Every year, as soon as the temperatures rise, our wardrobes fill up with light dresses covered in flowers. It’s almost a reflex: summer means printed bouquets, from Sunday brunch to outdoor weddings. Except that this season, another pattern is starting to appear everywhere on the silhouettes. A much less wise guest.
On the spring-summer 2026 catwalks, flowers remain present at Chloé, Celine and Miu Miu, but they are no longer the only ones to occupy the stage. A rain of round, graphic and very lively shapes fell on the dresses, creating a look that was both retro and ultra current. It remains to be seen which print it really is.
When flowers give way to the colorful polka dot dress
Because the new heroine of the catwalks is the colorful polka dot dress. Long associated with the black and white duo of the 1950s, the polka dot pattern is reinvented this season in a vibrant version that makes you forget the romantic petals. Flowers continue to adorn certain collections, but the colorful polka dot stands out as a key print on city and evening dresses.
Jacquemus, for example, opts for a strapless dress covered in multi-colored confetti-style polka dots, with an assumed sunny charm. Vetements prefers chocolate polka dots on a very sophisticated fluid silhouette. Dries Van Noten plays the green and yellow card on clean lines, while Valentino makes his dresses sparkle with metallic polka dots in a big evening spirit. At Nina Ricci, polka dots meet animal print, and Schiaparelli opts for a bright red cut-out dress punctuated with polka dots, some of which seem to blend into the skin tone.
Colorful polka dots: a pattern that brightens up summer dresses
Behind these very different variations, the same desire appears: a more expressive fashion that celebrates color and the play of prints. The 2026 version polka dot pattern no longer just flatters silhouettes, it brings a dose of immediate joy. A multi-colored polka dot dress is often enough to energize a minimalist wardrobe, where the floral print was more expected.
Designers offer the colored polka dot in a host of versions, from enveloping chocolate to acid green, including luminous yellow or metallic reflections. On a flowing midi dress, these polka dots add a chic look to the office. On a strapless maxi dress, they create a spectacular holiday look. And on a short structured dress, they immediately give a very assertive fashion look.
Adopt the colorful polka dot dress according to your style
Good news: the trend suits almost every style. For a discreet approach, you can choose a dress with a neutral background with small colored polka dots concentrated on the bust or the bottom of the skirt. Those who like more daring looks can opt for large contrasting polka dots, which attract attention where you want it.
To keep the colorful polka dot dress easy to wear, accessories play a key role. Nude sandals, a raffia bag or a plain blazer are enough to calm down a very present print. You can also extend the trend after summer by layering your polka dot dress with a fine cardigan or boots, without losing the joyful spirit of the season.
Colorful polka dot dress?
A dress decorated with multicolored polka dots all or part of it.
Colorful polka dots in the office?
We choose a simple cut, discreet polka dots and sober tones.
Colorful polka dots or flowers?
In 2026, polka dots dominate many dresses, but flowers remain present.
