PLAYFUL POLKA DOTS AND GLEEFUL GINGHAM

With the decline of minimalism and rise of maximalism apparent this summer, prints have been all the rage. Classic and fun patterns such as polka dots and gingham are everywhere. The favorite prints this summer are polka dots and gingham, which are currently dominating the fashion world. This resurgence in playful prints is a nod to a simpler time, having us reflect on something a lot of people hold near and dear to their heart: childhood. During our childhood, we had fewer responsibilities and fewer worries, contributing to an overall nostalgia that cannot be beaten. In this tumultuous and polarizing period of time in America, we are overwhelmingly yearning for the return of joy and stability. This causes us to want to embrace our childhood, and as a result, the revival of retro prints has begun.

Youthful and playful patterns tend to trend in times of economic hardships and instability. They have also indicated recessions in American history. For example, polka dots trended during the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009. One of the first collections to feature polka dots was a collection by Christian Dior in the beginning of the 50s, after World War 2. For gingham, the pattern was popularized in America in the 19th century. 

In 2025, polka dots and gingham are showing up everywhere and are being seen across all kinds of categories in fashion, from accessories to swimwear to footwear. These are some of the more playful categories of fashion, which are directly related to the fun-loving retro revival trend. We are seeing polka dots and gingham used in typically feminine ways with girly touches. These prints are being paired up with details like bows and lace, adding to our attempt to escape adulthood and rehash our childhood. 

The search term ‘polka dots’ has surged to 260% so far in 2025. Polka dots are prominent on luxury runways; brands including Moschino and Jacquemus have both recently debuted their spring/summer collections featuring the nostalgic print. Moschino and Jacquemus’ work showcases the polka dot in a different way than traditional polka dots. Moschino used polka dots in unconventional ways by putting them on sheer fabrics and printing them on fringe. Jacquemus constructed polka dots out of hair/fur on a maxi skirt. Also, the ideal size of dots is being redefined. The size of dots being printed varies greatly, but whichever size you prefer is on trend. By remixing the way we normally see and play with the iconic, dotty print, we are innovating the pattern. 

Both designers showcased their love for the print in a muted and monochromatic color story. It seems as though black and white are the colors we are seeing most often in this trend. The simplicity of hues makes it easy for polka dots to act as somewhat of a neutral, which is being encouraged with maximalism on the rise. The more colorful colors (red and blue and the occasional yellow) match the classy and demure nature of the polka dot trend in 2025. The minimalistic color story mixed with a maximalist pattern is a way to dip our toes into playfulness without going overboard. As previously mentioned, currently we are in an uncertain economic period of time, which is contributing to the light refocus and resurgence of playfulness in polka dots. Using polka dots monochromatically is a transition into something more promising than what we are going through today. The professional nature of the signature ditzy dots symbolizes uncertainty, but the childlike pattern reminiscent of Minnie Mouse also symbolizes hope in a brighter future.

Celebrities and influencers have showcased their love for polka dots this summer too! Popular polka dot dressers have included divas such as Olivia Rodrigo in dotted microshorts, Kylie Jenner in a mini dress matched with a tote bag, and Sabrina Carpenter in a cotton 2-piece set. Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber have both been seen sporting the pattern on their fingernails and popularized it as nail art. Kylie even took to Instagram to declare that summer 2025 is her “polka dot summer.” Even the seasonal reality TV series, Love Island USA, has aired outfits displaying polka dots. The print was worn several times by contestant Iris Kendall, who—spoiler alert—came in fourth place with her man, Pepe Garcia, in season 7. With our favorite people indulging in this trend, it is obvious why polka dots are selling.

Throwback patterns are obviously having a great comeback in 2025. Gingham is showing up to the party as well. Red gingham is especially popular, which is a nod to the picnic blanket. Picnic blankets fit right into the playful trend, triggering nostalgia for a time when we had fewer responsibilities and more fun. As adults, we have less time to go out on a simple picnic as we might have when we were kids. Throwback patterns (like gingham) are having a great comeback in 2025. 

Another color that you will see gingham in is blue, specifically light blue, like the famous character Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz. This color and pattern combination may seem old, as the original movie came out in August of 1939, but the Wicked franchise has heated this vintage pattern up. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the first movie of Wicked was released November 22nd, 2024, and the sequel, Wicked: For Good, is being released almost exactly a year later. Dorothy is expected to have a heavier role in Wicked: For Good. 

Gingham as a pattern is akin to plaid/tartan print. Plaid is typically a more complex and conservative print with uneven squares of multiple different colors. Gingham is often two-toned with white and another color and symmetrical. In contrast, plaid seems more reserved and gingham more carefree. The seriousness of the squares is actually being turned on its head to be more playful when printed in color, especially evident in gingham. Usually seen in a woven and lightweight fabric such as cotton, it is directly tied to the season of summer. Because it’s in a woven fabric, gingham is known to be durable. This and the affordability of the print are what result in making gingham so great for our time. Its unbeatable attributes are helping to popularize it, making the gingham trend the perfect storm for this summer.

Pioneers of the gingham movement this year include Olivia Rodrigo at Wimbledon and Sabrina Carpenter in her music video for the hit song Manchild. Gingham isn’t just popular with the Gen Z crowd either. Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker have both been repping the cheery checks this season. The most popular way we are seeing gingham is on dresses, similar to polka dots. The brands showcasing the gingham trend include Reformation, Bottega Veneta, Doen, Free People, Frankie’s Bikinis (peep Bella Hadid’s collaboration collection), and For Love and Lemons. With a mixture of luxury and massively manufactured ready-to-wear clothing, the love of gingham is widespread in all aspects of fashion. 

If you want to style polka dots and gingham this summer, you can use these playful prints in various ways. Polka dots are very versatile and can be worn on multiple occasions, so it isn’t strange to find them on every piece of clothing. Depending on the occasion, you might want to wear the print differently. For example, monochromatic color schemes are perfect for a professional environment, while red polka dots seem more casual and fun. One of the articles of clothing that is trending is dresses in the pattern. Sundresses are the perfect canvas for polka dots and gingham and are an iconic summer 2025 staple. Another option is getting swimwear, which is also well liked. If you want a more low-key statement, try going for printed accessories like bags and shoes. 

All in all, everyone can wear polka dots and gingham. No matter who you are, it’s possible to incorporate these trends in your wardrobe. If you’ve been itching to try to style gingham and polka dots, now is the time! Enjoy these prints while they are trending, because they might not last too much longer! At this point, it’s safe to say that these styles are in or near the peak stage of the fashion cycle, and it only declines from there. Once fall comes, odds are the gingham trend will fade and plaid will reappear. Don’t miss out on this maximalistic, playful return of the retro prints!