Polka Dots Are Spring’s Biggest Trend – Here’s How To Style Them (Plus, Our Picks For The Season)
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1 month ago
This vintage print takes a top slot in our wardrobe
If there’s one trend we’re spotting everywhere this spring, it’s polka dots. From jeans to slip skirts, maxi dresses to joy jackets, this pretty pattern is having a true renaissance right now.
Polka Dots Are Having A Moment (Again)
As far as prints go, polka dots are one of the most enduring in the history of fashion. Coming to the fore in the 1950s – although polka dots themselves date all the way back to the Middle Ages – this spotted pattern heralded in a new era of high fashion, with renowned designer Christian Dior championing the humble polka dot as a key feature of his label’s ‘New Look’.
We’ve seen the print crop up time and again ever since – and this season, they’re set to become the go-to accessory. ‘While they never go “out of style”, every few years we see polka dots have a resurgence,’ says Jessica Rea Long, a Creative Stylist at M&S. ‘This print strikes a balance between joyful playfulness and timeless sophistication. While they make a statement, they’re extremely wearable. For me, they’re much easier to style than other patterns such as florals.’
While the classic polka dot pattern – a black-and-white combination with perfectly circular dots – remains a cult favourite, we’re seeing new renditions and styling options being thrown into the mix this season. ‘They now have a modern, playful treatment with top-to-toe looks, contrast prints and playful proportions,’ says Jessica. ‘Polka dots are inherently fun, and I think this season’s iterations of the trend are only going intensify that sense of joy. Macro prints where we see scaled up polka dot prints is one example of this. I’m also looking forward to seeing unusual colour combinations, perhaps incorporating some of this season’s most statement colours – icy blue, chartreuse and so on.’
If this sounds like a spring trend you can get onboard with, then stay with us. Below, we round up some of our favourite polka dot picks for sping, plus our top styling tips from the experts.
The Edit
Expert Styling Tips: 8 Ways To Wear Polka Dots This Season
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Silk Scarf
If you often find yourself intimidate by bold prints, Jessica recommends starting with small pieces that can be more easily styled. ‘If you just want to dip your toe into the trend, a silky polka dot scarf is ideal,’ she says. ‘Lightweight and versatile, the silk scarf is one of spring 2026’s biggest accessory trends. Tie it around your neck, your favourite bag or your head for a quick outfit booster.’
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Joy Jacket
Spring is the perfect season for a joy jacket – aka, a dopamine-inducing outerwear piece steeped in colour and pattern. And when it comes to poka dots, than can mean the classic spotted look, or something brighter and more colourful. If it makes you smile, then you know you’re styling it right.
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Pattern Clash
For something truly eye-catching, Jessica suggests doubling down on the print. ‘Some of the looks I loved most at London Fashion Week involved print clashing,’ she tells us. ‘I love the idea of pairing a jacket with oversized polka dots with pieces that take on the print in different colours and scales for some playful eccentricity.’
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Co-ordinating Sets
Less clash and more co-ord, you can also opt for a stress-free, matching set if you want to take the pressure off choosing an outfit in the morning.
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Mix-and-Match
And if it’s a more casual look you’re after, try mix-and-matching a polka dot set with everyday pieces; pair breathable linen trousers with a chic polka blouse, or combine a polka print maxi skirt with a coordinating top in black or white for a sleek finish.
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Maxi Dresses
For a glossier way to wear polka dots, go for an all-out dotty dress that steals the spotlight, either with ruffles or coordinating slinky scarves to throw over the shoulder.
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Polka Dot Footwear
And the dots don’t stop there. This print has covered every part of the outfit, finishing with a chic pair of shoes. Ballet flats and kitten heels appear to be the trendiest choices for polka dots this season, but for something more casual a polka dot trainer wouldn’t go amiss.
