Laura Ashley Girls Dresses

Finding the Perfect Blend of Tradition and Style for Your Little One

As a mother of three daughters, I’ve navigated the world of children’s fashion more times than I care to count. Through birthday parties, school events, and family gatherings, I’ve learned one undeniable truth: there’s something magical about a Laura Ashley dress that transforms an ordinary day into something special. The first time my eldest daughter twirled in her floral Laura Ashley dress, her eyes sparkling with delight, I knew these weren’t just garments but keepsakes that would be treasured for years to come.

Today, I’m excited to share my comprehensive guide to Laura Ashley girls dresses—everything from where to find them and how to choose the perfect size to styling tips for every season. Whether you’re a long-time Laura Ashley enthusiast or just discovering this iconic brand, this guide will help you navigate the charming world of these timeless dresses.

The Laura Ashley Legacy: A Brief History

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage behind the name. Laura Ashley began as a small business in the 1950s, with Laura and her husband Bernard printing textiles on their kitchen table. What started as a humble endeavor soon blossomed into an international brand known for its distinctive English country aesthetic.

The company’s signature floral patterns and traditional designs have remained consistent throughout the decades, even as fashion trends have come and gone. This commitment to timeless style is precisely why Laura Ashley dresses continue to captivate generation after generation. There’s something profoundly nostalgic about seeing your daughter in a dress that could have been worn by you or even your mother—a beautiful thread connecting the past to the present.

Where to Find the Perfect Laura Ashley Dress

One of the most common questions I receive from fellow moms is, “Where can I actually buy Laura Ashley girls dresses?” The brand has evolved over the years, and so have their distribution channels. Here’s my insider guide to hunting down these precious pieces:

Department Stores and Retail Partners

Laura Ashley has partnered with several major department stores that carry their children’s line. Retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney often stock a selection of Laura Ashley girls dresses, particularly around holiday seasons and spring/summer collections. The advantage of shopping at these physical locations is the ability to see the fabric quality up close and check sizing in person.

I’ll never forget the Saturday afternoon I spent at Nordstrom with my middle daughter, who was then six. She tried on seven different Laura Ashley dresses, each one prettier than the last. The sales associate, noticing our enthusiasm, mentioned that their spring shipment had just arrived that morning. Sometimes, timing is everything!

Official Laura Ashley Website

The brand’s official website remains one of the most reliable sources for the latest collections. The online store typically features the complete range of sizes, styles, and exclusive patterns that might not be available elsewhere. They also frequently offer promotions for first-time customers, so keep an eye out for those pop-up discounts!

Online Retailers

Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialized children’s clothing websites like Zulily or Maisonette often carry Laura Ashley dresses, sometimes at competitive prices. I’ve found some wonderful deals during Amazon’s seasonal sales, though you’ll want to double-check the seller to ensure you’re getting authentic Laura Ashley merchandise.

Specialty Boutiques

Don’t overlook local children’s boutiques! Many independent shops carry select Laura Ashley pieces, and these smaller stores often provide a more personalized shopping experience. The owner of our local children’s boutique, Bella’s Closet, always sets aside new Laura Ashley arrivals for me because she knows how much my girls love them.

Secondhand and Vintage Options

For truly unique finds, explore vintage Laura Ashley dresses on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Etsy. The durability of these dresses means many vintage pieces remain in excellent condition. My oldest daughter’s favorite Easter dress was actually a 1990s Laura Ashley that I found on Etsy—completely unworn with the original tags still attached!

Understanding Laura Ashley Sizing: Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right size can be tricky, especially when shopping online. Laura Ashley girls dresses typically follow standard US sizing, ranging from:

• Infant: 3-24 months
• Toddler: 2T-4T
• Little Girls: 4-6X
• Big Girls: 7-16

From my experience with three daughters of different builds, Laura Ashley dresses generally run true to size, though there are a few considerations worth noting:

Measuring Tips

Before purchasing, I always take fresh measurements of my daughters. The key measurements for a proper fit are:

• Chest: Measure at the fullest part
• Waist: Measure at the natural waistline
• Height: For overall length considerations

Remember that many Laura Ashley dresses feature a fitted bodice with a fuller skirt, so the chest and waist measurements are particularly important.

Room to Grow

One of the beautiful aspects of many Laura Ashley designs is their adjustability. Dresses with sashes or tie-backs can accommodate some growth, potentially extending the wearable life of the garment. My youngest wore her favorite Laura Ashley dress for nearly two years by adjusting the sash as she grew!

Seasonal Considerations

Winter styles might run slightly larger to accommodate layers underneath, while summer dresses tend to be more true to size. If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up for fall/winter styles and sticking to your daughter’s regular size for spring/summer dresses.

Price Points: What to Expect When Shopping for Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley girls dresses span a range of price points, reflecting their quality and design complexity. Understanding the typical price ranges can help you budget appropriately and recognize a good deal when you see one.

Everyday Styles

Simpler everyday dresses typically range from $30-$60, depending on the retailer and current promotions. These dresses feature classic Laura Ashley prints but may have fewer embellishments and simpler construction.

Special Occasion Dresses

More elaborate dresses for special occasions—featuring details like smocking, embroidery, and premium fabrics—generally range from $60-$120. Holiday collections, particularly Christmas and Easter dresses, often fall into this category.

Collector’s and Limited Editions

Limited edition designs or collaboration pieces can command higher prices, sometimes exceeding $150. These are often worth the investment for special celebrations or if you’re looking for a keepsake dress.

Finding Value

While Laura Ashley dresses aren’t the least expensive option on the market, their durability and timeless design make them an excellent value proposition. These are dresses that can be handed down to siblings or cousins, and many families keep them as heirlooms.

I still have my daughters’ first Christmas Laura Ashley dresses stored carefully in acid-free tissue paper. The quality has held up beautifully, and someday, perhaps my granddaughters will wear them too.

The Delightful Variety: Styles and Designs of Laura Ashley Girls Dresses

One of the most charming aspects of Laura Ashley’s children’s line is the variety of styles available while maintaining that distinctive Laura Ashley aesthetic. Let’s explore the different types of dresses you might encounter:

Classic A-Line Silhouettes

The most recognizable Laura Ashley style features a fitted bodice with an A-line skirt. These dresses often include a sash at the waist and may have a Peter Pan collar or subtle ruffle details. This timeless silhouette flatters most body types and works for various occasions.

Empire Waist Designs

Particularly popular for younger girls, empire waist dresses feature a high waistline just under the chest, with the skirt flowing from there. This style provides comfort and room to move while maintaining an elegant look.

Smocked Bodices

A Laura Ashley specialty, smocked bodices feature intricate elastic stitching that creates both decoration and flexibility. These dresses are not only beautiful but practical, as they adapt to different chest sizes and allow for growth.

Tea-Length Special Occasion Dresses

For formal events, Laura Ashley offers tea-length dresses (falling between the knee and ankle) with more elaborate details like layered skirts, ribbon accents, and occasionally, subtle beading or sequins.

Casual Everyday Options

While Laura Ashley is known for dressier styles, they also offer more casual options suitable for school or everyday wear. These might feature more playful prints, practical pockets, and machine-washable fabrics.

The Signature Floral Prints and Beyond

Laura Ashley’s floral prints are legendary, representing the heart and soul of the brand’s identity. However, their collection extends beyond just florals, offering a variety of patterns to suit different tastes and occasions.

Classic English Garden Florals

The brand’s most iconic prints feature delicate English garden flowers like roses, forget-me-nots, and daisies arranged in vintage-inspired patterns. These timeless designs are what most people envision when they think of Laura Ashley.

My middle daughter, who has always been drawn to all things floral, has a bedroom wall where we’ve framed the fabric swatches from each of her Laura Ashley dresses. It’s become a beautiful, growing collage of floral memories.

Liberty-Style Small Prints

Many Laura Ashley dresses feature smaller, more intricate floral patterns reminiscent of Liberty of London prints. These subtle designs work beautifully for everyday wear while maintaining that quintessential Laura Ashley charm.

Seasonal Motifs

Beyond florals, Laura Ashley creates seasonal prints featuring holly berries for Christmas, Easter bunnies for spring, or nautical themes for summer. These thematic designs make for particularly special holiday outfits.

Solids and Subtle Patterns

Not every Laura Ashley dress features a bold pattern. Their collection also includes solid colors (often with printed trim or accents) and subtle patterns like pinstripes, tiny polka dots, or delicate checks.

Fabric Matters: Materials Used in Laura Ashley Girls Dresses

The quality of fabrics used in Laura Ashley dresses contributes significantly to their appeal and longevity. Understanding the different materials can help you select the right dress for specific occasions and seasons.

Cotton and Cotton Blends

Pure cotton and cotton blends are the most common fabrics in Laura Ashley’s everyday collections. These breathable, comfortable fabrics work well across seasons and are generally easy to care for. The cotton used in Laura Ashley dresses typically has a higher thread count than many competitors, resulting in a softer feel and better durability.

Special Occasion Fabrics

For dressier styles, you might find:

• Cotton sateen with a subtle sheen
• Lightweight silk or silk blends for truly special occasions
• Organza overlays for added dimension
• Velvet or velveteen for winter holiday dresses

Practical Considerations

While beautiful, some specialty fabrics require special care. Before purchasing, I always check the care instructions to ensure I’m prepared for any dry cleaning or hand washing requirements.

For my youngest daughter’s christening, we selected a Laura Ashley dress with a silk bodice and cotton skirt. The combination provided the perfect balance of elegance and practicality—the silk gave it that special occasion feel, while the cotton skirt was more forgiving for an active baby.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Laura Ashley Dresses Beautiful

With proper care, Laura Ashley dresses can remain beautiful through multiple wearings and even multiple children. Here’s my tried-and-true approach to caring for these special garments:

Machine Washable Options

Many everyday Laura Ashley dresses are machine washable, though I recommend:

• Using a gentle cycle with cold water
• Placing the dress in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging
• Using a mild detergent free of optical brighteners
• Avoiding fabric softeners, which can break down fibers over time

Hand Washing Delicates

For dresses with special embellishments or delicate fabrics:

• Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent
• Swish the dress gently without rubbing or twisting
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water
• Press (don’t wring) excess water out
• Lay flat on a towel to dry or hang carefully to avoid stretching

Storage Solutions

Between wearings and seasons, proper storage helps maintain the dress’s condition:

• Clean thoroughly before storing
• Use padded hangers for hanging storage
• For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue paper and store in a breathable cotton bag
• Avoid plastic storage containers, which can trap moisture

Laura Ashley for Special Occasions: Making Memories

Some of my most treasured family photographs feature my daughters in their Laura Ashley dresses at special events. These dresses seem designed to create moments worth remembering.

Wedding Attire

Laura Ashley dresses are particularly popular for flower girls and junior bridesmaids. Their classic styling complements various wedding themes, from garden ceremonies to formal church weddings. Many brides specifically request Laura Ashley for their youngest attendants because of the brand’s reliability and timeless appearance.

When my sister got married, all three of my daughters wore coordinating (not matching) Laura Ashley dresses in varying shades of rose and cream. The photographer commented that they looked like they had stepped out of a vintage storybook.

Holiday Celebrations

The Christmas and Easter collections from Laura Ashley deserve special mention. The Christmas dresses often feature rich velvets, tartan plaids, or holly-adorned prints that capture the festive spirit perfectly. Easter designs typically showcase pastel colors and spring motifs that photograph beautifully for those special holiday portraits.

Birthday Parties

A Laura Ashley dress can elevate a birthday celebration, making the birthday girl feel especially honored. My daughters each have a “birthday dress” tradition, and Laura Ashley has featured prominently in their selections over the years.

Seasonal Collections: Dressing Through the Year

Laura Ashley releases seasonal collections that reflect the time of year while maintaining their signature aesthetic. Understanding these seasonal offerings can help you plan purchases and take advantage of sales cycles.

Spring/Summer Collections

Spring and summer dresses feature:

• Lighter fabrics like cotton batiste and lawn
• Brighter floral patterns and pastel colorways
• Sleeveless, cap sleeve, or short sleeve styles
• Details like eyelet trim, ribbon accents, and lighter smocking

These collections typically release in February/March and are perfect for Easter, spring portraits, and summer events.

Fall/Winter Collections

Fall and winter styles include:

• Heavier fabrics including corduroys, velveteens, and thicker cottons
• Deeper, richer color palettes
• Long sleeves and higher necklines
• Layering possibilities with matching cardigans or capes
• Holiday-specific designs for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Look for these collections to appear in stores around August/September.

Finding Deals: Laura Ashley on a Budget

While Laura Ashley represents a premium brand in children’s clothing, there are several strategies for finding these beautiful dresses at more accessible price points.

End-of-Season Sales

The most reliable discounts come during end-of-season clearance events. Winter styles typically go on sale in January, while summer styles are discounted around July/August. Discounts can range from 30-70% off original prices.

I’ve developed a strategic approach over the years—buying the next size up during these sales for the following year. It requires some planning and prediction about future growth, but the savings are substantial.

Flash Sales and Promotions

Register for email newsletters from Laura Ashley and their retail partners to receive notifications about flash sales and limited-time promotions. These can offer significant discounts on current-season merchandise.

Outlet Shopping

Laura Ashley outlet stores carry past-season merchandise at reduced prices. While selection may be more limited, the discounts make it worth exploring if you have an outlet mall nearby.

Second-Hand Markets

The durability of Laura Ashley dresses makes them excellent candidates for second-hand shopping. Consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace, and dedicated children’s resale apps often feature gently used Laura Ashley dresses at 50-75% off retail prices.

Comfort Meets Style: Everyday Wearability

Despite their classic appearance, many Laura Ashley dresses are designed with a child’s comfort and activity level in mind. For everyday wear, look for:

• Dresses with some stretch in the bodice
• Styles with pockets (always a hit with my girls)
• Machine-washable fabrics that don’t require special care
• Designs that allow for easy movement and play

My middle daughter wore a Laura Ashley dress for her first day of kindergarten—a simple navy blue design with tiny red apples printed all over it. It was pretty enough to make her feel special but practical enough to withstand playground activities and classroom crafts.

The Mother-Daughter Connection: Matching Sets

One of the more charming offerings from Laura Ashley over the years has been their mother-daughter matching sets. While not available in every collection, these coordinating designs appear periodically and create wonderful opportunities for special portraits and events.

Finding Matching Sets

• Check the “Family Collections” or “Mommy & Me” sections on the Laura Ashley website
• Look for special holiday releases, which often include matching options
• Consider custom options from seamstresses who work with Laura Ashley fabrics

Creating Your Own Matching Look

Even when official matching sets aren’t available, you can create your own coordinated look:

• Look for adult Laura Ashley dresses with similar prints to the children’s line
• Find solid-colored dresses for adults that complement the colors in your daughter’s Laura Ashley dress
• Use Laura Ashley accessories (scarves, headbands) to create a coordinated rather than matching appearance

Last Easter, I couldn’t find an exact match for my daughters’ Laura Ashley dresses, so I purchased a scarf in a complementary print and had it made into a custom blouse. The effect was subtle but meaningful—a sartorial connection between mother and daughters.

Real Customer Experiences: What Reviews Reveal

Before investing in a Laura Ashley dress, especially online, it’s worth examining customer reviews. Over years of shopping for these dresses, I’ve noticed consistent themes in reviews that can guide your purchasing decisions.

Positive Feedback Patterns

The most common praise in Laura Ashley girls dress reviews centers on:

• Durability through multiple wearings and washings
• Quality of construction, particularly seams and finishing details
• Timeless designs that don’t quickly look dated
• Versatility for different occasions
• Ability to be handed down between siblings

Constructive Criticism

The most frequent constructive comments mention:

• Sizing inconsistencies between different styles
• Limited availability of certain popular patterns
• Higher price point compared to fast-fashion alternatives
• Care requirements for some specialty fabrics

When reading reviews, I pay particular attention to comments about specific dress styles rather than the brand overall, as construction and sizing can vary between different designs.

A Rainbow of Options: Color Palettes in Laura Ashley Dresses

Laura Ashley offers a thoughtful range of colors that balance traditional preferences with contemporary tastes. Understanding these color stories can help you coordinate with specific events or seasons.

Classic Colorways

Certain color combinations appear regularly in Laura Ashley collections:

• Navy and red with white accents
• Rose pink and sage green
• Lavender and cream
• Pale blue and yellow

These timeless combinations work year after year and coordinate beautifully with simple cardigans and accessories.

Seasonal Color Stories

Each season brings its own color emphasis:

• Spring/Easter: Pastels including mint green, lavender, and soft yellow
• Summer: Brighter blues, strawberry reds, and sunny yellows
• Fall: Russet, navy, forest green, and burgundy
• Holiday: Traditional red and green, navy and gold, or winter white

Photography Considerations

If you’re selecting a dress for professional portraits or special event photography, consider how the colors will photograph. Very pale pastels can sometimes appear washed out in photographs, while very dark colors might lose their detail. Medium tones and patterns with good contrast typically photograph beautifully.

Comparative Analysis: Laura Ashley vs. Other Children’s Brands

As someone who has purchased from many children’s clothing brands over the years, I can offer some perspective on how Laura Ashley compares to alternatives.

Quality Comparison

When compared to other mid-to-high-end children’s brands like Janie and Jack, Boden, or Rachel Riley:

• Laura Ashley generally offers comparable quality construction
• The fabric quality is excellent, particularly in their cotton offerings
• The designs tend to be more traditional than some contemporary competitors
• Price points are generally in line with similar quality brands

Style Differentiation

What sets Laura Ashley apart from similar quality competitors is their distinctive aesthetic:

• More traditional and quintessentially English than many American brands
• Less trend-focused and more timeless in design approach
• Stronger emphasis on floral prints and classic silhouettes
• More connection to adult fashion through similar prints and design elements

Value Proposition

While Laura Ashley dresses require a higher investment than fast-fashion alternatives, their longevity provides excellent value:

• Dresses that maintain appearance through multiple washings
• Styles that remain appropriate year after year
• Construction quality that allows for hand-me-downs
• Designs with “heirloom potential” for sentimental value

Perfect for Parties: Styling Laura Ashley for Celebrations

Laura Ashley dresses truly shine at celebrations and special events. Here are some styling suggestions for different types of parties:

Birthday Celebrations

For birthday parties, consider:

• Adding a coordinating cardigan for air-conditioned venues
• Complementing the dress with simple accessories that won’t distract during activities
• Choosing machine-washable styles that can handle cake encounters
• Selecting prints that complement the party theme without looking costumey

Weddings and Formal Events

For weddings and more formal occasions:

• Look for dresses with special details like satin ribbons, embroidery, or smocking
• Consider tea length for a more formal appearance
• Add white tights or ankle socks and mary jane shoes for a classic look
• Select a small coordinating headband or hair clip

Holiday Gatherings

For holiday events:

• Choose season-appropriate fabrics like velvet for winter or lightweight cotton for summer gatherings
• Consider the venue temperature when selecting sleeve length
• Add simple cardigans or boleros for layering options
• Select styles with adjustable elements like sashes if the dress will be worn for extended periods

Sizing Strategies: Getting the Right Fit

Based on my experience with three differently-proportioned daughters, I’ve developed some strategies for navigating Laura Ashley sizing.

General Sizing Patterns

In general, Laura Ashley dresses:

• Run true to size for age in most styles
• Have some variability between different dress designs
• Feature more generous sizing in holiday collections (to accommodate layers)
• Offer consistent sizing from year to year (a size 6 this year will be similar to last year’s size 6)

Between Sizes?

If your daughter falls between sizes, consider:

• Sizing up for dresses with adjustable features like sashes or tie-backs
• Staying with the smaller size for special occasion dresses that should look more fitted
• Considering the season and whether layers will be worn underneath
• Checking specific style reviews for sizing feedback on that particular dress

Growth Accommodations

To extend the wearable life of these investment pieces:

• Look for styles with growth tucks that can be let out
• Consider dresses that can transition to tunic-length tops with leggings as the child grows
• Select styles where the length is appropriate even if other dimensions are slightly large

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

As consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental and ethical impacts, Laura Ashley has responded with some initiatives worth noting.

Durability as Sustainability

The most sustainable garment is one that doesn’t need frequent replacement. Laura Ashley’s emphasis on quality construction and timeless design inherently supports sustainability by:

• Reducing the need for frequent replacements
• Creating garments that can be handed down
• Designing styles that don’t quickly become outdated

Material Considerations

While not all Laura Ashley products meet strict sustainability criteria, they have introduced:

• Increased use of organic cotton in some collections
• Reduction in plastic packaging
• Some manufacturing processes with reduced environmental impact

Ethical Production

Laura Ashley has published commitments to ethical manufacturing practices, including:

• Fair labor standards in their manufacturing facilities
• Reduction of harmful chemicals in textile processing
• Transparency in supply chain practices

For those particularly concerned about these issues, I recommend checking the brand’s current sustainability reports and focusing on their organic cotton offerings when available.

Vintage Treasures: Finding and Caring for Older Laura Ashley Dresses

The enduring quality of Laura Ashley designs has created a thriving vintage market for their children’s dresses. These vintage pieces often have special details or prints no longer available in current collections.

Where to Find Vintage Laura Ashley

The best sources for vintage Laura Ashley include:

• Dedicated vintage clothing stores, both physical and online
• Etsy shops specializing in vintage children’s clothing
• eBay listings (search specifically for “vintage Laura Ashley girls dress”)
• Estate sales in affluent neighborhoods
• Specialized Facebook groups for vintage children’s clothing

Evaluating Vintage Condition

When considering a vintage purchase:

• Check for stains, particularly under the arms and around the neckline
• Examine seams for any splitting or weakness
• Look at button attachments and any embellishments
• Verify measurements rather than relying solely on the size tag
• Ask about any repairs or alterations that have been made

Restoring Vintage Finds

Some vintage dresses may need restoration:

• Yellowing can often be addressed with gentle whitening processes
• Missing buttons can usually be replaced (Laura Ashley often included spare buttons)
• Minor repairs to seams are typically straightforward for an experienced seamstress
• Professional cleaning may be worth the investment for special pieces

My most treasured Laura Ashley piece is actually a vintage dress from 1987 that my mother found at an estate sale. After gentle cleaning and replacing two buttons, it looked virtually new and became my oldest daughter’s Easter dress one year—a beautiful connection across generations.

The Seasonal Rhythm: Laura Ashley’s Release Calendar

Understanding Laura Ashley’s typical release schedule can help you plan purchases and anticipate new collections.

Spring/Summer (February-July)

• Easter collections typically release in February
• Summer styles appear in April/May
• End-of-season sales usually begin in July

Fall/Winter (August-January)

• Back-to-school styles release in August
• Holiday collections appear in October
• Christmas-specific designs arrive in November
• Winter clearance begins in January

Limited Editions and Collaborations

Occasionally, Laura Ashley releases limited edition collections or collaborations with other designers or brands. These special releases don’t follow the regular calendar and are often announced through their newsletter and social media channels.

Conclusion: The Timeless Investment

As I look back on a decade of dressing my daughters in Laura Ashley, I see more than just clothing—I see a catalog of precious memories. From first day of school photos to holiday portraits, these dresses have framed some of our family’s most cherished moments.

While fashion trends come and go, there’s something eternally appealing about a little girl in a beautifully made dress that honors the innocence and joy of childhood. Laura Ashley has maintained this vision for generations, creating garments that celebrate the special occasions and everyday moments that make up a family’s story.

Whether you’re purchasing your first Laura Ashley dress or adding to an established collection, I hope this guide helps you navigate the options and find pieces that will become part of your family’s treasured memories.

When my oldest daughter outgrew her Laura Ashley dresses, she didn’t want to part with them. Instead, we selected her favorite and had a small portion of the fabric made into a custom Christmas ornament—a small reminder of the dress she wore for her kindergarten portrait that now hangs on our tree each year. That’s the true magic of Laura Ashley—creating pieces so beautiful, so meaningful, that they become woven into the fabric of our family stories for years to come.