Milkmaid dresses are a trend that returns every summer, and with the latest installment of Bridgerton hitting our screens, we're more obsessed than ever with the feminine style.
Characterised by its fitted bodice that cinches around the bust, puffed sleeves, and A-line skirt, the milkmaid trend has developed over the years, dating back to the 18th century when the style was worn by women working on dairy farms.
Any fans will have noticed the more formal take on the milkmaid trend worn by the female characters, with corseted bodices, square necklines, and exaggerated sleeves being wardrobe regulars for everyone from Penelope Featherington to Kate Sharma and Francesca Bridgerton.
best milkmaid dresses - at a glance
- Best for everyday wear: Nobody's Child Broderie Anglaise Dress, £89 / $152
- Best floral style: & Other Stories Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, £39 / $64.99
- Best mini style: M&S Square Neck Mini Dress, £29.50 / $51.99
- Best for formal wear: Reformation Marella Linen Dress, £298 / $278
The modern version of the milkmaid dress boasts the same flattering silhouette, with floral prints, mini cuts, and tie fronts giving the stylish new take on the romantic style, and these high street versions are perfect for summer daywear styling.
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How to wear a milkmaid dress
The effortless cut of a milkmaid dress makes styling easy. The summer dress can be thrown on with a pair of white trainers and a crossbody bag for a laid-back everyday look, or opt for a pair of espadrille sandals and sunglasses in the warm weather. For festival season, why not give a 'cool girl' twist to the trend with an oversized brown leather jacket and cowboy boots. Black milkmaid dresses are also a great option for day-to-night dressing, and I can totally see & Other Stories' version being worn with bright pink heels for a glam evening outfit.
How I chose the best milkmaid dresses
- Trends: Milkmaid dresses are trending right now, but I've picked out timeless pieces that you'll want to continue to wear year after year.
- Style: Whether you're looking for a classic white milkmaid midi dress for summer or a mini milkmaid dress with a pretty floral print, I've selected a range of different styles in black, pink, blue, and more.
- Price: There are so many stylish milkmaid dresses on the high street right now, and I've chosen pieces in a range of price points, starting from £25, that I believe are truly worth shopping.
1/13
New Look White Floral Print Midi Milkmaid Dress
New Look Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 6-18
Shipping: £2.99 or free with a £50 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
How pretty is this New Look milkmaid dress? So perfect for when the sun comes out to play. Grab your girls and head to Ibiza wearing this.
£25.99 AT NEW LOOK
2/13
Reformation Marella Linen Dress
Reformation Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 4-16
Colours: Available in black polka dot, red, floral, and white
Shipping: £6 or free with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
Reformation has put a formal spin on the traditional milkmaid dress with its Marella Linen Midi. It features the classic fitted bodice, A-line skirt, and puffed sleeves, with a polka dot print that looks beyond elegant paired with black heels and a matching clutch bag. Finish the look with delicate jewellery and a red lipstick for the ultimate evening style.
£298 AT REFORMATION
$278 AT REFORMATION
3/13
Nobody's Child Broderie Anglaise Evelyn Midi Dress
Nobody's Child Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 4-18
Colours: Available in black, yellow green
Shipping: Free with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
Nobody's Child's Evelyn Midi Dress perfectly falls into the milkmaid dress trend with its cinched bodice, A-line skirt, and vintage-style puffed sleeves. The square neck style is finished with a string tie detail, along with handy pockets and delicate broderie anglaise embroidery. The versatile day dress can be teamed with white trainers, or elevate the look with a pair of espadrille sandals and gold jewellery.
£89 AT NOBODY'S CHILD
$152 AT NOBODY'S CHILD
4/13
M&S Square Neck Mini Beach Dress
M&S Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 8-24
Shipping: £3.99 or free with a £60 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
M&S's milkmaid mini dress enhances the figure in all the right places with its gathered waistline and tie fastening, paired with the playful mini skirt. The floaty style is perfect for pairing with slip-on sandals for days at the beach, or complete the look with cowboy boots for an on-trend festival ensemble.
£29.50 AT M&S
$51.99 AT M&S
5/13
& Other Stories Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
& Other Stories Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 32-44
Colours: Available in blue and red
Shipping: £4 or free with a £80 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
& Other Stories has so many lovely summer dresses right now, and this floaty midi comes in the prettiest pastel blue shade. The sweetheart neckline, smocked bodice, and under-bust shirring make it super flattering for all body shapes, while the white floral print will pair perfectly with white footwear.
£39 (SAVE 54%) AT & OTHER STORIES
$129 AT & OTHER STORIES
6/13
Boohoo Puff Sleeve Milkmaid Dress
Boohoo Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 10-16
Shipping: £3.99 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Boohoo's classic white milkmaid dress has been designed to flatter the figure with its form-fitting cut and stretch material. Suitable for both daytime and evening wear, I'd recommend styling with a raffia bag and brown sandals for summer days out, or elevate the look with lilac heels and a matching clutch for a glamorous finish.
£30 (SAVE 30%) AT BOOHOO
$35.40 (SAVE 40%) AT BOOHOO
7/13
& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Linen Dress
H&M Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 4-16
Colours: Available in black and white botanical
Shipping: £3.99 or free with a £30 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
A black milkmaid dress is great for throwing on whatever the occasion for an instantly put-together look. H&M's linen version of the milkmaid trend had a smocked back panel, short puffed sleeves, and a ruffled hem, finished with a side slit to enhance the silhouette. I love the & Other Stories number with ballet flats, but I could also see it looking stylish with just about any footwear.
£120 AT H&M
$159 AT & OTHER STORIES
8/13
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Suki Milkmaid Dress
Urban Outfitters Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colours: Available in pink, blue, black and white
Shipping: £3.99 or free over £35
Returns: Within 30 days
Urban Outfitters has put an edgy twist on its milkmaid dress with the asymmetrical hanky hem. The pale pink midi features a deep scoop neckline with capped sleeves and the classic shirred bodice that hugs the figure in all the right places. I could totally see this one being styled with cowboy boots for festival season.
£59 AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
9/13
New Look Ditsy Floral Milkmaid Mini Dress
New Look Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 6-18
Shipping: £2.99 or free with a £50 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
New Look's pink milkmaid dress is so pretty with its ditsy floral print, elasticated short sleeves and fitted bodice that ties at the back. The mini cut makes it perfect for throwing on with white trainers and a denim jacket for an effortless daywear style, and I love the cut-out detailing that brings the look together.
£24.99 AT NEW LOOK
10/13
ASOS Broderie Mini Milkmaid Dress
ASOS Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 4-18
Colours: Available in white or black
Shipping: £4.50 or free with a £40 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
If you're looking for a mini version of the trend, ASOS's white milkmaid dress is ticking all the boxes. It features a square neckline, subtly puffed sleeves, a tie front, and a stretchy shirred panel. The ultra-feminine style is ideal for wearing with slip-on sandals during the summer, and it would make a gorgeous holiday dress too.
£30 AT ASOS
$17.19 (SAVE 60%) AT ASOS
11/13
& Other Stories Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
& Other Stories Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: UK 4 - 16
Shipping: £6 or free with a £100 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
& Other Stories is stocking this gorgeous green milkmaid dress that you can wear for years to come. The midi dress features short puff sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and a gently pleated silhouette. I'd recommend opting for a pair of slip-on sandals and a straw bag to complete the look.
£97 AT H&M
$139 AT & OTHER STORIES
$139 AT & OTHER STORIES
12/13
Apricot Sarasa Milkmaid Midi Dress
Apricot Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 8-18
Colours: Available in yellow, blue and pink
Shipping: £3.99 or free with a £50 spend
Returns: Within 28 days
Channel the sunny weather with Apricot's gorgeous floral milkmaid dress. The smocked waist has been designed to create a feminine silhouette, perfectly paired with the vintage-style drop sleeves and unique hanky hem. The summer style can be dressed up or down, and it would look just as lovely with laid-back flip-flops as it would with a pair of white heels for special occasions.
£35 AT APRICOT
$97 AT APRICOT
13/13
Peppermayo Rebel Heart Corset Dress
Peppermayo Milkmaid Dress
Sizes: 4-22
Shipping: Free with a £60 spend
Returns: Within 30 days
This is giving major Love Islander vibes but I'm here for it. Crafted from a crisp cotton fabric, the Rebel Heart Corset Dress features a romantic sweetheart neckline and ruched mini sleeves.
£51 AT PEPPERMAYO
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