Polka Dots And 20th-Century Fashion Icons: Who Would Be Trendy Today?
Let’s rediscover those who made polka dots timeless.
Imagine a bustling, smoke-filled club. A dancer takes her place on the small stage, her bright dress catching the dim light, and the jazz music suddenly finds its reflection in her body.
At first, her steps seem chaotic and unpredictable. But the longer the audience watches, the more they notice patterns repeating over and over. If fashion were a dancer, it would be her. And polka dots — one of those endlessly recurring movements.
Despite its geometric precision, the polka dot has always carried the freedom of jazz. It was the roaring 1920s — the Jazz Age — that first turned it into a true fashion statement. Then, time after time, designers found fresh ways to reinvent it. Wartime Chic of the '40s, Mod Style of the '60s, the Minimalism of the '90s — in all of these eras, and many more, the polka dot found its place. Now, in 2025, it's back on trend once again, revived in the latest collections of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Carolina Herrera.
So, have you found your polka-dot piece yet? If not, maybe it's time to take inspiration from the all-time fashion icons who would still turn heads today.
Marilyn Monroe in The New Look Era
As a true pin-up girl, Marilyn Monroe loved polka dots and wore them in dresses, skirts, and even swimsuits. But one of her most notable polka dot looks was a white dress with button details, designed by William Travilla and famously worn in The Seven Year Itch (1955).
In the film, after his wife leaves for vacation, a married publishing executive finds himself alone in New York and begins to fantasize about his playful yet naive new neighbor, portrayed by Marilyn. This contrast in the character’s traits is also reflected in Travilla’s dress. The white fabric and below-knee cut blend with bare shoulders and a striking emphasis on Marilyn’s curves. This combination creates a look that is both refined and subtly seductive.
Brigitte Bardot in the Swinging Sixties
"I really am a cat transformed into a woman," Brigitte Bardot famously said. A French actress and model, she became not only one of the prominent symbols of the sexual revolution in the ‘60s but, thanks to her feminine and playful style, also a muse for countless fashion designers.
Polka dots were an essential part of Brigitte’s wardrobe. She not only wore them in dresses, skirts, and blouses but also incorporated them into accessories, adding playful accents to her clothing. One of her most iconic looks features her wearing a polka dot neckerchief in the film Viva Maria! (1965). This neckerchief complements a simple white blouse and a gray skirt, adding a stylish accent that enhances the outfit’s elegance without overpowering it. It’s a perfect example of how a small detail can transform the overall look.
Princess Diana in the Elegant 1980s
Princess Diana was a renowned fashion icon of her time, and polka dot became her signature print. Diana’s wardrobe featured polka dots in various colors, sizes, and styles, proving that this pattern is truly fit for royalty.
In Diana’s looks, we see a perfect balance of style, poise, and elegance. Polka dots never compromised the sophistication of her outfits but instead added a unique charm. She also mastered the art of monochrome styling with polka dots. One of the best examples is Diana’s 1985 look in Italy, where she wore pink polka dots, perfectly matching her purse—an ensemble that remains timeless and effortlessly chic.
Julia Roberts in Old Money Aesthetic
Another one of the most iconic polka dot dresses in film history is worn by Vivian, Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman. In the film, Vivian undergoes a fashion transformation—from the Hollywood Boulevard style to the refined elegance of high society. One of the key looks that symbolizes her transition is the brown polka dot dress she wears to the polo match. Vivian pairs it with a matching hat adorned with a polka dot ribbon, completing the look with effortless sophistication.
Designed by Marilyn Vance, this outfit has inspired more than one fashion designer and embodies elegance and timelessness. The dress would still be on trend today, and even its color closely resembles Pantone’s Mocha Mousse, which has been named the color of 2025.
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