Zimmerman leopard-print cotton headband:
£55, Celine Eyewear rectangular acetate
sunglasses: £310, Veja trainers: £115,
Missoma Lucy Williams gold square malachite
signet ring: £95, Galvan velvet camisole: £195,
Lisa Marie Fernandez belted polka-dot linen
shorts: £390Given its historical significance, polka dots have a very strong link to the vintage aesthetic, notes Pardute,
who argues that this is the reason why they maintain so popular today.
Fashion designers trade in nostalgia, with designers constantly reworking and reviving patterns and trends
from a bygone era. Think of Marc Jacobs’ recent resurgence of his 1992 Perry Ellis grunge collection, or hot
British brands such as Kitri and Shrimps that produce dresses with clear 1950s influences.
Which brings us back to that Zara dress, or, “the dress”.
“There’s a certain nostalgic appeal to the Zara dress,” notes Dr Harriet Atkinson, senior lecturer in design
history at the University of Brighton, pointing out that its cut is more modest than its earlier, cinched-in
counterparts, given that it is smocked, with long sleeves and loose fitting to mid-length.
While the shape is key to its appeal, Laura Yiannakou, senior womenswear editor at global trends
forecasting company WGSN, explains that thanks to the long history of polka dots, they are almost era-
less.
Rixo Kelly polka-dot crepe midi skirt: £215,
Topshop satin gather prairie blouse: £29,
Shrimps poppy bag: £450, Stvido Marina gold-
tone pearl ring: £170, & Other Stories square
toe lace up heeled sandals: £85“The polka dot print resurfaces every season,” she tells The Independent. “It’s also not aligned with any