15 Dreamy Milkmaid Dresses to Jump on Summer’s Biggest Trend

While lightweight dresses are a staple every spring and summer, this year, milkmaid sundresses are out to play, taking over as the latest trend across TikTok and street style alike. The classic yet striking design blends unapologetic femininity with low-lift dressing, making for an effortless formula to look put-together in sweltering temperatures. We’ve been spotting elements of the celebrity-approved style on dresses, tops, and even swimwear, and we couldn’t be more excited to have a milkmaid summer. Keep reading to discover more about the trend and discover 15 of our favorite milkmaid dresses to shop now.

About the Trend

Milkmaid dresses fit somewhere between Bridgerton style and the ultra-feminine coquette cowgirl aesthetic, so it makes perfect sense why they’ve emerged in this moment. In the last month, we’ve scrolled past endless TikTok creators gushing about the romantic dress style and pairing it with on-trend Sambas or ballet flats. Meanwhile, modern style icons like Hunter Schafer and Bella Hadid have recently embraced their own iterations of this classic dress cut.

Simply defined, ​the milkmaid dress is a lightweight sundress with a structured corset bodice, gathered scoop neckline, and flowing A-line skirt. The vintage-inspired silhouette is incredibly versatile, so you’ll easily find the ruffled bodice on everything from elegant swimsuits to micro-mini rompers. This season’s styles notably include tiny floral prints, vibrant colors, and sweet crochet fabrics, lending a decidedly modern spin to the timeless shape. Bottom line? The quarantine-era cottagecore trend is still alive and thriving, albeit in a refreshed silhouette.

Ready to embrace a fresh, flowy new lease on style as we step into summer? Read on for 15 standout milkmaid dresses to get you inspired.

The Best Milkmaid Sundresses to Shop

Striped Linen

Reformation is beloved for its fashion-forward aesthetics and refined designs, and this summery mid-length dress is no different. Lightweight linen fabric is simply the icing on top.

Strapless Sundress

Tove
Lauren Dress
$705.00

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This ethereal strapless style combines the classic milkmaid bodice with another seasonal trend: the drop-waist silhouette. Its hem also falls just above the ankle, making this dress an ideal selection for dressier occasions.

Gingham Gown

Frankies Bikinis
Christabelle Maxi Dress
$185.00

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Indigo gingham is playful and impossibly on-trend—making this an ideal piece to pack in carry-ons this summer. Button details and sweet ruffles don’t hurt, either.

Standout Embroidery

For Love & Lemons
Lainey Midi Dress
$329.00
$190.00

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This flowing milkmaid dress from For Love & Lemons is nothing short of a statement piece. An embroidered velvet bustier contributes an unexpected texture and unique personality to the trend.

Darling Daisy

Autumn Adeigbo
Olivia Dress
$495.00

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Floral prints and sundresses go hand-in-hand, and this vibrant daisy pattern keeps things exciting. A thick row of smocking also cinches the waist, while teeny cap sleeves convert into an off-the-shoulder look.

Dreamy Details

Astr the Label
Lunaria Bustier Dress
$158.00

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Bring on the charm: This darling style features a sweetheart neckline, voluminous puff sleeves, and an oh-so-dreamy fitted bodice.

Floral Cutout Details

Farm Rio
Off-White Midi Dress
$395.00

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Big, bold eyelet floral cutouts are a standout of Farm Rio’s take on the milkmaid sundress trend. We’re taking note of the dramatic bow sleeves and loosely structured bodice, the latter of which lends more comfort than fitted corsets.

Tiered Linen

By Anthropologie
Linen Square-Neck Dress
$228.00
$150.00

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When it comes to shopping on-trend sundresses, it’s all in the details. Take, for instance, this dress’s sweet floral cutouts and ruched bodice.

Monochrome Mini

Eloquii
Poplin Flare Mini Dress
$110.00
$55.00

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It’s tough to go wrong with a classy little black dress—especially as the base to a summery take on an all-black outfit. This piece from Eloquii offers the quintessential milkmaid neckline and bodice style in a fun, mini cut.

Breezy Blue

Sunday Best
Martine Midi
$128.00

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Semi-sheer chiffon keeps you looking and feeling cool, even during the hottest of patio parties and weekend happy hours. If you’ve been loving trending pastels like periwinkle and mint, we think this baby blue style would make a sweet new addition to your collection.

Statement Satin

& Other Stories
Shirred Satin Midi
$279.00

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We’re swooning over the silky fabric finish and braided details on this satin midi dress. Try pairing it with trend-forward sneakers and a demure handbag for day-to-day wearability.

Delicate Patterns

Hill House
Ophelia Mini Dress
$168.00

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We couldn’t have a milkmaid dress roundup without a cottagecore-inspired style from Hill House, and this butterfly trellis pattern is impeccably summery. The silhouette is close to the nap dresses that ruled 2020 and 2021, but the fitted, corset-inspired midriff feels slightly more put-together for being out and about.

Ruffled Romper

Urban Outfitters
Rosie Smocked Tiered Ruffle Romper
$69.00

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Don’t typically gravitate towards dresses? Consider this flouncy ruffled romper as your short and simple introduction into the milkmaid trend.

Lace Layers

Majorelle
Ann Mini Dress
$178.00

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This lacy, ruffled mini dress is nothing short of romantic. We especially love the asymmetrical hemline and delicate bows on the shoulder.

Angelic Maxi

Andrea Iyamah
Vola Maxi Dress
$439.00
$307.00

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To feel positively ethereal for everything on your warm-weather agenda, look no further than an airy white maxi dress. This design would work great for over-the-top picnics, evenings at the ballet, or a bridal shower garden party.