How to Wear Polka Dots

How to get the trend spot-on for any occasion in your diary, from how to accessorise a polka-dot dress to what to wear with a dotty mini skirt

Content editor

Dulcie Emerson

Do the polka

Polka dots are hot news having graced the spring/summer 2025 catwalks, not to mention the wardrobes of style icons since the 1950s. Make like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn with a fit-and-flare dress to embrace the vintage aesthetic.

Our black and white polka-dot tea dress is guaranteed to spark joy. With its pleated puff sleeves for added volume, sweetheart neckline and handy pockets, it'll celebrate your curves while putting a spring in your step. Wear with sleek heels and a clutch for an evening event, or with chic ballet flats for a high-low mix that feels so right for now.

Complete the look with subtle gold jewellery. We love red lipstick for setting off the retro-inspired design, but understated make-up also looks unfussy and ultra-modern.

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Woman wearing polka dot skirt and black strappy heels

How to style polka dots

Wondering how to get the most wear out of your polka-dot dress? Fret not. Polka dots and denim jackets are a match made in heaven, the durability of the latter adding an instant casual edge to even the flounciest dresses. You could also try pairing with a leather jacket, a tailored blazer, or with a lightweight jumper knotted around your shoulders.

Polka-dot skirts are easy to wear during warmer weather, whether you choose a mini, midi or maxi length. If in doubt, keep your top simple: a classic white T-shirt (check out our T-shirt fit guide first) or a sleek black vest top both pair well with polka dots.

Add a pair of chic ballet flats for everyday wear, or dress up with strappy heels if you're going out-out. Bare legs are the only accessory you'll need on sunny days.

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Woman wearing black top, polka dot skirt and heels

How to accessorise a polka-dot dress

A print as eye-catching as polka dots needs little in the way of complex accessories. Keep bags minimal, in either the colour of the dot or the background, or in a contrasting shade. Think complementary pastels or a pop of bright, zingy colour.

Match your accessories to your footwear for a co-ordinated look, or keep things polished with neutrals. If you prefer an artful clash, mix things up with unexpected colour and texture. Finally, when it comes to gilding the look, reach for oversized gold jewellery – like these Autograph hoop earrings or bold ridged hoops – to amplify the old-school glamour of polka dots.

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Our favourite polka-dot pieces