Another year, another polka-dot piece taking over Instagram [1]. This season, it's "The Dress" [2], aka a £40 Zara polka-dot creation so popular and universally flattering, it's spawned its own Instagram tribute account [3]. The Duchess of Cambridge certainly knows the power of a polka-dot dress [4], re-wearing her favourites in 2019, and it's certainly the print to be seen in this year.
This Summer, you can replace the perennial Rockabilly retro designs — with their large spots, circle skirts, and bright colours — with a more subtle take on the trend. We're talking small, dark spots on minimal white midi dresses. They'll see you through all of the Summer's key occasions. Ahead, take a look at 23 of the very best polka-dot dresses to get you spotted for all the right reasons this season.
Zara Printed Dress
The Zara Printed Dress [5] (£40) that kick-started it all.
Topshop Black and White Starlight Spot Smock Dress
The Topshop Black and White Starlight Spot Smock Dress [6] (£39) comes in tall and petite sizes, too.
H&M Calf-Length Wrap Dress
We love the balloon sleeves on the H&M Calf-Length Wrap Dress [7] (£40).
Warehouse Spot Prairie Dress
The Warehouse Spot Prairie Dress [8] (£70) has gathered detailing.
ASOS Design Tall Pleated Midi Dress
The floaty ASOS Design Tall Pleated Midi Dress [9] (£48) with lace inserts will keep you cool.
Boohoo Woven Wrap Polka Dot Hanky Hem Maxi Dress
The spots get stretched in the Boohoo Woven Wrap Polka Dot Hanky Hem Maxi Dress [10] (£25, originally £28).
River Island Beige Spot Wrap Slip Dress
Go sleek in the River Island Beige Spot Wrap Slip Dress [11] (£15, originally £40).
Fashion Union Wrap Midi Dress
The frill trims add the perfect detail to this Fashion Union Wrap Midi Dress [12] (£38).
Georgia Alice Fairytale Tiered Polka-Dot Twill Midi Dress
Live out your fairytale dreams in the silk-satin Georgia Alice Fairytale Tiered Polka-Dot Twill Midi Dress [13] (£305, originally £610).
Self-Portrait Polka-Dot & Floral Lace Midi Dress
We love the delicacy of this Self-Portrait Polka-Dot & Floral Lace Midi Dress [14] (£350).
Farm Rio Onca Dot Midi Dress
The contrast trim of the linen weave draws attention to the scalloped neckline of the Farm Rio Onca Dot Midi Dress [15] (£135).
I Saw It First White Polka Dot Frill Midi Dress
The hemline brings a fun edge to the I Saw It First White Polka Dot Frill Midi Dress [16] (£31, originally £60).
Ganni Cameron Polka-Dot Satin Midi Dress
The Ganni Cameron Polka-Dot Satin Midi Dress [17] (£170, originally £340) is all elegance.
Boohoo Plus Polka Dot Strappy Knot Front Maxi Dress
The Boohoo Plus Polka Dot Strappy Knot Front Maxi Dress [18] (£18, originally £20) is effortlessly stylish.
Missguided White Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress
The tiny spots on the Missguided White Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress [19] (£30) are so subtle.
Lost + Wander Dottie Ruffle Midi
The spots get structured in the Lost + Wander Dottie Ruffle Midi [20] (£130).
Boohoo Woven Polka Dot Covered Button Maxi Dress
Go for relaxed style in the Boohoo Woven Polka Dot Covered Button Maxi Dress [21] (£16, originally £18).
Jovonna London White Besa Polka Dotted Frilly Cotton Dres
Switch up the usual black spots in the Jovonna London White Besa Polka Dotted Frilly Cotton Dress [22] (£29, originally £60).
Forever U Mesh Midaxi Dress
Float on in the Forever U Mesh Midaxi Dress [23] (£84, originally £120).
Pretty Lavish Midi Wrap Frill Dress
Let the layers flow in the Pretty Lavish Midi Wrap Frill Dress [24] (£54).
Paisie Polka Dot Maxi Wrap Dress
The navy spots are super-tiny in the Paisie Polka Dot Maxi Wrap Dress With Ruffle Tie Sleeves [25] (£90).
Maiyet 3/4 Length Dress
The irregular-shaped, multi-coloured spots on the silk Maiyet 3/4 Length Dress [26] (£188, originally £369) add lots of interest.
Bec & Bridge 3/4 Length Dress
Go classic with the Bec & Bridge 3/4 Length Dress [27] (£195, originally £297).