I’ll be honest - my style leans firmly towards the androgynous, so when polka dots staged their comeback, I greeted the news with a mildly arched brow. But then, as if by divine intervention, London’s reigning cool girl Olivia Dean stepped out in a now-sold-out Susamusa polka dot skirt, styled to perfection with Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and a grey top. Suddenly, spots didn’t seem so saccharine after all. Fast forward a few months, polka dot skirts and polka dot dresses are flying off shelves - but the trend's latest evolution? Polka dot tops. And yes, I’ve found the one, courtesy of Zara.
Polka dots seem to have shrugged off any twee connotations in favour of designs that look far more grown-up, and Zara's Polka Dot Strapless Top makes a compelling case for the trend, with its flattering sweetheart neckline and bandeau style top. It's versatile too, designed as a top, but with enough length to double as a mini dress for us petite girls - a detail that means it will surely earn its keep in your wardrobe.
Zara www.zara.com
Zara's Polka Dot Strapless Top is probably the only item on the high street that's convincing me I need to buy into the polka dot trend. It features a sweetheart bandeau neckline that's perfect for styling with a chunky cord necklace, as well as a side zip fastening and A-line silhouette.
Its monochrome colourway makes it perfect for pairing with just about anything in your wardrobe - from slouchy denim to pops of colour. Worn as a top, Zara's polka dot offering can be styled with high-waisted jeans or wide leg trousers for an outfit that looks like it could've been plucked straight from 2010. Worn as a dress, pair with kitten heels, a bright bag and oversized sunglasses.
What began as a return via skirts and dresses, the polka dot trend is only gaining momentum. Zara's flowy bandeau iteration perhaps signals where the trend is heading next - a departure from the type of polka dot pieces associated with the 80s or old Hollywood glamour, to items that feel decidedly less nostalgic.
Shop: Zara's Best Polka Dot Pieces
Zara www.zara.com
If you like the style of the shorter Zara top, the brand also does a midi dress in a reverse colourway. Similar to the Nobody's Child style that sold out almost instantly, Zara's iteration features a bandeau neckline, slit at the bottom and is made of a cool linen-blend yarn.
Zara www.zara.com
Zara also has another Polka Dot Bandeau Top, this time with a straight neckline that leaves your shoulders bare (perfect for again pairing with a statement necklace). With details like gathering at the sides and a concealed zip, style with wide leg linen trousers and chunky sandals.
Zara www.zara.com
If you're on the hunt for a polka dot skirt with an interesting shape, Zara has the perfect style from its ZW Collection range. The midi skirt has an elasticated waistband and is finished with voluminous pleats - it's very Lady Diana-esque.
Zara www.zara.com
A likely best-seller for the brand, the polka dot midi is a versatile brown that looks best when paired with tan accessories (like a pair of flip flops or straw bag). Made from linen, it's also sure to keep you cool in warmer weather or on holiday, too.
Zara www.zara.com
If you prefer a pair of fail-safe trousers, even in summer, you can still dabble your toe in the polka dot trend with this pair of wide leg trousers. Smart enough to pair with a crisp white shirt and loafers to head into the office, yet casual enough to wear with a white t-shirt and flip flops, these trousers might just be what your warm weather wardrobe is missing.
Zara www.zara.com
For a full polka-dot look, pair any spotted piece with these slingback heels. Alternatively, wear the heels with any evening dress for a pop of print.
Zara www.zara.com
For those days where the Mediterranean breeze is slightly stronger, throw this polka knit cardigan over your shoulders to keep you warm. Or, style over the top of jeans and a white t-shirt, or with a satin midi skirt and ballet flats.
Zara www.zara.com
If you're wanting to inject polka dot into your workwear wardrobe too, Zara is prepped and ready to help. This blouse is a real standout, with its semi-sheer fabric (of course, to make it more office-appropriate wear a tank top underneath), long sleeves and bows at the front.
Zara www.zara.com
It's creeping towards linen trouser season and if you're looking for a top to accompany, this one from ZW Collection is floaty and feminine. The kind of top you've seen Sienna Miller in, it features a halter neckline and adjustable tie fastening.
Main image credit: Instagram/@lolagllt_
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. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.