Last summer saw a big comeback for the timeless polka dot print. Dua Lipa wore multiple spotted bikinis on her annual mega vaycay, Hailey Bieber went retro in monochrome polka capris, and dotty dresses took over sun-paved streets with fashion girlies everywhere embracing the dot.
Amid conveyor-belt trends, this classic print is proving to be a mainstay in our wardrobes and showing it's not just reserved for warmer climes. We might even have Lily Allen to thank for its wintery makeover, who fully championed polka dot mania, wearing a Miu Miu pale blue spot-covered bomber puffer coat and spotted knee-high boots on her portrait album cover for West End Girl. Evidence that the graphic print is a versatile one all year round.
To inject this playful print into your winter wardrobe, Mango has the perfect top. Firstly, switching up the colour from the usual black and white combo and taking note from Pretty Woman herself, Julia Roberts' iconic dress, the long-sleeve top comes in this season's favourite shade, chocolate brown.
To shake off the polka dots' retro routes, Mango's top is made from a modern mesh fabric, plus the gathered waist and ruching on the sleeves give it a fresh 2026 take. The fashion-forward high-neck silhouette makes it so easy to style and layer. Team polka dots with a boxy leather biker jacket to toughen up any twee vibes and channel the print's grungier side, or if you're following a more 80s agenda, the neutral brown hue is a great base mixed with bold colours.
The real beauty here, though (besides the fact it's a steal at £26), is that we are always on the hunt to discover a top that fits our trusted 'jeans and a nice top' formula, and this Mango cutie fits the bill perfectly. Add some statement earrings and heeled boots, and you are evening-ready. The top is also workwear-approved, worn beneath a blazer or paired with a slip skirt and brown suede boots; we have the office to after-work drinks dilemma nailed.
Excuse us whilst we add to cart.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
