There’s an adorable new trend catching our eye this summer. Take a scroll through your Instagram feed and see if you spot it—polka dots have been making a quiet comeback in 2025.
Our favourite Asian stars haven’t hesitated to jump on the trend. Thai darling Tu Tontawan looked vacation-ready as she lounged on a boat in a polka dot halter-necked top, while Twice’s Jihyo added an unexpected twist to a similar top by layering it over a white baby tee.
The charming print lends an air of nostalgia and fun to familiar silhouettes, and can easily be dressed up or down. Edgier, minimalist dressers may be reluctant to embrace the playfulness of polka dots—after all, there’s a fine line between retro cuteness and Minnie Mouse—but the vast array of stars owning the print this summer is a testament to its versatility.
You could lean into the twee by wrapping a silk spotted headscarf around your hair, or you could get a little more daring, as Orm Kornnaphat did with a flirty polka dot set for her birthday celebrations. A few fashion-forward male stars also aren’t afraid to get cute this summer. If you still aren’t convinced, look to GOT7’s Mark Tuan: effortlessly elegant in a silk Saint Laurent shirt with barely-there beige spots, he offers the perfect blueprint for those looking to dip their toes into the trend. Ateez’s Hongjoong, on the other hand, dives in headfirst, sporting an eclectic black-and-white spotted windbreaker during Paris Fashion Week.
It’s certainly not the first time polka dots have made a summer appearance. Last year, brands like Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, and Maison Margiela all put their spin on the print in their summer collections. There is a retro cool to polka dots that renders them a timeless, recurring staple on social media and runways alike—but this time, they might be here to stay in their own right. As the fashion world takes a tentative step away from quiet luxury and clean girl cool into an era of maximalism, what better time to embrace your inner child?
Below, get a closer look at all the celebrities owning the dots and spots in this summer’s most fun trend.
Easy Breezy Summer Staples
Prim Chanikarn and Tu Tontawan are proof that polka dots don’t have to be fussy. Pair the pattern with a light linen skirt for an effortless vacation look, or throw on a polka-dotted headband before you head to the beach for a subtle pop of charm. For Prim, the relaxed silhouette and low-key tote bag give the look a laid-back feel, perfect for strolling through a beach town.
Retro Chic
Polka dots on silk, especially when paired with classic structured silhouettes, create an alluring air of latter era sophistication. Thai actress Baipor Thitiya goes the extra mile with Old Hollywood waves and a bright red lip, while GOT7’s Mark is quietly elegant in shades of taupe.
Minimal Moves
Bold and bubbly as they may be, polka dots can still be an introvert’s best friend. Korean actress Park So-dam channels librarian chic in shades of grey and black, while View Benyapa is the picture of minimalist cool in an oversized Aimer t-shirt, French-tucked into a polka-dotted maxi skirt. Thai actress Love Pattranite offers her own take on the formula with a sheer skirt and artfully rumpled button-down.
Bold Steps
There are endless ways to reinvent the humble polka dot, and these stars are unafraid to take risks. No Dalmatians were harmed in the making of Kim Hong-Joong’s spotted Jacquemus windbreaker, but he undoubtedly turned heads at Paris Fashion Week. Thai star Orm Kornnaphat matched a flirty and frilly polka dot set to her birthday cake, while K-pop stars Jihyo and Yuna paired the print with cargo pants and pleats for a fresh take.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore, Author: Anika Deshmukh.
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