Polka dots have made a huge comeback this year, with Vogue Arabia calling them “the coolest pattern of spring” and Elle heralding their “decisive return”. This time, though, they’ve come back with a modern twist: new silhouettes, unusual fabrics, and fun spacing and sizes. The main colour scheme is black and white for high-fashion pieces, while navy-and-white, chocolate brown, and splashes of pink, yellow, and blue dominate the summer-casual polka palette.
Spring/Summer 2026, or SS26 to the initiated, has featured polka dots all over runways. Christian Siriano’s collection had several polka-dot looks, including a black-and-white fishtail dress with a dramatic bottom flounce, a peekaboo bodice inset, and a huge statement hat, turning the whole look into a monochrome polka showstopper. Patou’s black-and-white polka dot dress kept the look minimal with a chunky pearl necklace and black lace stockings, then added a pop of colour with pink-and-yellow pointed-toe pumps with bows on the sides. Tory Burch offered a delicate chiffon dress with draping and dainty polka dots, giving it a more modern touch.Black-and-white polka dots at Patou’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection | Instagram
Celebrities are doting on the dots too, including Kendall Jenner at the Khaite spring/summer show; Bhumi Pednekar in a viral dress with the dramatic layering and high-low hem over a black lace corset at the Forbes India Self Made Women event; and Demi Moore at the Cannes Film Festival photocall in a whimsical, colourful dress that looked like the dots were flying right off it, finished with a matching handbag, simple white cat-eye sunnies and pointed closed-toe heels.
