Safe to say, we're living in our summer dresses rn with perhaps only a bikini ranking more comfortable attire in a heatwave. Alas, our swimwear is far from appropriate workwear attire, so instead we are reaching on repeat for loose, floaty designs that simultaneously tick the ‘throw on and go’ box while still looking polished and put together. No easy feat.
As much as we love our slip dresses, they're a tad too clingy. Same goes for a blazer dress, a structured silhouette is not conducive to temperatures above 20 degrees. As for cut-out dresses, we're saving ours for summer holidays. Instead, we're turning to the milkmaid dress. And we're not the only ones.
Ashley Park is the latest celeb (we see you Selena Gomez and Nicole Scherzinger) to don the trending dress style. Taking to Instagram, the Emily In Paris actress shared pics from her lunch in Portofino and, as hard as it is for anything to grab our attention more than pasta, her super cute gingham milkmaid dress did just that.
Immediately recognisable by its corset-inspired fitted bodice paired with a dropped-waist full A-line skirt, there are variations in design – shoulder straps versus puff sleeves, gathered scooped necklines, midi or mini, smocked fabric or not. Not overtly girly enough to classify as coquette, the milkmaid dress is perhaps more closely aligned with cottagecore for its wearability and ease.
As for where to shop the look, if you want to follow Ashley's lead to a T (holiday on the Italian Riviera optional, but definitely preferred) her Reformation Balia Linen Dress perfectly nails the trend. While black and white gingham is a timeless, classic print, it's nearly completely sold out but you can't go wrong with any of the six other colourways and patterns from the brand. Shout out to the red hue that's giving Tomato Girl Summer! Style yours with loafers à la Ash, or sandals or trainers.
Psst, it also comes in petite sizes!
Or, check out some look-a-like styles below:
AmyLynn gives the milkmaid dress a Y2K bubble skirt hem twist.
It's no secret we love Reformation dresses, and this short-sleeve gingham design is the perfect option if you want a little more coverage.
Leaning into the corset detailing, we love the lace-up back on this Club L number.
Club L Brighton Black & White Gingham Sweetheart Midi Dress
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
