The polka dot dress has been having a moment recently. Over the last few years, the Princess of Wales has stepped out in many polka dot pieces, particularly by Alessandra Rich, and they were all over the spring/summer runways, from Jacquemus to Acne Studios.
The timeless style is elegant but playful, statement but effortless, sophisticated but fun, which could explain the royal's unwavering penchant for the print.
Its history goes way back, first peaking in popularity in the 1920s, before another boom in the 1950s thanks to the likes of Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe.
It's also a favourite of Queen Letizia of Spain, who has worn several polka dot dresses while out on engagements. Even Cat Deeley, TV's latest style queen, has worn one recently.
- The navy dress: Boden Naomi Relaxed Jersey Dress, £86 / $129
- The pink dress: Phase Eight Nicola Spot Dress, £109 / $240
- The white dress: Nobody's Child Polka Dot Kyla Midi Dress, £79 / $134
- The black dress: Ro & Zo Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Tea Dress, £239
- The halterneck dress: Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress, £295 / $425
- The designer dress: Alessandra Rich Pleated Silk Midi Dress, £1,493 / $1,562
Royals & celebrities wearing polka dot dresses
Princess Kate has been seen in so many polka dot dresses by Alessandra Rich, the two could collaborate on their own collection. Most recently, she was pictured in this white midi dress at Westminster Abbey's VE Day service in May 2025. She previously wore the same dress at the Order of the Garter Ceremony in July 2023, and she wore a very similar style to Royal Ascot in 2022.
© Neil MockfordThe Princess of Wales has also worn 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 beautiful 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.
© @catdeeleyEarlier this year, Cat Deeley, the host of This Morning, wore a polka dot dress by Sosandar to present the show. She looked stunning, styling the ruffled hem, long blouson sleeve midi with a belt to cinch her waist.
How I chose the best polka dot dresses
- New-in: You'll find all of the best new season polka dot dresses on the high street 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 Naomi Relaxed Jersey Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from a soft cotton-Tencel blend and cut with a figure-skimming shape, this polka dot midi dress from Boden is the ultimate daytime style. It even has pockets.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Kyla Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
With its chic boat neck and stylish drop waist, Nobody's Child's new white polka dot dress is super versatile and comfortable enough to wear day and night.
Rixo Abi Polka Dot Dress
Editor's Note:
Princess Kate owns several dresses from Rixo, and I think she would love this navy halterneck. It features a scarf-style neckline and tiered skirt.
Reformation Naira Dress
Editor's Note:
Reformation's royal-worthy Naira dress has a modest cut and a vintage feel. It features an all-over polka dot print, short puff sleeves and a long relaxed skirt.
Phase Eight Nicola Spot Dress
Editor's Note:
How pretty is this polka dot dress by Phase Eight? Featuring short puff sleeves and delicate ruffles on the bodice, the pale pink midi is ideal for a wedding or a day at the races.
Abercrombie & Fitch Mila Cap Sleeve Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Abercrombie's top-rated midi dress is made from their signature stretch-enhanced cotton-blend fabric. It's cut with a figure-skimming bodice, scoop neckline, flattering cap sleeves and a playful skirt.
Alessandra Rich Pleated Polka Dot Silk Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Crafted from fluid silk, with a classic shirt silhouette and trending drop waist, I think we could see the Princess of Wales wearing this polka dot dress for future royal engagements. It features a bow-detailed neckline and pleated skirt.
New Look Polka Dot Belted Shirt Dress
Editor's Note:
With its off-the-shoulder ruffle neckline and tiered maxi cut, this polka dot dress from River Island is fun and so flattering. I love it styled with a belt to cinch in the waist.
Ro & Zo Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Tea Dress
Editor's Note:
Ro&Zo's retro polka dot dress has statement puff sleeves and a feminine sweetheart neckline. Fully lined, it's cut with a regular fit and falls to a flowing midaxi skirt.
Karen Millen Tailored Jacquard Polka Dot Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This sophisticated polka dot midi dress from Karen Millen is a bestseller for the brand thanks to its statement cape sleeve and tailored pencil fit.
Hobbs Larina Dress
Editor's Note:
I could also see Kate in Hobbs’ Larina polka dot midi dress. The elegant piece has a shirt-style silhouette with long sleeves and a detachable tie waist to flatter your shape.
