The Milkmaid Dress Is Summer 2024's Go-To Outfit

Milkmaid dresses are here to take summer to a dreamier level. Featuring a simple white or cream color and ruched fabric around the neckline, it conjures up images of European dairymaids and fairytale heroins frolicking through fields. While it stands alone, the coveted garb plays on the it-girl power of previous trends, like coquette and balletcore, thanks to its traditionally feminine aesthetic. The frock achieves this by drawing the eye to its bust with an open neckline and corseted waist before flowing out into a voluminous, A-line skirt.

In the range of popular summer dress trends we've seen in 2024, the milkmaid dress is no more challenging to style, but the payoff is huge. The historic silhouette is flattering and comfortable on a variety of body types. It's also super light weight and just right for the summer weather. While the style often features puff sleeves, there are numerous versions that come sleeveless, allowing your shoulders to be exposed to the sun. We've also enjoyed more contemporary interpretations of the dress, featuring trendy citrus colors or even pale blue, the most ethereal tone of the summer. Style with a simple sandal or wear with heels if you want to amp up this go-to outfit.

If you want something breezy and effortless, a knee-length milkmaid dress is the perfect go-to choice for summer days. A corset waist and delicate, puff sleeves add a dreamy finish to the easy, cotton dress. Style the dress with a comfortable pair of sandals to keep the outfit low maintenance but polished. Our favorite casual shoe choice of the moment are flatform sandals, which are on trend for summer 2024. The modern footwear helps to keep the outfit contemporary, and saves it from veering into a costume. We love "Bridgerton," but don't want to necessarily wear a period-piece look. 

In its most classical rendition, the milkmaid dress comes in white or cream. However, to keep the style current, opt for a garment in bright, juicy colors. Rich hues of pink and red help to make the traditional silhouette more modern. A thigh-high slit can also give the historically modest dress a jolt of sex appeal. A slit can help of offset the ample puff sleeves, making the perfect balance of sexy and demure while working with an animated color palette.    

Part of what makes the milkmaid dress so perfect is that it's always ultimately romantic. A scoop neckline is framed by puffed sleeves, drawing attention to the décolleté, giving you a chance to either show off some jewelry or keep things deliberately simple. Look for a dress in warm tones like orange or red to play into your romance novel dreams. Opt for a double slit up the skirt to add a touch of the unexpected. This makes the dress moveable and lightweight, facilitating easy wear for day-to-day use.

Traditionally, the milkmaid dress comes with puff sleeves. Change things up by looking for a style with crossover straps that create a modern neckline. The dress still features the best of the milkmaid trend: It's gathered along the bust and tapers in at the waist, making for a flattering finish. A timeless floral print adds a romantic flourish to the overall effect, while wedge sandals or simple, leather flats mean that the outfit isn't too fussy. 

Create some rich opposition in your outfit by pairing a creamy, linen milkmaid dress with black, leather combat boots. The more traditional the dress, the better it looks with edgy, contemporary footwear. The fitted bodice and elegant folds of the midi dress give the look feminine charm, while the leather, ankle boots add a touch of street smarts. Keep hair and makeup minimal and simple to give this delicious contrast the ultimate, modern polish.