The Spring Trend That's Hitting Sooner Than Expected

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Back in September, as our team watched the S/S 20 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris unfold both in person and online, we repeatedly noticed polka dots come down the runways of brand after brand that we admired. Later, as we did more of a deep dive into all the shows and looks, it was clear that the classic print would definitely be coming back as a major trend for the season that’s now fast approaching. After all, endorsements from Balmain, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, and more are nothing to balk at.

Fast-forward to just a few weeks ago when this editor was elated to see a stunning Zoë Kravitz turn heads (as always) on the Golden Globes red carpet in a polka-dot dress by one of my favorite labels, none other than Saint Laurent. My interest in the trend was was suddenly reinvigorated, and even though we’re still fully in winter, I couldn’t help but notice that more than a handful of spotted pieces were already hitting retailers, in addition to the red carpets. Some from resort collections, others from fast-fashion retailers that clearly know what’s coming, and as always, a handful of in-between brands which we’ve come to expect will hit the mark. In short, spring has come early, and the polka-dot trend is here just waiting for you to shop (and wear) it. To see the runway inspiration for yourself as well as my edit of the best polka-dot pieces to buy at every price point, just keep scrolling.

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Balmain S/S 20
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

This particular coupling of looks was just one of many viral moments from Balmain's show.

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Carolina Herrera S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera)

I love it when a look combines inverted versions of the same print.

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Michael Kors S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Michael Kors)

This print fit right in with Michael Kors's American-themed S/S 20 collection.

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Dries van Noten S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Dries van Noten)

If I'm being honest, it was nearly impossible to choose my favorite look from this show

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Max Mara S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Max Mara)

As you can see, Max Mara had a whole section of its show devoted to the print.

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Altuzarra S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Altuzarra)

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Richard Quinn S/S 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Richard Quinn)

Ending the runway inspo on a fun note, this Richard Quinn look is just begging for a major red carpet moment. 

Up next: These are the best spring 2020 trends, period.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.