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Image / Fashion

How team IMAGE styles the Zara polka dot dress


By Holly O'Neill
19th Jul 2019

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How team IMAGE styles the Zara polka dot dress

Whether you love it or love to hate it, you can’t deny the power of the viral sensation that has become the Zara polka dot dress. Here three members of the IMAGE team explain why they adore The Dress, and show how they style it. 


After taking blow after blow online, these members of team IMAGE have declared their support for the Zara polka dot dress.

Stylist called The Dress “a declaration of homogeneity,” The Sun called it “the fashion epidemic,” The Irish Times called it “horrendous.”

We’re calling The Dress a testimony to the power of a piece that’s cool, comfortable, has sleeves and doesn’t require Spanx.

Here’s how we style it.

Ciara Cosgrove, events and partnerships director

I’ve had this dress for quite a while (before it hit the headlines!) and it has given me bang for my buck. I’ve styled it many ways for different occasions, but today I’ve paired it with a black belt that has some gold detailing, small white ankle boots that work in the office or for Saturday brunch. The main reason I love this dress is it’s comfort and versatility. I may have even referred to it recently as a nightie – that says it all!

Related: ‘For all ages and sizes’: In defence of the Zara polka dot dress

Hannah Hillyer, office manager

As cheesy as it sounds, this is the ultimate day-to-night dress. I love that I can throw it on with any shoe; trainers, strappy sandals, a heel or espadrilles and they totally change how it looks. I usually pair mine with a leather jacket and a chunky black belt if I’m heading somewhere after work. Throw it on at the weekend with a pair of Birkenstocks for the easiest outfit that still looks like I’ve made an effort. Long live THE DRESS.

Holly O’Neill, junior beauty editor 

I like to wear The Dress with Stan Smiths and when rain threatens I throw over a beloved black River Island blazer with pearl buttons that is so worn the lining is torn on the inside. I have many thoughts about the snideness and snobbery around The Dress, which you can read here. 

Photography by Sophie Teyssier. 


Read more: ‘For all ages and sizes’: In defence of the Zara polka dot dress

Read more: Stores filled with what’s trending on social media: is this the future of shopping?

Read more: If your style is a bit boyish, you’ll love this drop of masculine-inspired pieces