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How to style polka dots, according to seven Australian creatives

IMAGE VIA @elena_tea/INSTAGRAM

WORDS BY DAISY HENRY

“Polka dots are definitely having a moment but they’re not a micro trend. They’re eternal.”

When I picture polka dots, two images come to mind. The first is Princess Diana’s iconic white and black dotted dress. The second is Julia Roberts’ brown, silk dress in Gary Marshall’s 1990 film, Pretty Woman. For years, both Princess Diana and Roberts have been the reference point for how to style polka dots, both large and small.

It wasn’t until recently that I realised polka dots weren’t purely a style reserved for posh people and fancy, royal events. Lately, the more I look around, the more I see dots everywhere.


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Australian and international labels are increasingly finding new ways of interpreting the classic print, and there’s no shortage of ways to work the style into your existing wardrobe.

Mia Zotos, creative director and founder of Mode Mischief

Polka dots have always held a special place in my wardrobe; they’re such a timeless and versatile print. I especially love how they bring a hint of vintage flair to any look, so I tend to style them with vintage pieces I’ve collected.

One of my favourite ways to style polka dots is with texture or a pop of colour. For instance, I might pair a black polka dot statement top (like this one from Annienoka) with a thrifted, suede pleated midi-skirt, red kitten heels and a matching red bag. I’ve also been experimenting with layering polka dot pieces recently, especially sheer fabrics. Because the print is quite simple, I don’t find it too busy, so choosing to layer polka dots creates a bold statement while still feeling chic and effortless.

@modemischief

Ava Francis, digital creator

This is a very simple yet chic slip halter dress from Réalisation Par. I reach for this dress all the time for so many different occasions. I think the silhouette of the dress, as well as the print, is very timeless and feminine.

My personal style has definitely evolved into being more pared back and I’m working more with staple pieces that will never run out of fashion. This dress, layered with some fun accessories is perfect to wear when you need something casual, yet a little dressy. I feel polka dots will always be that beautiful classic print to wear.

@ava.franciss

Candy Brat, content creator

I love patterns of all kinds but I’ve really been loving polka dots lately. There is just something so cute about them and they remind me of a little ladybug. They’re enough of a pattern to make an outfit more interesting without being too much.

For this look, I’m wearing a Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp T-shirt and a Maroske Peech tweed demi belt over a vintage slip dress with my favourite polka dots tights and Melissa x Y/Project clogs. I wore this to visit the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the NGV so I could be one with the artwork. Polka dots are definitely having a moment but they’re not a micro trend. They’re eternal.

@candy_brat

Shan Kerr, artist and model

Did polka dots ever really go out of fashion? I feel like they’ve always been such a cute, classic print but I do love that they are having a resurgence. I love this chocolate brown and white polka dot combo from Mister Zimi. I wore it on holiday in Bali on repeat because it’s comfy, breathable and effortlessly chic.

@shan.kerr

Niamh Robin Jury, designer

As a designer, I love to play around with patterns and textures. To me, more is always better. I started designing this Gemini Dress in a red polka dot in June. I began with a blank canvas but was instantly drawn to the polka dots. Then I made the base of the dress and added elastic and drawstring features bit by bit until I was happy with it.

I often find myself pairing it with a bralette or skirt of an opposing pattern. I believe that clothes are made to be worn, so I wanted this piece to be versatile. It can be styled so many ways and worn at different lengths. What I love most about it is I can have as much fun as I want when styling it.

@niamhrobinjury

Jordi Zeevi, content creator

There are three patterns that I consider to be neutral and polka dots are one of them (alongside animal print and stripes, of course). This means they can fit into any outfit, whenever and wherever, to instantly elevate the look.

When styling an outfit, I always try to have at least one playful element and polka dots are the perfect way to add in a little bit of fun, texture and depth. I love black and white polka dots with plain white pants or a T-shirt, with a pop of colour in my accessories. It’s the easiest formula that you can reinvent again and again, and makes for the cutest outfit.

@jordizeevi

Elena Téa, artist

2025 is the year that polka dots finally become chic again and I’m all about it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I had neglected this classic pattern for so long, and then I remembered I’d categorised them as being deeply uncool after living through the early 2010s Alannah Hill, Dangerfield, twee, pin-up era of polka dot. A classic is a classic for a reason though, and I’m thrilled this cutesy print has now been elevated into the contemporary sphere.

I adore a simple black-on-white polka dot print on a timeless, vintage-inspired silhouette like this gorgeous halter-neck Réalisation Par dress. Polka dots are here in a big way and they’re here to stay.

@elena_tea

For more polka dot inspiration, head here.

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