If you’re looking to add a timeless piece to your wardrobe, look no further. The milkmaid top is the epitome of femininity and adaptability. Wear them beneath a coat or sweater during winter, and then ditch the extra layers when spring comes.
Putting a contemporary spin on a time-honored outfit, milkmaid tops are a hot trend right now. These shirts may seem like they belong in a museum because of their puffy sleeves, feminine necklines, and eyelet lace, but they’re really on-trend for the season. Starting with hue, milkmaid shirts may be found in anything from soft pastels to bold floral prints. They have more than enough options for whatever mood you’re in or outfit you want to put together. If you can’t find the exact shade you want, don’t worry—there are many other styles out there!
They share puffy sleeve motifs with its close relative the milkmaid dress, which may be useful in a variety of situations, including when it’s too cold to be sleeveless but you still want to show off your arms. On cool spring or autumn evenings, layer with one of these shirts, or wear it alone on hot summer evenings.
Overall, milkmaid tops are a great piece to add to your wardrobe. You’ll be able to pick the right shade for you since they are offered in several options. Lace-up details, shirred bodices, square necklines, and bows are all elements that have been used in these modern iterations. You can dress them up with jewelry and a chic purse, or dress them down with a pair of jeans for a casual weekend outing.
Read ahead to find our pick for the best milkmaid tops to shop this season and maybe you’ll find the perfect one for you!
1. Princess Polly Elouise Crop Top White
This crop top from Princess Polly is our favorite for a number of reasons. It’s crafted from a breathable cotton-linen mix, and it has ruffle detailing at the front and adjustable button fastenings for a personalized fit. One of the top’s most defining characteristics is a waist tie that emphasizes your feminine silhouette and makes you want to wear it all day long.
If you’re not accustomed to wearing crop tops, this may take some getting used to, but we’re willing to bet that you’ll end yourself grabbing for it again and again as a simple way to dress up any outfit!
As one wearer shared, “The top is super cute and fits flattering. Also, the boobs are looking cute without a bra in it. I would definitely recommend it because it’s a must-have for summer!”
2. Luxe To Kill White Ruched Milkmaid Top
Luxe To Kill‘s white milkmaid top has a square neckline in the back and a bow accent in the front. This fashionable piece is appropriate for any formal event or a casual outing. It is perfect for warmer weather because of its fixed shoulder straps and sleeveless designs—great for teaming with a coat or varsity jacket.
This chic shirt is perfect for a day at the park or a cookout with friends, and it pairs well with jeans or shorts.
3. Windsor Lovely Day Peasant Crop Top
The Lovely Day Peasant Crop Top by Windsor is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. It comes in a bright orange color that will look great with white cutoff shorts or jeans.
The shirt has a sweetheart neckline, short puff sleeves, and two tie-front closures that may be adjusted to your desired fit. Pair this blouse with high-waisted jeans or shorts to show off your shape. Because it’s also lined, this tank top may be worn even on the hottest summer days with ease.
4. Urban Outfitters Abigail Ruffle Corset Top
This milkmaid-style top by Urban Outfitters is a subtle way to get in on the trend. It has a scoop neckline that reveals your décolletage and is adorned with ruffles at the neck, sleeves, and hem, all in the style of a corset.
The top is cropped above the waist and finished with a button placket at the front. Additionally, there are two ties that can be fastened in a variety of ways at the bust, depending on how low you want to go! This blouse, available in brown or red for those who want a fiery look, would look great with high-waist wide-leg pants for an easy feminine appearance.
According to one buyer, “I love this top! I’m usually an XS but Urban’s cropped tops run really small so I ordered a small. I really like that the strings on the neckline actually are functional like drawstrings so I can adjust for coverage on cleavage. The material seems pretty durable too.”
5. MinkPink Celestine Puff Sleeve Top
If you’re looking for an extremely short top, go no further than this MinkPink number. The lightweight fabric makes it perfect for summer months, but the white color will never go out of style. It has a square neckline and smocked detail on the back to give it a bit of an edge that you can wear both casually or for special occasions.
This shirt also has a pleated front that gives it a sophisticated aesthetic while yet allowing you to keep cool in any setting. As one buyer explained, “I love it, fits great!”
6. Boohoo Plus Lace Up Milkmaid Top
If you’re looking for a milkmaid top that’s made with plus-size women in mind, this Boohoo lace-up top is an excellent option. It’s available in both black and purple, but it’s the sweetheart neckline that steals the show. The ruffle trim at both the neckline and sleeves adds just enough femininity to make this top feel special.
The best part? You can count on getting your usual size in this shirt. If you’re looking for something that will flatter your curves without being too tight or too loose, this one might be perfect for you.
7. Nasty Gal Ditsy Shirred Milkmaid Crop Top
This Nasty Gal top is a great buy if you’re looking for a more universally flattering silhouette. It boasts a flowery pattern throughout, with the most noticeable blossoms on the sleeves and back. The sweetheart neckline is the perfect height, complementing any bust size.
It’s cropped in length just above your hips and has puff sleeves that complement the milkmaid silhouette well without overpowering it. This piece also has shirring at the back so you can make it as snug or loose as you want at the waist.
8. More To Come Monique Puff Sleeve Top
This blouse is constructed with puff sleeves that end in elastic cuffs, a square neckline that is finished with elastic, and ruffles on both sides. You’ll look and feel like a princess in this dress thanks to the ruched and gathered bodice. The chiffon fabric is airy and light so that you may wear it alone or over other garments in warm weather without feeling uncomfortable.
Wear it with high-waisted jeans and boots in the winter to keep warm, or with shorts and sandals in the summer to show off your shape. The mesh detailing beneath the arms is a nice touch, allowing you to choose how much skin to reveal. We suggest using nipple pasties or another thin layer below due to the sheerness of this top.
“Really beautiful but completely see-through. You have to wear something underneath,” says one reviewer.
9. Forever 21 Sweetheart Lace Top
This is one of the most popular milkmaid top options, and it’s easy to see why. For starters, it’s a steal at $15. The knit lace top has a square back and a sweetheart neckline that is accentuated with a bow appliqué at the front. The cream and brown versions of the garment include short cap sleeves, ruffled lace trim, and a lettuce-edge hem. Seriously—what more could you want?
10. Lulus Black Bustier Top
This top from Lulus is a simple yet elegant number that will go with every pair of jeans in your closet. The bustier cups and sweetheart neckline are classically feminine, while the front ties lend a dash of flair. The fitted bodice and slightly cropped hem add to its appeal, but it’s not too revealing—so you can still wear it to work! The subtlety of this shirt is wonderful; it’s the ideal black elegant top you’ve been searching for.
“This top changes the dynamic of an outfit to dress up a casual outfit! It’s so perfect. Plus the top has padding so going without a bra is totally fine! Easily my favorite top,” shares one buyer.”
A lot of people are familiar with the milkmaid top because they’re cute, affordable and easy to find online. They’re popular because they are comfortable, versatile and flattering regardless of the wearer. These are a great way to add a vintage look to your wardrobe.
Hopefully, this article has helped you discover some of the best milkmaid tops on the market. If a full-on 1950s-style look is not for you, consider adding some vintage flair with one these adorable crop tops.
