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.
Never miss a moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.SUBSCRIBE NOW 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Sir The Label Toni Halter mini dress
$420
Australian powerhouse Sir The Label 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. 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. 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. We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.