(Courtesy of ELLE)
Welcome to the “boom boom” era—Sean Monahan’s catchy term for the return of lavish ’80s decadence, where fur coats, power shoulders, and larger-than-life pearl necklaces ruled the scene. It was all about living large, dripping with glamour, and just enough old-school New York attitude to make it feel a little dangerous.
Polka dots are totally owning this “new” era, popping up everywhere from Fendi’s runways to Moschino and Isabel Marant’s latest collections (per Vogue).
The retro print has officially returned to the spotlight for 2025. This time, however, designers have blown up the scale, cranked up the color, and played with sleek new shapes.
The ’80s Icon Returns—But With a Contemporary Twist
(Courtesy of ELLE)
Polka dots once had their heyday with moms on morning school runs and casual brunch gatherings. Recently, however, the print has been steadily distancing itself from these preppy roots, transforming into something bolder, fresher, and distinctly more appealing to fashion insiders.
Fashion houses across global style capitals are wholeheartedly embracing this dotted resurgence. This season, the versatility of polka dots shines brightest. The trend is masterfully adapted through sharply tailored pieces, sheer layering, and gracefully flowing skirts, featuring everything from oversized dots to tiny specks and abstract interpretations.
(Courtesy of ELLE)
In London, Conner Ives debuted sheer slip dresses adorned with large tonal dots, while Bora Aksu channeled romantic flair through dreamy, tulle-layered dresses. Moschino leaned unapologetically playful, with oversized Mickey Mouse-inspired dots splashed onto blazers and deconstructed slips.
This fresh take on polka dots gives Princess Diana’s unforgettable ’80s fashion a whole new twist, totally refreshed for modern wardrobes, but with just enough throwback energy to keep the nostalgia alive.
Sarah Jessica Parker Backs the Polka Dot Revival on Morning TV
(Courtesy of @itgirl)
Earlier this year, Sarah Jessica Parker made it clear she was all in on the polka-dot comeback. Promoting the anticipated third season of "And Just Like That…," Parker made an appearance on "Good Morning America" in an ensemble straight from Luisa Beccaria's fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection (per WWD).
Her chic set featured a belted blazer and pencil skirt covered in crisp white polka dots on dreamy sky-blue, all finished off perfectly with a Polene x Róisín Pierce handbag.
(Courtesy of @itgirl)
Luisa Beccaria’s fall 2025 line prominently featured polka dots, a trend highlighted by fashion critics early on.
Stepping perhaps into a more daring contemporary space with input from her daughter Lucilla Bonaccorsi, Beccaria presented standout pieces such as miniskirt suits topped with egg-shaped pea jackets, safari-inspired corduroy pantsuits, and luxurious faille polka-dot opera coats in sophisticated chocolate hues layered over matching pajama-style sets.
The Polka Dot Trend Gets Dua Lipa’s Stamp of Approval
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Dua Lipa wearing pink polkadot dress
Dua Lipa was fully on board with the retro return. Her pick? A strapless pink dress straight from Alessandro Michele’s Spring/Summer 2025 Valentino show. The whole piece was splashed with cheerful polka dots and finished off with ruffles for extra volume.
To add a little contrast, Lipa topped off the flirty dress with sharp black cat-eye lenses for a hint of bookish cool. She carried a relaxed Chanel 25 shoulder bag, letting its gold chain mingle with her diamond bracelets and a slim gold watch.
The willowy singer finished the look with sheer black tights and knee-high boots, totally embracing the throwback feel.
Polka Dots Get the Rihanna Treatment
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Rihanna has long been a fan of pushing the style envelope, and her take on the polka dot trend was no exception. For a recent night out at Giorgio Baldi, she combined an oversized ERL suit and sheer Fenty bra, topping it off with a loosely tied polka dot tie.
The whole ensemble was a perfect mix of old-school polish and present-day cool—a look only Rihanna could pull off with such ease.
How the Pros Wear Polka Dots
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Still unsure how to navigate polka dots without accidentally channeling your childhood photo albums? Street-style stars offer plenty of inspiration, proving polka dots can look thoroughly contemporary. Pair them with rugged leather for an edgier spin, blend with vivid colors for maximum impact, or introduce subtle touches through jewelry accessories.
For anyone after a quieter take, tonal polka dots in shades like black or navy are a foolproof pick. They dial down the drama but still feel on trend. If standing out is more your thing, go for bright shades and big, playful spots—just wear it with confidence and let your personality shine through.
(Courtesy of Vogue)
For an instant attitude boost, combining dots with leather is transformative. Imagine a sheer, spotted blouse tucked beneath a tough biker jacket or pairing a flowing polka-dot dress with trusty leather boots for a polished yet rebellious vibe.
No need to overthink the polka dot trend—just dive in and pick what feels right for you. It could be a bold dotted top, a fun graphic tee, some statement pants, or even a breezy polka-dot skirt. Maybe you’ll go all in with a spotted dress, a cheeky tie, or a cute pair of heels. Even your bag, belt, or scarf can get in on the action.
Platforms like ZenLuxe have made finding those trendypolka-dotted luxury pieces as simple as a few clicks, with seamless online shopping and global shipping that brings your picks straight to your doorstep.
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
