Polka Dots for the Holidays: A Timeless Twist on Festive Dressing

I’ve always believed that the holidays are the perfect time to have fun with fashion. It’s the season of sparkle, sequins, and rich fabrics. But this year, I find myself coming back to a print that feels both fresh and timeless … polka dots. They’ve been everywhere in 2024 and 2025, from runways to resort wear, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. For holiday dressing, polka dots are chic, playful, and surprisingly versatile.

Designers have been incorporating dots into both evening collections and casual daytime looks, which makes them incredibly easy to work into a holiday wardrobe. From Miu Miu to MAE New York, polka dots are having a moment. I’m especially loving the way designers like Rixo, Zimmermann, and Frederik Anderson are reimagining the print in their own signature styles.

The best way to ease yourself into the trend is with something simple: think a polka dot blouse paired with jeans. It’s effortless, and with the right accessories, a velvet pump or a touch of red lipstick, it instantly feels festive. Another easy way is to layer a polka dot blouse under a tailored blazer. The print peeks out just enough to add interest, without overwhelming your look.

Of course, if you’re ready to go all-in on polka dots this season, there are so many fabulous dresses to choose from. I recently spotted dotted midis and slips in silk and satin, which drape beautifully and work for everything from a holiday cocktail party in the city to a cozy dinner gathering out east. There’s something inherently elegant about a polka dot slip dress, it feels like an elevated take on the little black dress. The print adds movement and texture without the need for over-the-top embellishment. For me, it strikes that perfect balance between festive and refined.

One of my favorite things about polka dots is how well they play with layering, which is essential when you live in the Hamptons during the winter. I have an older vintage Gucci polka dot dress that I found years ago in a consignment shop in the city, and it remains one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe. When the temperatures drop, I layer it with a tissue-thin turtleneck underneath, add boots, and sometimes even throw on a chunky cardigan. It’s proof that polka dots aren’t only for light, airy fabrics in warmer months. They transition beautifully into colder weather with just a few styling tweaks.

Speaking of vintage, I always encourage friends to check their favorite secondhand and consignment stores for polka dots. The print has been around for decades, which means you can often find incredible pieces with a little digging. A vintage polka dot dress instantly feels special, and the bonus is knowing that no one else at the party will have the same look. I love the thrill of uncovering something unique, whether it’s a Gucci treasure or a no-label gem that just happens to fit perfectly.

Accessories are another easy entry point to the world of polka dots. A dotted scarf knotted at the neck, a playful clutch, or even a pair of patterned tights can bring a holiday outfit to life. The print works just as well with sparkly jewelry and metallic accents as it does with understated classics, making it one of the most versatile options of the season.

This year, while others are reaching for sequins and velvet, I’ll be leaning into my polka dots. They feel timeless yet fresh, a little playful but still elegant, and endlessly adaptable to both my city meetings and time spent fireside in the Hamptons. To me, that’s the beauty of a trend with staying power. It doesn’t just work for one season, it becomes a signature.