When Lady Macbeth says, “Out, damned spot,” I like to imagine that, here, Shakespeare is weighing in on fashion trend – expressing his aversion to polka dots. While Shakespeare’s status as a literary pioneer is firmly established, his perception of fashion trends appears to be less developed. This pattern is very much not ‘out’ at the moment; it’s perhaps the most in pattern of 2025.

Polka dots are everywhere: they’re all over runways (Valentino’s spring/summer 2025, Jacquemus’ autumn/winter 2025, Moschino autumn/winter, to name a few), being worn by celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Raye, and taking over social media feeds. It is therefore no surprise that there has been a 260% increase in shopping searches for ‘polka dot’ items this year.

“Spotted fabrics were thus viewed as ominous due to their visual similarity to the sores caused by the plague and smallpox”

In a recent British Vogue article by Daisy Jones about the resurgence of polka dots, she describes the pattern as having “spread across London - and the internet at large – like a fever, with no sign of containment.” I find Jones’s use of such visceral, disease-tinged language particularly intriguing, especially given the polka dot’s historical associations with illness and contagion. During the Middle Ages, spotted textiles – and those who wore them – were feared. At a time when knowledge of the body’s internal workings was very limited, illness was primarily interpreted through its visible effects. Spotted fabrics were thus viewed as ominous due to their visual similarity to the sores caused by the plague and smallpox.

Though the Middle Ages were centuries ago, their experiences with disease echo into the present. COVID may seem like a distant memory, yet in the broader context of history it is remarkably recent. Of course, our scientific understanding of disease has developed significantly since the Middle Ages, but it’s interesting to consider whether spots might still carry an implicit association with illness in our minds. A question I have found myself asking is whether it is only now, with the era of COVID behind us, that we feel safe enough to bring polka dots back into our wardrobe.

“The term ‘polka dot’ is thought to only have emerged after the 1840s when Czech ‘polka’ dance was popularised”

The term ‘polka dot’ is thought to only have emerged after the 1840s when, rather bizarrely, the Czech ‘polka’ dance was popularised. Although a dance and a fabric pattern are disparate, the coinciding popularity of the dance and this dotted fabric is why this pattern has this name. The popularity of the polka dot has fluctuated over recent centuries; however, its cultural significance has never truly waned. Think of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald’s song ‘Polka Dots and Moonbeams’, and icons who have donned this pattern: Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch; Twiggy during the mod fashion movement in the ’60s; Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman; and Princess Diana.

Polka dots and dotted fabrics are timeless motifs, so how might we incorporate this viral (not in the medieval, literal sense!) pattern to update our wardrobes? I have a few suggestions:

Balance the ditsy

Polka dots are twee – that’s what gives the print its novelty. But you don’t want to drown in ditsy print. Try contrasting it with something more solid, bold, or structured. For example, if you’re styling a polka dot blouse, perhaps pair it with dark baggy jeans. Likewise, if your bottoms are polka dot patterned, a structured top (rather than a flowy blouse) will work well to balance the print. If you really want to contrast the ditsy, try pairing polka dots with a leather jacket.

Stand-out hosiery

If you’re hesitant to spend money on a microtrend print, lucky for you, polka dot patterned clothing can be bought affordably in the form of hosiery, and more specifically, tights. Tights do the heavy lifting: pair sheer black polka dot tights with a black monochrome outfit and, voila, you have an effortlessly chic look.

Embrace the dress

You do have to put a bit of thought into styling a polka dot patterned top or pair of bottoms. An easy solution is to just embrace the dress! The dress essentially does all the work for you, and you can take it in different directions – pair it with knee high leather boots for a bold statement or lean into the summery, twee aesthetic with a pair of kitten heels.

Accessorise it

If, like me, you’ve run out of hangers and wardrobe space to store yet another top you want but definitely don’t really need, try a polka dot patterned accessory. I find polka dot headbands particularly chic (very Audrey Hepburn) but a polka dot patterned scrunchie, scarf, or a small bag are also stylish options.

From medieval superstition to a recent resurgence in popularity, polka dots have stood the test of time. Most importantly, they are a perfect example of a fun, playful print – an essential to every wardrobe.