Spot On: The Polka Dot Renaissance Taking Over Fashion in 2025
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Spot On: The Polka Dot Renaissance Taking Over Fashion in 2025
In the ever-revolving carousel of fashion trends, some motifs stand the test of time, resurfacing decade after decade to remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place. This season, it’s polka dots or “petits pois” as the French charmingly call them that are stealing the spotlight. From haute couture runways to high-street collections, the humble dot has become the unlikely hero of 2025’s summer wardrobe.
Seen on Beyoncé at the Grammys earlier this year in a custom black-and-white Saint Laurent gown, and on the streets of Milan in slinky dotted slip dresses, polka dots are proving that they’re no longer just a retro relic. Instead, designers are reimagining the print as something infinitely versatile: bold, playful, but also sophisticated and modern.
A Timeless Classic with a Twist
Historically, polka dots have swung in and out of fashion since the 1920s. Associated with flapper-era dresses and later with the pin-up girls of the 1950s, dots always carried a playful, coquettish energy. In the 80s and 90s, oversized dots became synonymous with power dressing, seen on women like Princess Diana, who famously wore a navy polka-dot dress to Prince William’s christening.
But what makes polka dots relevant now? For one, there’s a collective yearning for optimism and whimsy in fashion. After years of minimalism and muted palettes, the idea of injecting a bit of joyful nostalgia into one’s wardrobe is incredibly appealing. The dot offers just that: a cheerful print that remains chic when done right.
How Designers Are Modernizing the Dot
This season, labels like Carolina Herrera and Balmain have leaned into micro-dots on flowing silk gowns and blouses, proving that subtlety is key. Balenciaga, true to its avant-garde ethos, showed oversized dots on oversized silhouettes, making the print feel edgy and urban. Meanwhile, emerging designers have experimented with monochrome palettes and asymmetrical dot placement, taking the print into uncharted territory.
Street style stars have also embraced the trend with creativity: pairing a dotted blouse with tailored trousers, layering a dotted sheer turtleneck under a slip dress, or even mixing dots with stripes or florals for an intentional clash.
Tips for Wearing the Trend
For a foolproof approach, stick to classic black-and-white or navy-and-cream combinations timeless and elegant. Opt for smaller dots if you’re petite, and don’t be afraid to go bold with larger dots if you want to make a statement. Accessories are also a great way to dip into the trend: a dotted silk scarf, handbag, or even a pair of polka-dot slingbacks can elevate an otherwise minimalist outfit.
One thing’s for sure: in 2025, being “spotted” has never been so stylish.
