The polka dot dress has been having a moment. Over the last few years, the Princess of Wales has stepped out in many polka dot pieces, particularly by Alessandra Rich, and they were all over the spring/summer runways, from Altuzarra to Dries Van Noten.
The timeless style is elegant but playful, statement but effortless, sophisticated but fun, which could explain the royal's unwavering penchant for the print.
Its history goes way back, first peaking in popularity in the 1920s, before another boom in the 1950s thanks to the likes of Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe. It's also a favourite of Queen Letizia of Spain, who's worn several polka dot dresses while out on engagements.
- The chocolate brown editor's pick: Reiss Polka-Dot Cut-Out Midi Dress, £218 / $398
- The white editor's pick: Boden Annet Linen Blend Midi Dress, £135 / $229
- The black editor's pick: M&S Polka Dot Midi Tiered Dress, £60 / $119
- The butter yellow editor's pick: H&M Open-Back Cotton Poplin Dress, £24
- The mini editor's pick: Zara Mini Dress with Dots, £27 / $49
- The designer editor's pick: DÔEN Emerence Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Dress, £490 / $450
Royals & celebrities wearing polka dot dresses
Princess Kate has been seen in so many polka dot dresses by Alessandra Rich, the two could collaborate on their own collection. Most recently, she was pictured in this white midi dress at Westminster Abbey's VE Day service in May 2025. She previously wore the same dress at the Order of the Garter Ceremony in July 2023.
The Princess of Wales has also worn polka dot dresses in black and brighter colours, stepping out in this azure blue midi at the 2022 Wimbledon finals and a black Emilia Wickstead piece in summer 2020.
© Neil Mockford
© BBCLast year, Cat Deeley wore a polka dot dress by Sosandar to present This Morning. She looked stunning, styling the ruffled hem, blouson sleeve midi with a black leather waist belt.
© @catdeeleyPoppy Delevingne proved a polka dot mini dress can look so chic when she wore one to attend Cannes Film Festival in summer 2024. She styled it with Aquazzura's Almost Bare flat sandals.
How I chose the best polka dot dresses
- New-in: You'll find all of the best new season polka dot dresses on the high street in this edit.
- Variety: I've included a range of casual and more formal pieces, so there's something for every occasion.
- Price: There are also options to suit a range of budgets, from £24 at H&M to £490 at NET-A-PORTER.
The best polka dot dresses to shop this season
Mango A-line Polka-Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
Mango just dropped this beautiful strapless polka dot dress. Falling to a midi length, with a flattering ruched tie waist, it's so chic for summer.
Reiss Polka-Dot Cut-Out Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
I love Reiss for timeless pieces (as do the royals) and on my wish list is this chocolate brown polka dot midi dress, which has playful cut-out details. Also featuring contrasting binding, a high neckline and a front split, it's beautiful for any spring or summer occasion.
Boden Annet Linen Blend Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
If you're looking for a linen polka dot dress for summer, Boden just dropped this beautiful style that can be easily dressed up or down. Made from a lightweight cotton-linen blend, it features a hidden zip and discrete pockets. Take 15% off with code 6THX.
M&S Polka Dot Midi Tiered Dress
Editor's Note:
The tiered silhouette of this polka dot dress from Marks & Spencer flatters every figure. Fully lined but made from a temperature-regulating lyocell-rich fabric, it's perfect for spring and summer. I'd style it with ballet flats or sling-backs.
Reformation Sabine Linen Dress
Editor's Note:
Reformation has so many cute polka dot dresses, it's hard to choose just one. With its classic cut featuring a square neckline, midi length and comfortable smocked back, this is a style you'll wear year after year. It's made from pure linen, so it's ideal for spring.
Rixo Meera Chiffon Gown
Editor's Note:
Princess Kate owns several dresses from Rixo, and I think she would love this black polka dot dress. Beautiful for any spring occasion, it's made from a lightweight georgette material and cut with long blouson sleeves to balance the neckline.
H&M Open-Back Cotton Poplin Dress
Editor's Note:
H&M's new polka dot dress comes in spring-ready butter yellow. The open-back piece is so pretty for all occasions this season and is made from 100% lightweight cotton, so it's hard to believe it's just £25.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Lupin Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Scarf neck dresses are so elegant and they're still big this season. This one from Nobody's Child also comes with a flattering panelled waist and front split.
FatFace Delphine Linen Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from a soft fabric in an easy-to-wear floaty cut with a comfortable shirred back panel, this piece from FatFace is the ultimate everyday dress. I love the tie-detail shoulder straps and scalloped edges.
DÔEN Emerence Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from a buttery silk-blend with a chic boat neckline framed by delicate ruffles, this polka dot midi dress by royal-favourite brand DÔEN is so beautiful for summer.
Zara Mini Dress with Dots
Editor's Note:
For a mini dress I'll wear on repeat this spring/summer, I'm adding this Zara polka dot style to basket immediately. Made from pure cotton, it's lightweight and it will actually last. I love the frill detail and delicate straps.
Topshop Ruffle Shoulder Amalfi Slip Dress
Editor's Note:
If you're shopping for an upcoming formal event, I love Topshop's chiffon polka dot maxi, which features a scoop neck, ruffle details, and a bra-friendly cut-out back.
