I Thought This Print Was Dated, But Stylish Londoners Have Proven It's Back and Chicer Than Ever

I don't know about you, but I keep seeing polka dots everywhere in London. And Paris. And Rome. Turns out the once 'dated' print trend is back and chicer than ever for 2025. So scroll on to see the polka dot outfits that are guaranteed to earn you compliments.

Last year I wore a black polka dot dress to my cousin's wedding, and I would say this is the pivotal moment where the addiction started (picture proof, below). Since then, I have acquired another polka dot dress, a skirt, jeans, a skirt and top co-ord and a scarf. So much so, when I walked into the office the other day someone said: "oh, you're not wearing spots today then?", as though it's my everyday uniform (kind of true). And the thing is, I'm not alone, as I can't go a day in East London, or London in general for that matter, without seeing someone wearing polka dots.

Harriet wearing polka dot dress

(Image credit: @harriet.davey)

I'm not a floral person, and although I do gravitate towards stripes, polka dots feel fresh this season. And while previously I had seen them as quite dated, for 2025 it's all about the new silhouettes, materials and colours that's making items in the much-loved print feel far from old fashioned. Usually only seen in monochromatic palettes, I love that the likes of @styleidealist has opted for a blush pink dress with black spots and @_livmadeline has ticked off another key shade in a butter yellow skirt and top set. If you still want to stick to classic black and white, though, fashion people are opting to clash a more subtle polka dot piece with a bolder spot separate, and it totally works.

Still not convinced? Then @holliemercedes has the answer with a dotty scarf you can wear on your head, around your waist or tied onto your bag—and I've found a Miu Miu style that'll get anyone's heart racing.

If you already love polka dots (like me) these these 5 outfits will secure it, and if you're unsure, be prepared to welcome a new print into your wardrobe—trust me, you'll have zero regrets.

5 Polka Dot Outfits to Copy This Season:

1. Polka Dot Top + Spot Skirt + Monochrome Shoes

Marilyn wearing spot top

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: One of the easiest ways to channel polka dots is by way of a black and white outfit. Marilyn brings the look up-to-date by opting for a ditsy dot top paired with a statement spot skirt—a clashing, yet matching way to wear the trend.

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2. Polka Dot Dress + Mules + Woven Bag

Karina wearing polka dot dress

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: Hello, dream wedding guest outfit. The pink polka dots make the classic print feel new again, while the matching black strappy mules and woven bag keeps the look pulled together in an effortless way. And Guess what? I've found the exact dress Karina is wearing, shop it below...

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3. Polka Dot Shorts + T-shirt + Mesh Flats

poppy wearing polka dot shorts

(Image credit: @poppyalmond)

Style Notes: The one item I don't have in polka dots, yet? Shorts. I love this spotty jorts pair Poppy is wearing so much that I may have to lift my polka dot shopping ban. Simply styled with a black baggy T-shirt and pumps, this is the perfect everyday outfit to copy (once I buy the Asos style below).

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4. Polka Dot Co-ord + Heels + Shoulder Bag

Live wearing polka dot co-ord

(Image credit: @_livmadeline )

Style Notes: Polka dots make for a stylish alternative to floral prints, which usually dominate the wedding-guest-outfit scene. Make like Liv and give yours a whole new feel by opting for a matchy-matchy set instead of a dress in an alternative colour to more traditional black and white.

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5. Polka Dot Scarf + Striped Shirt + Bikini

Hollie wearing polka dot scarf

(Image credit: @holliemercedes)

Style Notes: If you're tentative about polka dots, why not dip your toe into the trend with a spotty accessory? Hollie shows how a spotty scarf is the perfect plus one on holiday—tie it around your hair (as shown), through your bag handle or around your waist as a belt—aka, the 2025 way to wear a silk scarf.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.