particular period in history, unlike the current trend surge in tie-dye in the youth market, which WGSN has
been tracking for a while. Polka dots are era-neutral, whereas many women won’t be fans of tie-dye because
it reminds them of when they experimented with it the first time round, in the 1960s and 1970s.”
But polka dots stand the test of time thanks to their versatility. “They also make a statement without being
too standout,” she explains, noting that “the dress” is the perfect example of a stylish and flattering item of
clothing that can be worn across both casual and formal occasions, which is hugely desirable to shoppers at
the moment.
“A lot of the trends we are tracking at WGSN at the moment are centred around lifestyle and comfort –
which people expect now – and this dress nails it,” Yiannakou explains. “It’s not enough for a garment just
to be stylish. More and more women are making purchase decisions because of how the clothing makes
them feel, not just how it makes them look.”
Of course, that’s not to say it’s time for you rush out and buy the dress that your best friend, your boss and
your boss’s second cousin already have.
Look to brands like Rixo, Realisation Par, and Zimmermann for playful polka dotted pieces that are just as
versatile. And who knows, you might even be the first person to come across a dress that is destined to go
viral.