It was a stylish literary occasion—and a cause close to Queen Camilla’s heart. The Braemar Literary Festival kicked off with an intimate opening dinner at the Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland. But it was Queen Camilla’s tailored and on-trend polka dot midi dress from ME+EM (similar here, $545) that most caught our eye.
Queen Camilla Wears Astonishingly Chic Polka Dot Dress (& It’s Perfect for Fall)
It’s also a major royal trend
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Published Sep 29, 2025
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The three-day event is a celebration of literature, established in collaboration with the Queen’s Reading Room, a charity spawned in 2023 after the then-Duchess of Cornwall’s online book club took off in 2021. A pandemic-born endeavor, Camilla’s goal was always to help more people across the U.K. find and connect with books.
For the third year in a row, the festival brought together novelists, historians, artists, actors and more. No wonder Queen Camilla dressed to impress for the opening night.
Still, there was something unique about this particular style, even for her. The polka dots—a pattern that’s in vogue, but also beloved by royals ranging from Princess Diana to Kate Middleton—in combination with the subtle white piping along the collar and neckline felt striking, but also quite pretty. It felt like a more modern LBD, but with tailoring in all the right places to deliver a pop that helped Camilla easily stand out in the crowd.
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According to the Fife Arms, who took to Instagram to celebrate the kick-off event, the occasion itself was a huge success. “Her Majesty the Queen, together with speakers and guests, enjoyed a four-course menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. The dinner celebrated Scotland’s finest ingredients, from native lobster to Highland venison, finishing with a decadent millionaires tart. The evening was filled with culture and connection, brought to life by a beautiful Gaelic reading from Scotland’s Makar, Peter Mackay.”
Looking for the best way to mirror Camilla’s elegant style? We pulled a few similar options below.
ME+EM
1. ME+EM Textured Midi Dress
ME+EM
No, it’s not the exact same dress, but between the black hue and the piping details, it gives a similar vibe.
MyTheresa
2. Alessandra Rich Polka Dot Silk Satin Shirtdress
Alessandra Rich
In navy blue and with a slightly different collar flourish, it’s just as stunning.
Reformation
3. Reformation Edalene Dress
Reformation
The hemline is shorter, but the Peter Pan collar is *chef’s kiss*.
