Spot On: Polka Dots Are Back In
Rebecca Krajčová
The question is, when were they not?
We've seen the rise of femininity in clothing via following the “coquette” “ balerina core” and “cottage core”, the style and the popularity of Sofia Coppola movies, mixing in the vintage yet presumably girly-ish style, but what do polka dots have to do with this?
From a psychological perspective, dots or circles have historically been associated with illness, such as smallpox during the Middle Ages, and today, many people experience discomfort or fear in response to clustered patterns, a condition known as trypophobia.
But polka dots can not only serve to heal your inner child playing with your teddies at a make-believe tea party, but they can also signify the ever classic Audrey Hepburn and the chic and elegant 1950s. They’re fun, flirty, and a little bit retro.
Something as timeless as this pattern, you would think it has been here since the begining of time but the official term “polka dot” emerged in the mid-19th century, named after the wildly popular polka dance from Eastern Europe.
From whats known theres no direct corolation between these two, just a marketing move to ride the polka craze. The name stuck, and the pattern became iconic.
We cannot talk about polka dots without mentioning the 1950s, when the pattern became so iconic thanks to stars like Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor who wore polka dots as symbols of classic beauty and playful sophistication.
Disney’s Minnie Mouse, with her signature red polka dot dress, further cemented the print’s association with cheerfulness and child like curiosity.
When it comes to the 2025 rendition of the dots, think oversized dots on sheer fabrics, or mixed-scale dots layered for visual complexity.
Clairo has taken everyone's breath when she's been seen wearing a polka-dot corset dress from Miss Claire Sullivan at the 2025 Grammys, an unforgettable look which she paired with baby bangs and classic black heels.
If the dots caught your eye, and you want to experiment with patterns this year, and yes, the whole year round, because the same way as stripes, dots, and circles can be incorporated into any season if the year, just depends on what colours you're playing with.
The key here is in the balance: mixing textures, playing with proportions, and treating the dots as more than just a retro callback, but as a print with personality.
Whether it's a flowing summer dress, a tailored blouse, or just a dotted scarf, incorporating polka dots into your wardrobe is a nod to fashion history—and a statement of timeless charm.