're inspired by Julia Roberts' sophisticated brown midi in Pretty Woman or Dua Lipa's strapless party dress, we've rounded up the best polka dot dresses across high street and designer labels for the perfect elegant addition to your spirng/summer wardrobe this season and beyond.
Shop: Best Polka Dot Dress 2025
www.marksandspencer.com
Another great M&S design, this midaxi length tea dress is cut for a regular fit that gently skims the body and detailed with lace trim along the bodice and sleeves. Romantic and playful, this polka dot dress will look excellent with strappy heels and a beaded clutch for your next garden party or with boho flats and a raffia bag for a stunning holiday look this summer.
www.stories.com
If you're a fan of 90s silhouettes, add this polka dot slip dress from & Other Stories to cart immediately. The satin dress features a fitted waist with a gently flared skirt and a subtle cowl neck. Whether you wear the slinky dress with heels or layer it over a baby tee and wear with chunky trainers, it's the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
www2.hm.com
Not one for fitted dress? H&M's off-shoulder dress is perfectly airy for a balmy spring day. The mini dress is cut for an oversized fit with puffy balloon sleeves. Style on its own with sleek trainers or add a belt at the waist for a more defined silhouette.
www.nobodyschild.com
While the viral Nobody's Child polka dot bandeau dress is now sold out, the brand offers an array of other polka dot dresses that are just as chic. Case in point, this denim shirt dress with puff sleeves and an A-line skirt that's smart enough to wear to work.
www.thereformation.com
This halter-neck A-line polka dot dress from Reformation is perfect for channeling vintage 50's vibes. Wedge sandals, tight curls and red lip not mandatory, but highly encouraged.
www.monsoon.co.uk
Monsoon's polka dot dress was amongst the most popular dresses on the internet last year, and it's back for 2025 in an elegant navy iteration. While the fitted bodice lends a chic and defined silhouette, the flared A-line skirt of perfectly breezy and flattering. Plus, the dress also comes with pockets to hold your essentials – ideal for every event you have coming up.
www.shopdoen.com
A fashion editor-favourite, you'll find Dôen's Rosaria dress will work well with everything from Mary Janes and lashings of gold jewellery for a formal soirée to a denim jacket and trainers for weekend brunches. You could also style the dress with a cardigan and boots as we head into autumn.
www.riverisland.com
Give your trusted little black dress a break this spring and switch things up with River Island's ruffled polka dot mini. The chiffon dress features a sweetheart neckline and adjustable straps, while the short length is ideal for petite body types and can be styled with everything from platform sandals and kitten heels to flip flops and knee highs.
www.marksandspencer.com
Yet another M&S design on this list, this brown spotted number reminds us of Julia Roberts' chic polo outfit in Pretty Woman. Cutting an elegant silhouette with its scoop neckline, defined waist and mini skirt, the cotton dress looks and feels like it costs much more than its £45 price tag and comes in petite, regular and tall lengths.
www.freepeople.com
For a more dopamine-boosting option, consider Free People's bright blue design. The vintage-inspired mini dress is designed with a plunging V-neckline, ruched bodice and a trendy dropped waistline that cinches the torso perfectly before flaring out for a flattering skater-dress finish. It's the perfect dress to twirl around in on your next holiday.
www.ganni.com
Designed with a corseted bodice, this polka dot mini from Ganni is far from the trend's vintage associations. The short dress features structured shoulder pads, an asymmetrical hemline and a removable pocket. While the dress will pair well with most footwear options, we highly recommend leaning into the cool girl vibe with a pair of ballet sneakers.
www.newlook.com
Who said polka dots need to be monochrome? Opt for this bright pink midi from New Look to add a dose of joyful colour into your spring wardrobe. The relaxed midi features ruffled trims at the neck and shoulders for a playful finish and will prove incredibly versatile. We'd recommend pairing the dress with red accessories to match the dots.
www.sezane.com
For a sophisticated party look, Sézane's Layla dress is as chic as it is comfortable. The pleated halter neck maxi is cut with a seductive low back and is a guaranteed showstopper whether you style it with layers of jewellery or keep the accessories minimal.
rixolondon.com
Rixo boasts an excellent lineup of occasion wear dresses, including its bestselling Sandrine dress. Cut along the bias for a figure-skimming fit, this crepe midi features an empire waist for a lengthening effect. Chic yet modest, style this one with a raffia bag and sunhat for the day or with a satin wrap and strappy sandals for evening events.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@klaudiacloud
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.