For most fashion aficionados, stripes are neutral at this point. The print—whether horizontal or vertical, colorful or subdued—easily complements trending hues and patterns. For spring and summer, they tend to become the hero of the season, but this year another pattern is vying for your attention. Polka dots!
Vogue’s Favorite Polka Dot Pieces:
Polka dot-printed clothing is about as classic as it gets, but we’ve seen a resurgence of the timeless pattern stamped onto new season silhouettes. It popped up during the spring/summer 2025 shows, making waves at Jacquemus and Acne Studios, and proved its staying power by re-emerging yet again on the fall/winter 2025 runways. Think of Altuzarra’s fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection, where dotted billowy coats, halterneck dresses, and knitwear were given a cool, laid-back kind of femininity. Brandon Maxwell showcased an artistic interpretation of the print with a brushed, drawn polka-dotted scarf coat. When it comes to styling your own polka-dot looks, you can never go wrong with traditional white and black.
Monica Feudi / Courtesy of Brandon Maxwell
For fresh color combinations, look to warm-weather-ready finds from Posse’s red-and-pink dotted sundress to Bode’s chocolate brown print. If you fancy the feminine—a flouncy tie-neck blouse and pleated skirt are ideal for the office, and a post-work date. If you’d prefer to go the casual route, wear a dotted button-up shirt with wide-leg linen trousers, then add a minimal sandal. Ahead, shop polka-dotted blouses, dresses, and skirts, for the emerging season.
The Dotted Blouse
It’s been seasons of minimalist shirt trends but now is the time, when print clashing and vintage-inspired patterns are trending, to test out the polka dot blouse.
The Polka Dot Dress
Set aside your coveted little white dress, and reach for one of these polka-dotted styles for the season ahead. Consider a ruffled gown from Rixo, which would look so chic teamed with a modern wedge, or, go the demure route with Zimmerman’s sweet V-neck midi.
The Flirty Skirt
From Miu Miu to Ganni, there are a plethora of printed skirts that will help you transition your cold-weather wardrobe to one more suited for warmer temps. How? Well, pair Mango’s silky option with a crisp white poplin blouse and knee-high boots. Or, wear Altuzarra’s Kinski maxi skirt with leather mules and an oversized sweater. Toss a trench coat over both.
