Kate Middleton Wore Last Summer's Popular Dress Trend

last updated 18 August 2020

Sometimes, the emergence of certain fashion trends is so obvious you can't ignore it, such as this summer's explosion of tie-dye on everything. (Thanks in no small part to the TikTok set.) But when digging deeper, it helps to get some cold, hard data on what people are really buying and searching for. To that end, inspired by Kate Middleton's newest outfit, I researched the popularity of one print in particular: polka dot.

According to Google Trends, during the last five years, the search term "polka dot dresses" peaked in July 2019. Now, Kate Middleton is convincing me to give it another try this summer. Polka dots are certainly nothing new, but it's a trend that's definitely cyclical and goes in and out of mass popularity. Given its time in the spotlight last summer, and now with the duchess' approval in 2020, I have a feeling it's primed to skyrocket again. Scroll down to see Kate Middleton's polka dot dress and shop the trend at affordable prices.

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On Kate Middleton: Emilia Wickstead dress; Castañer wedges

A photo posted by on

Shop the Polka Dot Trend

H&M

Patterned Dress

This is the perfect go-anywhere dress.

Bb Dakota

Something About Dots Dress

Don't overlook the subtle puff sleeves on this sale find.

H&M

Crêped Dress

H&M does it again.

Estelle

Manor Polka Dot Tie Front Crepe Top

Tie-front shirts look so cute with denim shorts.

H&M

Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Brown-and-white polka dots will forever remind me of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

& Other Stories

Square Neck Polka Dot Swimsuit

Sarah Jessica Parker, for one, loves one-piece swimsuits.

H&M

Balloon-Sleeved Top

Don't miss the open-back detail on this cute top.

Beachlunchlounge

Pia Dot Pattern Long Sleeve Crepe Dress

Gotta love a good sale find.

H&M

V-Neck Dress

The perfect mini dress.

Stine Goya

Yara Dress

This color combo feels so fresh for summer.

H&M

Puff-Sleeved Blouse

The puff-sleeve trend is not going anywhere.

Eloquii

Smocked Peplum

So many good sales, so little time.

H&M

Dotted Chiffon Skirt

Personally, I'd keep the white tee and swap the sandals for Converse sneakers.

Ganni

Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress

Prepare to see every Danish It girl in this new dress by Ganni.

Eloquii

Flounce Bodice Dress

This silhouette is so classic.

H&M

Crêped Maxi Dress

Long live the maxi dress.

Next, 5 dress trends you won't regret in 10 years.

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Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.