We're calling it: polka dots are the print doing the most heavy lifting this summer, quietly resurfacing while everyone's been distracted by cherries and gingham. There's something about the print that never fully goes out of style — it just cycles back round every few years looking slightly more elevated than before.
Next's £26 polka dot maxi dress is the one to start with. Cut from cooling cotton with a touch of elastane for stretch, it's breathable enough for a heatwave without skimming close or clinging when it gets muggy. The smocked bodice and spaghetti straps keep it easy to wear, while the fuller skirt does the flattering work.
Next Navy Blue Polka Dot Maxi Square Neck Shirred Strappy Dress
Next Navy Blue Polka Dot Maxi Square Neck Shirred Strappy Dress
Shoppers are just as won over — one reviewer called it a "wardrobe staple," and a size 14 buyer confirmed it fits true to size in a medium, with another shopper (5'9") finding the length worked well for her height too. It also has pockets, because some dresses just get it.
Part of the appeal of polka dots is how differently the print can read depending on the colourway. In classic black and white, it's about as timeless as prints get — the kind of dress that all but demands a red lip and feels genuinely refined.
Next Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Ruched Bandeau Midi Dress
Next White/Black Polka Dot Drop Waist Strappy Jersey Dress
Next Blue/Ecru Polka Dot Mini Dress
Next Ecru/Black Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Next Chocolate Brown Spot Twist Front Long Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress
Next Monochrome Polka Dot Bandeau Scarf Detail Midi Dress
Swap to sky blue and navy, and the same print takes on an entirely different, faintly nautical feel — try it layered under a cream cardigan for any cooler evenings, and it instantly looks more considered than a straightforward summer dress.
Then there's chocolate brown, one of 2026's defining colours, which gives the print its most understated outing yet. It swaps the usual crisp contrast for something moodier and more grown-up, without losing any of the print's charm.
Whichever way you wear it, polka dots prove endlessly versatile — smart enough for a wedding guest, relaxed enough for a beach day, and easy to dress up or down depending on where you're headed.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
