A huge trend on the AW17 catwalks, polka dot prints prevail for SS18. Whether it's a result of the popularity of perennial polka dot queen Yayoi Kusama's Sculptures, Paintings & Mirror Rooms exhibition in 2016, a renewed obsession with Princess Diana's (polka-heavy) wardrobe or a return to overt femininity in fashion, we've all gone dotty.
But if you associate polka dots with Minnie Mouse or the party dresses you wore as a little girl, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. Cropping up repeatedly on the SS18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Self-Portrait, Mary Katrantzou, Giorgio Armani and Dior, we were offered multiple ways to wear polka dots, from Demna Gvasalia's chiffon dresses worn with sock booties to Maria Grazia Chiuri's monochrome sheer skirts and blouses. Additionally, our favourite street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too.
Click on for five ways to wear polka dots this spring.
Pair A Polka Dot Skirt With A Chunky Knit
If dots feel a) too feminine b) too summery or c) too juvenile for your style, pairing the print with a chunky knit will add a tougher, tomboy and more weather-appropriate edge. Here Camille Charrière wears a Ganni dress under an H&M knit, with a bum bag slung over her shoulder, which both tone down the femininity of the slinky, silky dress.
Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
The midi skirt gets a printed update with Topshop's spotted, hanky hem design in monochrome. Wear with a vibrant knit and heels for a bold evening option or a classic shirt or tee for daytime chic.
Topshop Spotted Hanky Hem Skirt, £36, available at Topshop
...and when it's just £36, would it be too much to get it in white too?
Topshop Shadow Spot Hanky Hem Skirt, £36, available at Topshop
Layer Dots Over Denim
Over the past five years, denim has become a key focus of the fashion wardrobe, whether it's deconstructed jeans à la Vetements or frayed ruffles courtesy of Marques'Almeida. Polka dots and denim make an unlikely perfect pairing so layer a print over your favourite pair of jeans, tuck a dotty blouse into a high-waisted denim skirt or throw a jean jacket over a polka print dress for a cooler, more casual vibe.
Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
We'll never tire of Reformation and will thank the fashion gods eternally as soon as a store pops up permanently in the UK.
Reformation Boston dress, £95, available at Reformation
Balenciaga's polka dot top was first spotted (excuse the pun) in AW17, worn beneath an oversized coat. Though this shirt dress is eye-wateringly expensive, we're inspired by the styling over cropped jeans with white ankle boots.
Balenciaga Asymmetric polka-dot silk crepe de chine top, £837, available at Net-A-Porter
The polka dot print adds a playful twist to the classic LBD. This dress is perfect for a fancy event, worn alone with your favourite heels, or over jeans with trainers for an elegant weekend look.
Whistles Mix And Match Spot Print Dress, £249, available at Whistles
Invest In A Timeless Polka Dot Blouse
If a white shirt feels too formal, a polka dot blouse is a fun alternative for instant elegance and adds personality into any outfit. Here, Eleonora Carisi wears a statement sleeve polka dot Petar Petrov blouse with jeans, a Tara Zadeh bag and Stella Luna shoes.
Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Nail two trends in one blow with this ruffled, polka dot blouse.
& Other Stories Polka dot frill blouse, £59, available at & Other Stories
This Jacquemus-inspired blouse will become a wardrobe staple. Dress up with a mini skirt, opaque tights and heels or wear with jeans and mules for a more casual look.
Topshop Shadow spot print wrap blouse, £34, available at Topshop
From the feminine frilled neckline to the statement ribbon tie at the back, elasticated frill cuffs and playful cold shoulders, this Kitri blouse is dotted (sorry) with gorgeous design details.
Kitri Susan frill polka dot top, £75, available at Kitri
Go bold or go home in this blouse. Give XL polka dots a try with this chic, high-neck number.
Topshop Polka dot crop top, £32, available at Topshop
Go All Out In A Polka Dot Dress
As we eagerly await the approach of summer, a flowing polka dot maxi dress is the perfect transitional piece to bridge the gap between your winter and warmer weather wardrobe. Add colourful accessories, such as a vibrant clutch bag or bright boots, for a flash of fun.
Photo by Timur Emek/Getty Images
Made from floaty navy chiffon, patterned all over with white spots, and cut in a flattering wrap shape, this dress will take you from the office to a date, birthday drinks and beyond.
Ganni Polka dot chiffon wrap dress, £190, available at Net-A-Porter
On those mornings when you can't be bothered to put together a whole outfit, this elegant dress is an effortless, easy win.
H&M Flounced dress, £39.99, available at H&M
We can imagine having a lot of fun in this polka dot party frock.
Zara Polka dot dress, £69.99, available at Zara
Is it obvious yet that we're completely obsessed with black polka dot dresses?
Warehouse Polka dot high neck dress, £39, available at Warehouse
Sorry, last one!
ASOS City maxi tea dress, £30, available at ASOS
Try A Pop Of Polka Dot Colour
If you've made a New Year's resolution to add more colour to your wardrobe, why not try polka dots with a pop of colour. Here, Farfetch vice president of style and creative, Yasmin Sewell, wears a Loewe dress with Laurence Dacade boots.
Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
The Valentina is a short-sleeve update on Realisation Par's signature Alexandra dress. Featuring cap sleeves, a delicate ruffled neckline and hem and adjustable string tie around the waist, this dress has us excited already about picnics in the park, festivals and al fresco dates.
Realisation Par Valentina cherry dot dress, £135, available at Realisation Par
If you're still not familiar with Uterqüe, take the time to get to know Zara's sister brand, offering elegant, trend pieces at a slightly higher price point. This blue blouse is top of our wish list.
Uterqüe Maxi polka dot blouse, £79, available at Uterqüe
Slip dresses are timeless and this Racil number in electric blue will look best worn under a blazer in the winter months and solo as soon as the sun creeps out.
Racil Geiko polka-dot silk-satin midi dress, £480, available at Net-A-Porter
Wear with a cardigan and boots à la model Bambi to toughen up this gorgeous, frilly frock.
Realisation Par Juliet Italia spot dress, £170, available at Realisation Par
If you seldom veer from black, add a fraction of 'colour' to your wardrobe with this navy swirl plisse top. Baby steps.
Topshop Spot swirl plisse top, £30, available at Topshop
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