Forget florals and stripes: summer 2024 is set to be the season of the polka dot. Of course, it’s not the first time polka dots have risen through the sartorial ranks. In fact, like many of our favourite trends of the current season – bandeaus, thongs, and headbands, to name a few – the humble print takes its cues from decades past. In the ‘20s, polka dots came to prominence thanks to Minnie Mouse and her signature red dress; in the ‘50s, Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell made a case for polka dots as the girlish print of the moment; in the ‘50s, they were co-opted by the mod fashion movement; and in the ‘60s, they were sported by the likes of Princess Diana, and Julia Roberts (in *that* Pretty Woman scene).
Fast forward to 2024, and we find ourselves in the midst of yet another polka dot renaissance. The pattern cropped up on several major runways during the spring/summer ‘24 shows, this time shedding its ultra-feminine origins, to take on an edgier, more grown-up feel. At Stella McCartney, flouncy polka dot tops were dressed down with baggy denim, while mini dresses were crafted from daringly draped and dotted fabric that sat high on models’ thighs. Maison Margiela and Marc Jacobs subverted the norm, with oversized spots cropping up on dresses at both House’s shows, while Alaïa and Balmain had us dreaming of an event-ready wardrobe consisting entirely of polka dots.
If you had any doubt about the versatility of the polka dot du jour, you need only look at the multitude ways the print has already managed to infiltrate our summer wardrobes. Perfect for those who lean more towards minimalim, this season's polka dots have become the new neutral, with pencil skirts, camisoles, and slip dresses that ooze '90s sensibility. Ready to test drive the trend? Below, shop the polka dot pieces we're obsessing over this summer.
LPA Louisa Midi Dress
REALISATION PAR The Sadie
SAINT LAURENT Polka-Dot silk-mousseline top
MIAOU White Elektra Mini Skirt
DRIES VAN NOTEN Maxi Skirt
WITH JEAN Lottie Bikini Top and Bottoms
MIU MIU Polka-dot crepe de chine skirt
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