Connect the (Polka) Dots: 15 Pieces To Style the Spots and Stripes Trend

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Polka dots embrace a provocative edge, while stripes outstrip their nautical roots – the latest iteration of these wardrobe-staple prints is anything but classic.

Words by Simone Richardson And Evie Baker · Updated on 08 Sep 2025 · Published on 15 Jan 2025

Polka dots and stripes are having a moment, but not in the way you might remember.

Long tied to retro aesthetics and ultra-feminine charm (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman), polka dots have been reimagined for 2025 in edgier, more provocative styles. While stripes move beyond their maritime beginnings.

From Belle The Label’s micro shorts to Oats The Label’s subversive sheer dress, these once-prim prints are officially shaking off their traditional ties to embrace a contemporary, statement-making edge. Here are 15 of our favourite pieces to shop for trending pattern play.

15 to try: polka dots and stripes

Belle The Label Finch shorts

$222

Micro shorts are here to stay – and Belle The Label’s white polka shorts are the statement-making way to embrace the trend. Garnering a cult fashion following for its fresh, pared-back silhouettes and contemporary designs, the US brand’s latest collection is your go-to for stylish polka-dot pieces.

Buy at Belle The Label

Verner Rope T-shirt dress

$290

Melbourne designer Ingrid Verner is no stranger to bold hues and abstract patterns. In fact, you only have to wink at Verner’s collection archive to get a sense of the label’s textile DNA – there are dots and stripes aplenty. In true offbeat fashion, this style features an upside-down T-shirt-shaped hem and decorative ropes that can be tied tighter or looser, altering the silhouette.

Buy at Verner

Oats The Label Polka Dot summer dress

$240

If you’re a regular around Melbourne’s northside, it’s likely you’ve spotted an Oats design or two in your time (like the cult Pop top ). The label is a mother-and-daughter project crafting sexy staples that dare to push boundaries. Our take? It’s one brand helping lace to move out of the kitsch cupboard and into stylist ‘drobes everywhere. If you’re still acclimatising to the lace comeback, this mesh style is a chic halfway point. Lean into creative layering and style it over low-rise pants, bold-hued bandeaus, and more.

Buy at Oats The Label

Deiji Studios Folded Asymmetrical pants

$572

Deiji Studios is the Byron Bay label designing beautiful garments infused with the laid-back spirit of Australia and the timeless sensibilities of Japanese linen. Styles are classic, relaxed and pared-back, but there’s also a freshness that breeds its own distinct identity. While the fold overlay on this ’00s-inspired design feels very right now (sitting somewhere between a chunky belt or a skirt styled over pants), it still delivers a novel take on the trend.

Buy at Net-a-Porter

Ganni Polka-dot Double Satin skirt

$625

Leopard print, bow accents and monochromatic polka dots – no pattern, colour or embellishment is off limits at Danish fashion house Ganni. The label’s playful dopamine-hit designs have secured a spot in wardrobes across Australia after opening at Melbourne’s Emporium in December and Sydney’s The Galleries the year prior. Illustrative of Ganni’s fun, it-girl aesthetic, this style puts dots on a contemporary, drop-waist skirt with an a-line, maxi silhouette that was made for balmy summer nights.

Buy at Ganni

Lee Mathews George Lantern dress

$699

In a fresh yet warm take on the classic summer palette, this drop-waist style feels as contemporary and current as it does timeless and cross-seasonal. Like all Lee Mathews pieces, the magic is in the details – 100-per-cent yarn-dyed cotton, concealed placket Japanese buttoning and sculptural panelling with lantern sleeves are just some of our favourites.

Buy at Lee Mathews

Elka Collective Malibu Crochet dress

$299

Your poolside cover-up just got an update. Crochet is summer’s knit and this semi-sheer design by Elka Collective features a sleek silhouette that styles effortlessly over swimwear. Its woven accent stripe gives us a different take on the pattern trend and the fringe hem detail plays into the resurgence of boho-chic.

Buy at Elka Collective

Katinka The Label Polka Dot top

$95

Canberra-based label Katinka focuses on crafting small-batch handmade designs to order, but you’ll need to act fast to snag these one-off pieces. Choose between a raw, slouchy hem or a bias-binding cut when ordering the ’90s-inspired Polka Dot top (restocks this week).

Buy at Katinka The Label

Réalisation Par The Gia dress

$440

Summer and a Réalisation Par dress are a match made in heaven. The label’s latest design features a delicate polka-dot-inspired print on silk jianhong crepe. Lightweight, floor-length and laden with ’70s-style glamour, this dress is a versatile wardrobe staple you’ll turn to again and again. The added bonus? You can now shop in store at Réalisation Par’s first Australian store , located in Sydney.

Buy at Réalisation Par

Muse The Label Bon dress

$345

For a modern twist on stripes, look no further than Melbourne-born Muse The Label. The Bon style boasts a fresh asymmetric stripe print with eyelet detailing, making it a true standout piece. With its flattering midi length and high neckline, this dress is a perfect pick for event dressing.

Buy at Muse The Label

Fruity Booty Polka Dot briefs

$59

As the name suggests, UK-based label Fruity Booty is leading the way with playful, tongue-in-cheek styles to chic-up your booty. The Polka briefs, made from ultra-soft stretch fabric, features a monochromatic polka-dot design and pairs with a vest in the reverse palette – or a sheer dress for a daring taste of style.

Buy at Fruity Booty

Bassike Reverse Stripe summer pants

$460

In a coastal, beachy take on the nautical stripe, Bassike’s pants are the answer to summer comfort. Made from a breathable tencel-linen blend in a relaxed fit cut, they offer effortless, off-duty style – and then some. Take styling cues from the Aussie label and chic-up your fit with a black-hued asymmetrical top and gladiator-inspired leather sandals.

Buy at Bassike

Sir Toni Halter mini dress

$420

Australian powerhouse Sir is known for its striking patterns and sultry event wear, but this design is all about the effortless styling synonymous with the Australian summer. Featuring a semi-sheer design and a halter neck, it can be paired with jeans or thrown on after a swim for a seamless transition from beach to cocktail bar.

Buy at Sir

PE Nation Stella sports bra

$79

Perhaps striped activewear could inspire any New Year’s resolutions for 2025. Part of PE Nation’s latest collection, the Stella sports bra features a striped design that breaks away from monochrome trends. It’s crafted with the Aussie label’s signature Active Lite fabric that feels like a second skin – perfect for comfortable workouts.

Buy at PE Nation

Little Yarn Abby tank top

$172

Little Yarn masters the fail-safe art of “jeans and a nice top”. The Abby tank, made from high-quality stretch deadstock material, features a plunging neckline and chic black polka dots for low-key sophistication.

Buy at Little Yarn

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