The year is 2019; Maura was living her best life in the Love Island villa, Corona was just another type of bottled lager and everyone was wearing a black and white Zara polka-dot midi dress.
Cut to summer 2022 and things are feeling strangely familiar. The Love Island women are ruling the roost, Instagram is full of (mildly annoying) holiday snaps and yet another polka dot dress is on the cusp of being this season's new high street hit.
Coming in at under £50, this spotty little number is a super flattering, midi length style that has a shirred body and cute ruffled straps. In other words, it has all the potential to be an instant hit for the summer. If you're not into the classic 'floral summer dress' (me neither) then a polka dot should be your go-to print; it's not too cutesy, not too loud.
And it's not just Team Grazia who is advocating the polka dot. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are just a few of the fans who have been spotted in the pattern of late. For Royal Ascot earlier in June, the Duchess stepped out in an Alessandra Rich black and cream dress, taking inspiration from Princess Diana (or Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman).
If you need any more convincing, it's not only sunny days that this dress will work for. When the clouds come rolling in, you can pair with tights and stomper boots, layer over long-sleeved tops, wear under chunky cardis or pop over a statement-collar shirt. It's all about getting milage out of your wardrobe and making things work year after year, after all.
Scroll down to shop our new favourite dress below and to see some more inspo...
SHOP: The New Zara Dress Set To Be A Hit This Summer
1 of 1Zara, Polka Dot Print Midi Dress, £49.99
We've scrolled for you and found the best polka pieces to shop now...
SHOP: The Best Polka Dot Pieces
1 of 13Zara, Polka Dot Top, £29.99
2 of 13LK Bennett, Mathilde Navy & Cream Polka Dot Silk Tea Dress, £379
3 of 13Arket, Relaxed Poplin Shirt, £55
4 of 13Rixo, Raeya Dress With Neck Tie, £325
5 of 13River Island, Navy Polka Dot Maxi Skirt, £37
6 of 13Halpern, Swing polka-dot cotton-poplin mini shirt dress, £950
7 of 13Dorothy Perkins, Spot Shirred Bodice Midi Dress, £40
8 of 13Alessandra Rich, Peter Pan-collar polka-dot silk-georgette dress, £1,445
9 of 13Zara, Polka Dot Skirt With Belt, £32.99
10 of 13Boden, Ingrid Halterneck Dress Atlantic Ocean Ikat Spot, £90
11 of 13Whistles, Spot Print Short Pajamas, £79
12 of 13Nobody's Child, Beatrice Maisy Polka Dot Corset Ties Dress, £49
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