Sure, it’s a fun name, but is there a link between this spotted pattern and actual polka? The answer is a resounding “kind of.” So what’s the connection? In fashion—as in comedy—timing is everything.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Examining clothes through the ages, Dress Codes investigates how the rules of fashion have influenced different cultural arenas — and your closet. When Princess Diana arrived at the ...

Take a moment, close your eyes and try to recall one of the earliest memories of polka dots — you might see Minnie Mouse in her perfect little polka dot red dress with a matching bow or Rosie the ...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here. For many of us, our first introduction to the polka dot print in fashion came courtesy of ...