Fashion

From Kate Middleton’s refined midi skirt to Princess Diana’s fun ’80s look, polka dots are the spring royal trend we’re going dotty over

These are our favourite styles over the years.
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Ahhh, polka dots! They must be one of the most fun and flirty patterns of all time, and royals absolutely adore the wardrobe staple for a spring day.

It’s easy to see why they love the humble polka dot so much, and it’s not just because it elicits joy.

The polka dot is perfect for any event because it’s so versatile and can work for formal and casual occasions.

It hardly offends fashion snobs, and it’s also accessible for everyone who wants a bit of oomph to their outfits without accidentally creating a sartorial faux pas.

This European spring Crown Princess Mary totally embraced a Parisian chic polka dot look for a cross-country trip to France.

She attended the Generation Equality Forum opening ceremony in a regal black dress with white polka dots and a belted waist with gold buttons.

A few days later, Duchess Catherine stepped out at the Wimbledon Championships in a navy-blue polka dot midi skirt by Alessandra Rich.

The perfect piece was styled with a blue blazer and a white shirt, making it inarguably a perfect outfit for the tournament.

Kate’s endorsement of the polka dot has been noted over the years as she’s shown up to many events in the pattern, and she famously wore it during her 2013 pregnancy – which is perhaps one of her best maternity looks (see below for the breathtaking dress).

And Kate and Mary aren’t the only royals who fly the polka dot flag for spring fashion lovers – there have been plenty of other aristocratic ladies who have totally wowed us.

See below for the most inspiring polka dot looks your wardrobe will beg you to replicate.

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Kate Middleton

Here is Kate in THAT midi-skirt. It’s devastatingly chic and would look entirely at home on the runway in Milan.

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Kate Middleton

Kate wore this buttoned-up polka dot dress with a peter pan collar to an event in 2019. It’s quite a refined take on the pattern, which will never go out of style.

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Kate Middleton

Kate arrived at the Stewards Academy in 2016 in a ’70s inspired polka dot wrap dress, which is a look that could work for any occasion.

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Kate Middleton

Now for the polka dot maternity dress we will never forget! Kate never ever stops wearing this pattern.

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Princess Mary

Here is the Parisian-approved outfit Mary donned to the Generational Equality Forum. The chunky ’80s gold buttons and small polka dots are a feast for the eye.

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Princess Mary

In 2005, during a royal visit to her home town Hobart, Mary wore this yellow and brown polka dot dress. It may be worlds away from her 2021 look, but it’s still a unique take on the eternal trend.

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Queen Letizia

The Queen of Spain wore this classy polka dot shirt to an Easter Mass in 2018, and it’s perfect office inspo.

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Queen Letizia

This dress Letizia wore to an event in 2018, and we can just picture wearing this outfit as we holiday on the Amalfi coast. Oh, Letizia, you never miss!

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Princess Beatrice

Kate isn’t the only royal to wear a polka dot dress while pregnant. Princess Beatrice wore this stunning Self Portrait dress to Wimbledon this year, and it perfectly complimented her pregnancy glow.

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Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie also tried out the trend in 2011 for the Epsom Derby.

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Princess Diana

Princess Diana forecasted jumpers and midi-skirts back in 1986. Sure, the polka dots here are a little loud, but Diana’s red and white pairing is to die for.

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Princess Diana

In 1991, Diana was as in love with polka dots as ever. But years after her red look, she put together a more refined and polite polka dot blazer and skirt set.

Princess Charlene

To Thanksgiving mass in 2010, Princess Charlene wore an ’80s inspired brown polka dot and gold skirt and blazer. Her cropped brown leather gloves are a total highlight.

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