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.
- The navy polka dot dress: Boden Rosie Godet Tea Dress
- The white polka dot dress: Reformation Naira Dress
- The black polka dot dress: New Look Polka Dot Belted Shirt Dress
- The strapless polka dot dress: Nobody's Child Polka Dot Felicity Midi Dress
- The halterneck polka dot dress: Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress
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 notably, 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.
© @catdeeleyThis month, Cat Deeley, the host of This Morning, wore a polka dot dress by Sosandar to present the show. She styled the ruffled hem, long blouson sleeve midi with a belt to cinch the waist.
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 £33.99 at New Look to £298 at Reformation.
The best polka dot dresses to shop this season
Boden Rosie Godet Tea Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from luxurious silky satin with subtle trims and cut with an elegant empire line, I love this polka dot tea dress from Boden.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Felicity Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Nobody's Child just dropped this gorgeous bandeau polka dot dress. With its strapless, fit-and-flare cut, it's so chic for the new season.
Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
Princess Kate owns several dresses from Rixo. With her penchant for polka dots, I think she would love this navy halterneck, which features a scarf-style neckline and tiered skirt.
Reformation Naira Dress
Editor's Note:
Reformation's royal-worthy Naira dress has an all-over polka dot print, and a modest cut with with short puff sleeves and a long relaxed skirt. It's comfortable enough to wear day and night.
M&S Cotton Rich Polka Dot Midi Waisted Dress
Editor's Note:
This M&S polka dot dress is a classic choice thanks to its black colourway and regular fit with puffed short sleeves and a flowing midi-length skirt. There's added stretch in the fabric for ultimate comfort.
Karen Millen Tailored Jacquard Polka Dot Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This polka dot midi dress is a bestseller for the brand thanks to its statement cape sleeve and tailored pencil fit.
New Look Polka Dot Belted Shirt Dress
Editor's Note:
Shopping for a polka dot dress in black that's still suitable for spring/summer? This one from New Look has a breezy shirt silhouette and flutter sleeves.
Hobbs Lucilla Polka Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
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.
