The polka dot dress has been having something of a moment recently. Over the last few years, the Princess of Wales has stepped out in many polka dot pieces, particularly by Alessandra Rich.
The timeless style is elegant but playful, statement but effortless, sophisticated but fun, which could explain the royal's unwavering penchant for the print.
It's also a favourite of Queen Letizia of Spain, who has worn several stunning polka dot dresses while out on engagements. Even Cat Deeley, TV's latest style queen, has worn one recently for her hosting duties.
Its history goes way back, with the print first peaking in popularity in the 1920s, before another boom in the 1950s thanks to the likes of Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe.
Royals & celebrities wearing polka dot dresses
© GettyPrincess 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 high-neck midi dress at the Order of the Garter Ceremony in July, and she wore a very similar number at Royal Ascot in 2022.
© Neil MockfordThe Princess of Wales is also partial to polka dot dresses in brighter colours, stepping out in this azure blue midi at the 2022 Wimbledon finals. She later recycled the look at a summer party in London to celebrate the NHS.
© Carlos R. AlvarezQueen Letizia looked stunning wearing an elegant Carolina Herrera white polka dot dress in Bailen in 2019. Falling to a midi length, it featured a coordinating wrap waist belt.
Like Kate, the Spanish royal has also been spotted in a powder blue polka dot number. She was pictured wearing one to celebrate National Armed Forces Day with her husband King Felipe VI in 2022.
This month, Cat Deeley, the new host of This Morning, wore a polka dot dress by Whistles to present the show. She styled the floaty, frilly midi with nude strappy heeled sandals by Gianvito Rossi and a tan waist belt.
How I chose the best polka dot dresses
- New-in: You'll find all of the best new season polka dot dresses from HELLO!'s favourite fashion brands 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 £27.99 at New Look to £246 at Reiss.
The best polka dot dresses to shop this season
Rixo Izzy Polka Dot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-26
Colours available: Spotted Coral, Navy/White, White/Black, Pink Paisley
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 14 days
Princess Kate owns this exact vintage-inspired Rixo shirt dress in the (sadly now sold out) pink Zebra print. With her penchant for polka dots, I wouldn't be surprised to see her step out in this spotted coral midi.
New Look Black Polka-Dot Mesh Strappy Midi Slip Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-22
Colours available: Black
Shipping: £2.99 for Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50
Returns: £1.99 within 28 days
Shopping for a polka dot dress in black that's still suitable for summer? Featuring a delicate slip cut and sheer detail, this one from New Look is perfection. Made from a lightweight material, it features adjustable straps and a scallop picot trim.
Reformation Inori Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: Black/White, Red
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
Reformation's stunning Inori dress has an all-over polka dot print, with a feminine sweetheart neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Fitted at the bodice, falling to a relaxed skirt, it's comfortable enough to wear day and night.
M&S Polka Dot Square Neck Midi Slip Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-24, Petite-Long
Colours available: Brown
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
Returns: Free within 35 days
Marks & Spencer's polka dot slip dress is made from lightweight fabric with a breezy midi-length skirt. It features delicate spaghetti straps and a square neckline with flattering ruching at the bust.
Hobbs Lucilla Polka Dot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-20, Petite & Regular
Colours available: White/Navy
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
I could see Princess Kate in Hobbs’ white polka dot midi dress. The elegant piece has a shirt-style silhouette with long sleeves and a detachable tie waist to flatter your shape.
Zara Collection Polka Dot Slip Dress
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours available: Navy
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: £1.95 within 30 days
With its simple slip cut and navy hue, Zara's polka dot slip dress is a summer wardrobe staple. Featuring a subtly flared hem, I love it styled with metallic accessories.
Jolie Moi Polka Dot Swing Belted Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 8-20
Colours available: White
Shipping: £4.50 or free over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
Channel vintage 60s style in this polka dot dress by Jolie Moi. The midi exaggerates your silhouette with its flattering fit-and-flare shape, and it features a buckled belt to cinch in your waist.
ASOS DESIGN Peekaboo Mesh Mini Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-18
Colours available: Black
Shipping: Free Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
For a shorter style, ASOS has this mini polka dot dress with delicate adjustable straps, a square neckline and Picot trim detail. It's an easy throw-on piece this summer - I'd wear it with flatform sandals.
Reiss Rue Polka Dot Ruched Maxi Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: White/Black
Shipping: £5.95 Next Day Delivery
Returns: £1.95 within 28 days
This polka dot dress from Reiss has removable straps, which means you can also wear it as a bandeau style. The flattering maxi also features ruched detail and adjustable side ties - gorgeous for a summer party.
