What started off as a bit of a gimmick, the polka dot trend has quickly become this season's most sought-after look. Yep, even more than funnel neck jackets. (Though, actually, polka dot jackets are quite possibly my favourite way to kill two birds.)
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It goes without saying that polka dots aren't anything new, but where did this recent infatuation with them spring from? Taking a look at last year's SS runways gives a bit of a clue; Carolina Herrera favoured a polka dot dress and Acne Studios spotlit a flecked top, but spring/summer 2026 is what really amplified it.
From Dries Van Noten to Valentino, Nina Ricci to Ermanno Scervino, not to mention Chanel with those can't-get-your-hands-on pumps, designers have gone dotty for spotty.
And, if you were under the impression that the pattern would be a quick fad, you can think again. Recent red carpets prove otherwise. Model Coco Rocha wore an incredible gown to the Devil Wears Prada 2 premier, while the Met Gala saw Connor Storrie, Nicole Phelps and Amy Sherald sport the spots.
As for how to bring the polka dot trend into your wardrobe? Well that's what the five editors and contributors below are here to show you.
Best polka dot dresses
What do wedding guest dresses, work dresses and summer dresses all have in common right now? Polka dots. The often symmetrical pattern means they function well in both dressy and casual situations – simply add a blazer or pair of comfortable heels depending where you're headed.
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Best polka dot tops
A pretty blouse, top or waistcoat is the easiest way to involve polka dots without making it super obvious. Of course, you could go for a top-to-toe coordinated look like H&M (see the matching skirt further down), but if you're more of a minimalist the below options can all be worn individually.
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Best polka dot trousers
Polka dotted jeans and wide-leg trousers were a firm favourite among the street style stars of Fashion Week, but what about capris? Crossing off two retro aesthetics – the ‘60s were renowned for both – the athletic look has already been adopted by It girls like Hailey Bieber.
Save when you shop the polka dot trend with these Marks & Spencer discount codes and Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Best polka dot jackets
Arguably the coolest way to wear polka dots is via a spring jacket – case in point with the one Sophie's wearing below. Like a polka dot top, the beauty of a jacket is you can either dip your toe with a pared-back outfit or commit to it fully like the Boden jacket and trouser situ below.
Save when you shop the polka dot trend with these Nobody's Child discount codes and Boden discount codes at checkout.
Best polka dot skirts
Mini, maxi or midi, a polka dot skirt is both romantic and modern and is an easy way to tick off the more graceful tones of the trend whilst keeping it feminine and playful. Shoes wise, opt for pointed-toe slingbacks or a pair of flip flops.
Save when you shop the polka dot trend with these ASOS discount codes and Reformation discount codes at checkout.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
