In 2019, Ari Aster’s Midsommar thrust agricultural chic into the limelight. Demand for laced linen frocks skyrocketed, alongside floral embroidery, puff sleeve silhouettes and cream-coloured crochet.
Dreamy ‘cottagecore’ attire has since remained hot property. Yet (thankfully), for those taking part in this year's summer solstice, one can enjoy the aforementioned sartorial details without Florence Pugh’s mental collapse courtesy of Mr Aster’s gruesome storylines.
Midsummer - or Midsommar - is an ancient festival celebrating the summer solstice, which typically takes place around June 21. The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the Pagan event is synonymous with traditional Scandinavian culture, where communities celebrate with maypoles, bonfires, colourful blooms, feasting on pickled herring, and joyful drinking songs.
© MidsommarNaturally, the day’s dress code piqued our interest. Traditional Midsummer regalia centres on light, flowing, and nature-inspired garments. The modern celebration dress code relies on white or floral sundresses paired with a signature flower crown, while the strictly historical option involves highly specific regional folk costumes called folkdräkter.
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeFolk symbolism has long inspired the fashion pack. Luxury brands such as The Row, Erdem, Jil Sander and Prada have worked into their collections some classic folk looks, including ghostly poplin silhouettes, hand-woven embroidery, aprons and starched vintage textures.
© Getty ImagesFrom The Met Gala to Instagram live, celebs such as Lorde, Phoebe Bridgers and Nicola Coughlan have sported Midsummer-esque costume - which leans into Gen Z’s ongoing captivation with Chemena Kamali’s ghostly boho-chic aesthetic.
For those gearing up for a long day of Midsummer celebrations, look no further. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to Midsummer dressing below. No cult membership required.
Best Midsummer dresses to shop:
Amari Daisy Sun Embroidered Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Rixo
A feminine white midi finished with summer-ready floral embroidery, Rixo's slip-on option is ideal for long days spent basking in the June sunshine.
White Ramie Mini Dress
Self-Portrait
If your summer is booked up with weddings, parties and everything inbetween, look no further than Self-Portrait. From classic longline cuts to flirtatious summer-ready minis, the brand is brimming with covetable pastel-hued pieces to invest in this season.
Paloma Dress
Dôen
A whimsical mini number hailing from Californian brand Dôen, this printed gem is complete with painterly florals and a vintage-inspired lace trim for a true 60s effect.
Cream Lace Details Strappy Maxi Dress
Bhoem
Glide through the season in style courtesy of Bhoem's ethereal yet affordable dress. A square neckline, spaghetti straps and lace panelling make for an irresistible choice.
Balsa Dress
Agua by Agua Bendita
Agua by Agua Bendita's Balsa Dress is hand-embroidered with petite blooms, making for a truly luxurious choice. A sleek halterneck, a midi silhouette with a nipped-in waistband and pearl beading promise a stand-out look.
Pure Cotton Embroidered Midi Cami Dress
M&S
Featuring a sleeveless design, a V-neckline silhouette and a peppering a miniature petals, M&S' slinky midi dress will take you from office to out-of-work drinks with ease.
Milana Dress
Faithfull
Faithfull's elegant midi dress is crafted from crisp cotton with intricate broderie anglaise detailing that lends a romantic touch. Featuring a fitted bodice and a gently flared skirt, it marries feminine charm with effortless ease - perfect for warm-weather days.
Spring Fling Mini Dress
Free People
Available in three feminine colourways, Free People's long-sleeved swing dress is reminiscent of classic 1960s California style. A vintage-inspired boho statement.
Floral Printed Dress
Yuhan Wang
Yuhan Wang will forever be one of our go-to labels when it comes to whimsy floral treasures. We adore the hybrid halterneck-off-the-shoulder design of this figure-skimming piece.
The Cambria Nap Dress
Hill House Home
Featuring a romantically smocked bodice, ruffle trimmings and a dreamy green-white palette, Hill House Home's signature nap dress is set to delight feminine dressers.
Marion Dress
Naya Rea
Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton with a fairytale mini cut and a deep V-neckline, Naya Rea's Marion Dress can be effortlessly styled up with kitten heel mules and silver jewellery.
Bluebell Meadow Midi Dress
Rebecca Vallance
A romantic floral midi crafted from a linen-blend, Rebecca Vallance's strapless number showcases a sculpting corseted bodice, sweetheart neckline and full skirt - ideal for summer 'dos and garden parties.
Floral Scoop Neck Midi Tea Dress
Monsoon
Coated in sprawling summer blooms, fluttery ruffles and girlish puff sleeves, Monsoon's bow-topped midi dress is primed for endless British summertime frolicking.
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