Here's how to style a polka-dot dress for summer, just like the celebrities do.

Among the many summer dress trends, celebrities are bringing back one retro style in full force: polka dots. After appearing on the spring-summer 2026 runways at Khaite, Tory Burch, and Altuzarra, this season’s revival focuses on modern shapes and fresh styling tricks that make the print feel exciting again. From Gigi Hadid’s Parisian date-night look to Lily Collins’s seaside-ready outfit, the style’s comeback among celebrities shows that even nostalgic patterns can be refreshed with a new perspective.

How to Style the Polka-Dot Dress:

The Garden-Party Dress
Dôen Emerence midi dress – $450, NET-A-PORTER

The Heeled Flip-Flops
Toteme croc-effect thong sandals – $560, NET-A-PORTER

The Sleek Pouch
The Row Bourse clutch bag – $1,590, THE ROW

The Vacation Option
Rixo Bethea midi dress – $395, NET-A-PORTER

The Straw Hat
Janessa Leoné Collette sun hat – $287, NORDSTROM

The Red Statement
Posse Romeo maxi dress – $430, MYTHERESA

The Optic Mules
Staud Brigitte mules – $295, SHOPBOP

The Woven Bag
Hunting Season Zip raffia clutch – $350, NET-A-PORTER

It all starts with the silhouette. Clean lines with unexpected design details are key to giving the retro print a modern update. A silky maxi dress trimmed with ruffles, like Dôen’s version worn by Lily James at Wimbledon, reimagines the slip-dress trend with a Swiss-dot pattern, striking a perfect balance between vintage charm and modern ease. Phoebe Dynevor’s simple sleeveless shift shows how clean lines make the perfect canvas for playful patterns, so choose a shape that lets the print stand out.

Accessories also play a big role. We saw many celebrities wearing monochrome accents in optic white, matching the spots on their dresses. But you can’t go wrong with minimalist extras, like heeled thong sandals or a woven bag, to add a contemporary edge. Whether you’re heading to a sports match, packing for vacation, or dressing for a summer night out, use these outfit ideas as your guide to styling polka-dot dresses right now.

Below, find polka-dot dress outfits inspired by celebrities to get you in the high-summer mood.

Photo: Backgrid
A Parisian Twist
Spotted in the City of Light, Gigi Hadid wore a polka-dot dress for a recent date night with Bradley Cooper. The supermodel accessorized with a Miu Miu matelassé bag in optic white and soft leather loafers, giving the retro print a modern update that felt completely fresh. Whether you’re exploring a new European city or heading to a casual dinner with friends, this easy formula works from day to night.

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Rodarte polka-dot midi dress – $2,760, NET-A-PORTER

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Madewell The Dolli glove loafers – $148, NORDSTROM / $148, SHOPBOP

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Miu Miu Wander hobo bag – $3,300, MIU MIU

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Saint Laurent SL 557 Shade sunglasses – $495, SAINT LAURENT

Photo: Neil Mockford
The Minimalist Way
While watching a match at Wimbledon, Lily James showed an easy way for minimalists to wear polka dots. Dôen’s silky ruffled dress features small Swiss dots, a subtle take on the trend. Paired with simple strappy sandals and a structured handbag, the understated pattern and classic accessories create a look that blends romantic touches with timeless elegance.

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Dôen Emerence midi dress – $450, NET-A-PORTER / $448, NORDSTROM

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The Row Ella slingback sandals – $1,190, NORDSTROM / $1,190, THE ROW

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Prada Galleria medium bag – $4,400, PRADA

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Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1983C sunglasses – $555, KHAITE

Photo: Photo One/NDP / BACKGRID
Vacation-Ready
While exploring Greece, Lily Collins offered a seaside-friendly way to wear polka dots for summer travel. Pack this look for upcoming vacations, adding textured accessories like Alaïa’s beige mesh flats and a matching straw hat to capture the season’s mood. A canvas tote will serve as the perfect carry-all.Great for browsing boutiques or strolling through markets.