It’s official: polka dots are everywhere right now. Long considered twee, the pattern has been enjoying a cool girl revival as of late, with the likes of Clairo, Chloe Fineman and Olivia Rodrigo all putting their own spin on the look.
However, the ultimate cool girl Charli XCX has just given the trend her seal of approval, wearing a polka dot dress in her new video for “party 4 u.” Styled by Chris Horan, the video follows Charli leaving an after party in the early hours of the morning, and wandering out into the road (as you do).
Her outfit features a dress made from multi-coloured polka dot silk scarves by Paris-based design studio All-In, worn with her signature black wrap-around shades and a black Coach Tabby shoulder bag (she also donned Coach’s other it-girl fave, the Brooklyn bag, earlier this week). Thankfully, she takes the dress off before ripping apart a billboard plastered with her own face, covering it in black paint, and then setting the whole thing on fire. Rough night, hey.
The single is in fact not new, as it is taken from her 2020 album How I’m Feeling Now, which preceded the success of brat. Real ones (AKA me) remember! The song, and Charli’s older music, has recently gained popularity on TikTok as people realize that, actually, she has always been a hitmaker. Good to see they’re catching up.
If anyone could convince me that polka dots are no longer solely reserved for Minnie Mouse, it’s her. So, whether you’ve got several wedding invitations, festivals, or messy parties planned, a polka dot dress is going to be your ultimate companion. Below, I’ve found the best ones to shop now, including the exact one worn by Charli.
Princess Polly Evangelie Ruched Mini Dress
Ganni Polka-Dot Satin Corset Mini Dress
Blondita Gwen Top
Blondita Gwen Bubble Skirt
Princess Polly Rennar Maxi Skirt
Naked Wardrobe Polka Dot A-Line Halter Dress
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
