Whether you go bold or just a hint, everyone can wear this season’s hottest print

Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth may be most closely associated with the phrase “Out, damned spot!” but when it comes to spring and summer 2025, polka dots are undeniably in.

Nowhere was this more apparent than at this month’s Derby Day races at Flemington, where the black-and-white dress code led to sightings of dots of every size and texture throughout the Birdcage. Whether it was the breezy, silk chiffon dress by Albus Lumen seen on actor Tessa James, or the Toni Maticevski hair tie in flocked tulle spotted on Lindy Klim, there was a spot for every taste.

The European runways have also been awash with more spots than an optometrist’s eye test. Those who did it best brought a fresh perspective, whether it was Carolina Herrera’s taco-shaped straw bags with spot appliqué, or Khaite’s unexpected colour combinations with spots – think monochrome and mustard.

Rather than exuding the prim, preppy vibes of seasons past (or Julia Roberts’ iconic polo dress in Pretty Woman), the 2025 spot has more edge, leading Vogue to declare this the summer of “subverted polka dots” alongside a photo of a pregnant Rihanna with a spotted tie nonchalantly draped around her neck and spilling over her growing belly.

Other celebrities spotted in spots include Hailey Bieber, who doubled down on two trends in a pair of $207 polka-dot capri pants by Paloma Wool. Too much? Maybe, but not if you’re Hailey Bieber.

We mere mortals should consider embracing polka dots in a more enduring fashion, perhaps in unexpected places. A peek-a-boo suggestion of spots under a sheer top via a polka-dot bra gives a nod to the trend without any 101 Dalmatians associations. If beach-to-bar is more your speed, a spotted swimsuit looks sweet poking out from beneath a maxi dress.

And if your resolution for the coming year is to pay more attention to exercise and fashion, then a spotted workout set is just the thing for your Christmas wish list. Best of all, some styles can double as a swimsuit. As they say, well spotted.

Fashion director: Penny McCarthy. Hair: Keiren Street using Wella Professionals. Make-up: Heidi Scarlett King. Fashion assistant: Liz Hoffman. Model: Lara Colless at Priscillas. Background flower photographs: Hugh Stewart.

Stockists: Albus Lumen; Bianca Spender; Zara.

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