As fashion cycles move faster than a Kanye West album drop, polka dots are emerging as the newest pattern of choice. From cow print in 2020, to cheetah print in 2021-22, to zebra print in 2023, and finally to stripes in 2024, we have continuously cycled through the trendiest patterns to wear. Though polka dots have never left, they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Brands like Brandy Melville and Edikted seem to produce more and more basic polka dot tops, but how does one play with this new trend creatively?
Polka dots have undoubtedly begun trending in 2025. Some of the biggest brands like New Balance and designers like Carolina Herrera have seen this trend and created new collections around it. New Balance’s polka dot shoe received a 60 percent increase in searches. Beyond the designer and consumer world, polka dots are trending all over social media as well. One of the biggest social media apps to seek the newest trends is Pinterest, which saw about an 80% increase in polka dot searches in 2025 alone. Even the most influential celebrities today like Dua Lipa have been seen with polka dot nails, and Hailey Bieber, who has been idolized by teenage girls for years,was recently seen with polka dot capris. As we see with every trend, the polka dot is beginning to appear in your face more and more. With each new trend becoming increasingly oversaturated, there are ways to incorporate the trend in unique and subtle ways to dress with the style, without being too on the nose.
My advice, regardless of trends, is that colors in an outfit are a powerful way to express personal style and creativity. As athleisure wear continues to gain popularity and men continue to fear any color other than black, grey, or blue, color can always excite an outfit. Skillful color combinations can bring balance, contrast, or harmony to an ensemble, making even the simplest outfit stand out. One playful and stylish way to experiment with color is through polka dots. These classic patterns come in endless color combinations, bringing a fun way to incorporate multiple hues into an outfit. Plus, polka dots naturally encourage mixing and matching with accessories, shoes, or layers in complementary or contrasting shades. They serve as a bridge between bold and subtle fashion choices, making it easy to play with color while still staying on trend and entertaining a wider audience.
As circle drive begins to line up with cars and the halls begin to fill, students will be covered in polka dots. With the increasing popularity of polka dot skirts, blouses, and dresses, subtlety in the use of a trend can be the most exciting way to incorporate it. Something as simple as a polka dot scarf around your bag can add something eye-catching. Even a polka dot tight can be a fresh way to nod to the popular 2010 “twee” aesthetic while incorporating the new modern trend of polka dots. Polka dot nails are also an easy way to add character to an outfit.
Regardless of how you choose to style polka dots, expect to be matching with everyone in the science hallway or on Webster and Clark, with polka dot purses, blouses, dresses, everywhere. Polka dots are about to take the world by storm, but how will you choose to incorporate them?
