Now THIS is a fun dress. Olivia Palermo wore this long-and-short polka-dotted Bensoni dress to the 2nd Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in June 2011. Check her out:
Elegance Redefined: Olivia Palermo stuns in a long-and-short polka-dotted Bensoni dress at the 2nd Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala
This dress isn’t just high-low—it’s a full-on statement piece. With its bubble skirt, oversized polka dots, and daring side-boob moment, it’s the kind of fashion risk only a true style icon can master. And let’s be real—Olivia Palermo is absolutely owning it.
Style Close-Up: A detailed look at Olivia Palermo’s stunning polka-dotted Bensoni dress, a true fashion statement at the 2nd Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on June 14, 2011 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Pulling off a dress this bold is no easy feat—and finding a similar style is just as challenging. Ever the fashion maven, Olivia Palermo made it work effortlessly with her signature polish.
She grounded the drama of her polka-dotted Bensoni dress with a statement-making Victor Hugo clutch, edgy CC Skye Slash bracelets, and a pair of Charlotte Olympia Bebel platform pumps, a signature design from the British luxury shoe brand known for its bold, vintage-inspired styles. The result? A masterclass in styling a tricky trend with confidence and sophistication.
This isn’t the only time Olivia Palermo has turned heads in Charlotte Olympia luxury designer heels. At the 2016 The Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globes after-party, she styled a sleeveless black dress from Giambattista Valli with strappy black Charlotte Olympia sandals.
Olivia Palermo grounded her bold polka-dot Bensoni dress with classic navy platform pumps, adding an elegant yet understated touch to her daring ensemble at the amfAR Inspiration Gala
Olivia Palermo isn’t the only star making polka dots look glamorous. From bold red-carpet statements to playful street-style moments, celebrities have been stepping out in polka-dot fashion and eye-catching designer shoes—and we’ve got the most unforgettable looks.
Stepping Out in Polka Dots: Celebrities Embracing the Timeless Trend
From red carpets to street style moments, celebrities have been stepping out in polka dots in fresh and fashion-forward ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most stunning polka-dot looks and the fabulous footwear that completed them:
Janelle Monáe’s Bold Polka-Dot Ensemble at the Met Gala
- Event: 2019 Met Gala
- Outfit: Janelle Monáe paid homage to Pablo Picasso in a custom surrealist Christian Siriano ensemble featuring an eye with feathered eyelashes that blinked.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Christian Louboutin’s ‘Bibariellita’ polka-dot red sole sandals, adding a playful touch to her artistic attire.
- More Details: Janelle Monáe’s Met Gala look featuring Christian Louboutin’s polka-dot heels
Alexa Chung’s Vintage-Inspired Polka-Dot Dress
- Event: 2018 Serpentine Gallery Summer Party
- Outfit: Alexa Chung wore a lacy Chanel Fall 2018 dress featuring a satin bow detail around the waist.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with Christian Louboutin’s Miss Daisy polka-dot print suede mules, perfectly complementing her vintage-inspired look.
- More Details: Alexa Chung’s chic appearance in polka-dot mules
Brie Larson and Alexandra Daddario Twinning in Polka-Dot Dresses
- Event: 7th Filming Italy Sardegna Festival
- Outfit: Both actresses donned the same black-and-white ‘Maryanna’ polka-dot dress by Dôen, embracing a retro 1950s-inspired aesthetic.
- Footwear: Brie Larson opted for strappy black Manolo Blahnik ‘Ninfemu’ sandals, while Alexandra Daddario chose white Celine sneakers, showcasing their individual styles.
- More Details: Brie Larson and Alexandra Daddario’s matching polka-dot dresses
Emma Stone’s Sheer Polka-Dot Gown
- Event: ‘Kinds of Kindness’ New York Premiere
- Outfit: Emma Stone stunned in a sheer black Louis Vuitton polka-dot gown, balancing playful and provocative elements.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with black pointed-toe heels, adding to the gown’s elegance.
- More Details: Emma Stone’s daring polka-dot sheer dress at the premiere
Margot Robbie’s Barbiecore Polka-Dot Look
- Event: ‘Barbie’ Movie Promotional Tour
- Outfit: Margot Robbie embraced the Barbiecore trend with a feminine pink polka-dot dress featuring black spots, reminiscent of 1950s fashion.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with custom-designed pink polka-dot mules by Manolo Blahnik, which perfectly matched her dress.
- More Details: Margot Robbie’s Barbiecore polka-dot ensemble
These celebrities demonstrate the versatility and enduring appeal of polka dots, each adding their unique flair to this classic pattern.