Polka Dots

Peppy and passionate, polka dots have a rich history of being in vogue. Their first emergence into fashion was in 16th-century France, when it was a popular style to place small circles of black velvet on one’s face, either to hide blemishes or to draw attention to preferred features. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the pattern was seen on clothing. Miss America donned a chic and iconic dotted swimsuit in 1926, and in the 1940s, Christian Dior introduced his New Look: a sleek dotted dress representing post-war extravagance. Once Dior was on board, everyone followed — and the pattern hasn’t fallen out of style since. Polka dots come to life in vibrant pop culture moments: Julia Roberts’ brown and white frock in Pretty Woman; Minnie Mouse’s spunky femininity; Princess Diana’s famous white and black dress and matching hat at Ascot; and Frank Sinatra’s romantic tune Polka Dots and Moonbeams. The pattern has long symbolized flirtatious romance, timeless elegance, and a cheerful quirk. Re-emerging season after season, polka dots truly are fashion’s most playful print!