Unless you’ve been living inside a hermetically-sealed box, you’ll know that boho fashion has made a storming return this year, manifesting in everything from handkerchief hemlines and low-slung belts to suede bags and, of course, billowing prairie skirts. In the words of Beyoncé, “Baby, I swear it’s déjà vu”. But, if the idea of going full 2004 Sienna Miller is enough to send you running back to minimalism’s embrace, know that there are ways to introduce a little bucolic charm to your summer outfits without signing up to a year-long silent yoga retreat.
Enter: the milkmaid top. You will no doubt be familiar with the milkmaid dress , but, as the mercury has (finally) risen in the UK, I’ve noticed another whimsical trend being adopted by fashion-savvy individuals. Identifiable by its light cotton fabric, lace or broderie anglaise detailing and white colourway, the milkmaid top is the perfect alternative to your usual white T-shirt, particularly in the current heatwave.
While we’re enjoying new iterations from the likes of Reformation and Dôen (as worn by Sarah Corbett-Winder), we’ve also loved seeing how eagle-eyed individuals have managed to secure their milkmaid tops second-hand from antique markets and pre-loved sites – after all, Victorian and Edwardian “corset cover” tops are the original inspiration behind this bohemian trend. Just make sure to triple check measurements, as antique pieces tend to come up small. Styling wise, the beauty of this piece is that you don’t have to go full boho to make it work – in fact, we recommend juxtaposing it with unexpected separates to give it an updated edge: think boyish jorts (as seen on Sarah), pleated miniskirts and slouchy denim.
We love how Harriet Stewart styled her milkmaid top with Free People’s Hudson stripe trousers , platform sandals and layered necklaces on her summer holiday, but something tells us it would look just as good with a tailored skirt, biker boots and a blazer come autumn. Truly, milkmaid tops are a fashion gift that keeps on giving. Shop milkmaid tops.
