Once seen as retro, sweet, and a little childlike, polka dots are back in the beauty spotlight—and they're making waves in the world of fashion too. Among summer 2025’s hottest nail trends, polka dot nails have truly made a statement. Far from vintage clichés, nail artists are reinventing the style with a more refined, graphic, and playfully offbeat twist.
Polka dots: where do they come from?
A fashion print turned icon
Historically rooted in American pop culture, polka dots bring to mind Minnie Mouse’s dresses, Marilyn Monroe’s swimsuits, and 1950s New Look silhouettes. After falling out of favour during the seventies and eighties, the print made a gradual comeback on the catwalks—thanks in part to Italian designers Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana. But it was the Miu Miu Autumn 2023 show that really put them back in the spotlight, when Miuccia Prada used them to bring an effortlessly chic, rebellious edge to purposefully dishevelled looks. Since then, polka dots have become a fashion staple—embraced by celebrities and trending across social media.
Polka dots on the runway (from top to bottom and left to right): Valentino Spring-Summer 2023, Patou Spring-Summer 2026, Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2022, Miu Miu Autumn-Winter 2023.
(@tagwalk)
This year, from Kylie Jenner in a polka dot bikini to Hailey Bieber rocking retro trousers, fashion icons have embraced the bold, playful print. Much of the appeal lies in Gen Z’s liberated approach to style—championing a fun, expressive, and unapologetically personal aesthetic. Polka dots are the perfect playground for exploring textures, volume, and graphic contrasts, offering visual impact without overwhelming the eye. In today’s minimalist, digital-first era, dots are a joyful celebration of daring creativity.
Fun, flair, and texture—polka dots shake things up. (@kyliejenner, @dualipa, @haileybieber)
Now, the polka dot trend is stepping beyond fashion and landing squarely in the realm of beauty—right down to your fingertips.
When nails become a playground
Already spotted on trendsetters like Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa, polka dot nails are fast becoming one of summer 2025’s standout nail trends.
During a break from her Radical Optimism tour, Dua Lipa revealed a bold manicure on Instagram: a black French tipped with white dots, sometimes covering the whole nail, other times placed just along the edge. The result? A modern, creative and seriously photogenic nail art look.
Whether you lean towards minimalist or statement nail art, polka dot nails offer endless creative possibilities. Whether scattered all-over, as accent nails, along the edges or in asymmetric patterns, they blur the line between playful and polished, striking a perfect balance between subtle detail and standout style.
Graphic or whimsical, polka dots are putting on a show—right down to your nails. (@shanivynails, @nailartwithflo, @griffegriffegriffe)
Polka dot nails for every season
What makes polka dot nails truly special is their ability to adapt to seasonal colours while keeping things effortlessly stylish and fun.
Spring-Summer Polka Dot Nails
When the sun comes out, dots bloom across white, sheer nude or rosy beige bases, brought to life with pastel hues and bright pops of colour. Here are four playful polka dot nail ideas perfect for sunny days, using either Green™ polish or Green Flash™ gel polish:
- Bubblegum dots: Need a boost of good vibes? Try a scatter of pastel shades—Pop, Bubble and Pistachio—on a nude Pale Rose base. It’s an instant mood-lifter!
- French & dots: Classic meets playful with this pastel yellow French tip in Mimosa topped with delicate blue dots in Saphir. A true gem of a manicure.
- Blue dots: Channel summer vibes with this simple holiday-ready look. On a translucent nude base, add a splash of Ultramarine dots. Mesmerising!
- Neon dots: Blend trends with this crossover design—neon meets polka dots. Apply pink Neon Pink dots over an off-white Porcelaine base. Perfect for lighting up a sun-kissed back-to-school look.
Whether minimalist or playful, polka dots are your go-to for sunny day nail art. (@look!thenails, @bara.hoyle, @mani.minimalist)
Autumn-Winter Polka Dot Nails
Come cooler months, polka dots take on cosy tones, golden sheens and pearly touches. Here are some of our seasonal favourites:
- Purple dots: Ease into autumn with Fizz—a fig-inspired shade that captures the richness of seasonal fruit.
- Tweed dots: Dive into elegant grey tones with a two-tone dotted design—smoky Clay dots over a pearly Tweed base.
- Licorice French nails: Reinvented in black and white, this French design uses Licorice tips and white Snow dots for timeless contrast.
- Solar dots: Shine bright in winter with delicate Shell dots floating over a glistening Solar base. Like snowflakes in a golden sky—pure magic!
In autumn-winter, polka dots dress up in cosy, chic and slightly magical tones. (@look8thenails, @m.o.n.a.j, @ellzabethm)
Our top tips for flawless polka dot nails
- Start with a proper nail prep—for any nail art to shine, your nails need to be perfectly shaped and clean. Well-filed nails with neat contours are a must.
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Be sure to match it with the type of polish you’re using.
- If you’re using Green Flash™ Gel Polish, make sure to cure each layer under an LED lamp, following the recommended timing for each step—base coat, colour and top coat.
- Use a Dotting Tool for perfect, uniform dots, and a Liner Brush to draw classic French tips.
- Don’t skip the top coat—it seals your design and protects against chips.
Dotting tool, liner brush, and proper prep—your dots are ready to dazzle.
In 2025, polka dot manicures have officially earned their spot as a full-fledged fashion trend. Graphic, joyful, and bold, they’re a statement of individuality and happiness. More than just a print, they capture the spirit of a generation that celebrates originality—where fun and style go hand in hand.
