The Spring Trend That's Hitting Sooner Than Expected

By
last updated
in Features

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889360191-main

(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Back in September, as our team watched the S/S 20 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris unfold both in person and online, we repeatedly noticed polka dots come down the runways of brand after brand that we admired. Later, as we did more of a deep dive into all the shows and looks, it was clear that the classic print would definitely be coming back as a major trend for the season that’s now fast approaching. After all, endorsements from Balmain, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, and more are nothing to balk at.

Fast-forward to just a few weeks ago when this editor was elated to see a stunning Zoë Kravitz turn heads (as always) on the Golden Globes red carpet in a polka-dot dress by one of my favorite labels, none other than Saint Laurent. My interest in the trend was was suddenly reinvigorated, and even though we’re still fully in winter, I couldn’t help but notice that more than a handful of spotted pieces were already hitting retailers, in addition to the red carpets. Some from resort collections, others from fast-fashion retailers that clearly know what’s coming, and as always, a handful of in-between brands which we’ve come to expect will hit the mark. In short, spring has come early, and the polka-dot trend is here just waiting for you to shop (and wear) it. To see the runway inspiration for yourself as well as my edit of the best polka-dot pieces to buy at every price point, just keep scrolling.

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889535570-image

Balmain S/S 20
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

This particular coupling of looks was just one of many viral moments from Balmain's show.

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889537210-image

Carolina Herrera S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera)

I love it when a look combines inverted versions of the same print.

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889532130-image

Michael Kors S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Michael Kors)

This print fit right in with Michael Kors's American-themed S/S 20 collection.

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889536199-image

Dries van Noten S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Dries van Noten)

If I'm being honest, it was nearly impossible to choose my favorite look from this show. 

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889533624-image

Max Mara S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Max Mara)

As you can see, Max Mara had a whole section of its show devoted to the print.

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889537601-image

Altuzarra S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Altuzarra)

polka-dot-pattern-trend-285087-1579889534419-image

Richard Quinn S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Richard Quinn)

Ending the runway inspo on a fun note, this Richard Quinn look is just begging for a major red carpet moment. 

Up next: These are the best spring 2020 trends, period.

Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.

Latest
You might also like
View More ▸