Mastering the Cottagecore Look

Embrace the Cottagecore aesthetic, a whimsical retreat to a rural fairytale life filled with gardening, farming, and the aroma of freshly baked bread—whether you reside on a farmstead or in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Keen to embrace this cozy, fairytale-inspired style for yourself? Discover our curated list of essentials to infuse your wardrobe and living space with the charm of Cottagecore. Explore them below!

Immerse yourself in the enchantment and whimsy of nature with florals. Cottagecore is about embracing harmony with the natural world, and florals epitomize that essence. Adorn yourself in blouses or skirts adorned with delicate floral patterns, or crown yourself with flowers to embody a mystical faerie aesthetic.

• If you wear perfume, opt for floral scents like jasmine, rose, or lavender, which are popular choices.

Embrace natural hues and patterns. While florals are quintessential to cottagecore, any natural color palette and pattern complements the trend. If it exists in nature, it fits the cottagecore aesthetic. Celebrate the beauty of the outdoors by wearing clothing adorned with botanical motifs and colors inspired by nature: neutral tones, soft pastels, earthy greens, and rustic reds.

• Prefer scents beyond florals? Explore earthy aromas like cedarwood, musk, or vanilla, reminiscent of natural elements.

Explore vintage treasures at your local thrift store. Cottagecore draws inspiration from nostalgia, whether it's the hippie styles of the 1970s or the anti-industrial movements of the 18th and 19th centuries. Embrace the 'lived-in' aesthetic, welcoming worn or faded garments found at secondhand stores, which align perfectly with the cottagecore ethos.

• Support slow fashion by building a sustainable, eco-friendly wardrobe through secondhand purchases.
• For fans of 1950s fashion, consider browsing Modcloth for fit-and-flare dresses that capture the classic silhouette of the era.

Opt for durable, natural fabrics. Robust materials embody the cottagecore fantasy of rural self-sufficiency. Whether you're exploring the wilderness or immersed in virtual adventures like Animal Crossing, manifest the essence of cottagecore by wearing sturdy overalls crafted from linen, burlap, denim, or other hearty fabrics that endure the trials of time.

• Investing in long-lasting clothing contributes to a sustainable, slow fashion wardrobe, aligning with cottagecore principles.

Opt for relaxed, flowing ensembles. Cottagecore combines functionality with comfort. Despite its focus on self-reliance and resilience, cottagecore embraces a sense of ease and relaxation with a nostalgic touch—evoking imagery from novels like The Secret Garden or Jane Eyre. For bedtime attire, consider a loose eyelet lace nightdress, or for daytime comfort, opt for a breezy prairie dress.

• For a more subtle cottagecore look, you can opt for a chic maxi skirt paired with a loose blouse featuring a Peter Pan collar instead of a full prairie dress.

Support handmade fashion or craft your own attire. Handcrafted goods are central to the cottagecore ethos. Purchase garments from local artisans or browse online for handmade clothing. Alternatively, embark on a journey of self-expression by creating your own dress or fashioning a flower crown using freshly picked blooms.

• The more artisanal your attire appears, the better it aligns with the cottagecore aesthetic. Imperfections add character, so don't worry if you're not a master seamstress!
• Explore self-sufficiency by repurposing household items like tea towels to craft your attire. Repairing worn garments instead of discarding them also promotes sustainability and self-reliance.

Adorn yourself with a milkmaid neckline. This charming neckline adds rustic charm to any ensemble. Whether or not you're milking cows, incorporating blouses or dresses with milkmaid necklines infuses your wardrobe with a quaint countryside allure.

• Opt for understated elegance with a simple peasant dress, or embrace cottagecore glamour with a dramatic ruffled neckline!

Elevate your look with Peter Pan collars. Add a touch of delicacy to your outfit. Named after the perpetual youth himself, the timeless Peter Pan collar exudes a blend of fairytale whimsy and Victorian refinement.

• Opt for a classic Peter Pan collar for a subtle cottagecore aesthetic, or go all out with an oversized, frilly collar for a true cottagecore statement.

Embrace delicate elegance with an abundance of lace. Cottagecore celebrates delicacy! Whether it's a lavish lace gown reminiscent of spiderweb designs found in old cottage cellars or a simple dress adorned with lace trim, infuse a hint of Edwardian whimsy into your attire.

• Lace headbands and chokers serve as charming accents to any cottagecore ensemble. Complete the transformation into a cottagecore connoisseur by donning elegant lace gloves!

Adorn yourself in gingham. It's the quintessential picnic fabric—a staple for outdoor adventures in the cottagecore lifestyle. Whether it's a charming dress or casual trousers, the classic checked pattern adds flair to romantic hillside brunches.

• Opt for gingham accessories like headbands, bandanas, or handbags for a subtler cottagecore touch.

Sport puff sleeves. No cottagecore wardrobe is complete without leg-o'-mutton shoulders, reminiscent of characters from Anne of Green Gables. These whimsical sleeves add a vintage charm to your attire.

• For a contemporary twist, pair a button-down with small puff sleeves with a chic pencil skirt for a casual yet stylish look.

Indulge in cozy cardigans. Wrap yourself in oversized cardigans for ultimate cottagecore comfort. Whether you're exploring candle-lit corridors or sipping lavender tea by the fire, a textured sweater embodies the essence of cottagecore.

• Channel the spirit of self-sufficiency by knitting or crocheting your own cardigan.
• Use your cardigan as a jacket if you tend to get warm easily.

Accessorize with jute, straw, and wicker. Embrace the rustic charm of cottage living with straw hats and wicker handbags. Add floral or botanical decals to your accessories for an extra cottagecore touch.

• Carry flowers or gingham textiles in your basket to enhance the cottagecore vibe.

Add cowboy boots to your ensemble. Incorporate a touch of pastoral elegance with cowboy boots. Whether tending to lambs or strolling through the countryside, these boots elevate your cottagecore wardrobe with agricultural-chic flair.

• Pair them with floral-printed tights or botanical-patterned fishnet stockings for a whimsical touch.

Cultivate a garden. Embrace self-sufficiency by nurturing a garden, whether it's a small herb patch or a thriving backyard oasis of fruits and vegetables. If outdoor space is limited, adorn your home with dried flowers and artificial plants to capture the essence of cottagecore.

• For a fragrant touch, infuse your space with floral scents using candles and room sprays.

Bake artisanal bread. Homemade bread embodies cottagecore charm. From sourdough loaves to hearty soups, crafting your own culinary creations reflects the ethos of self-reliance and domesticity. Host a cottagecore potluck to share the experience with friends amid a picturesque setting.

• For a communal gathering, invite guests to prepare their own dishes, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Create handcrafted curtains. Unleash your creativity by crafting curtains and other textiles through embroidery, knitting, or sewing. Alternatively, support local artisans by purchasing handmade goods to adorn your living space.

• Explore online tutorials to master new skills and infuse your home with personalized touches.

Embrace farm life with lambs. Experience the tranquility of cottagecore by keeping lambs or volunteering at a farm. Alternatively, adopt a furry friend to enrich your home with cozy companionship. Surround yourself with farm-themed decor to evoke the rustic charm of cottage living.

• Indulge in cuddles with baby animals at a petting zoo to satisfy your pastoral cravings.

Immerse yourself in dreamy, atmospheric music. Cottagecore tunes span various genres, from classical to indie folk, evoking a whimsical and fairy tale-like ambiance. Dive into artists like Florence + the Machine, Hozier, or Vashti Bunyan for a cozy, nostalgic vibe.

• Transport yourself to a bygone era by playing vinyl records on a vintage turntable.
• Embrace the cottagecore spirit fully by learning to play instruments like the harp, banjo, or acoustic guitar.

Add rattan furniture to your décor. Infuse your living space with the charm of cottage or picnic settings using rattan chairs and tables. The natural aesthetic of wicker complements the nostalgic and cozy atmosphere of cottagecore.

• Extend the wicker theme beyond furniture by incorporating handmade or store-bought baskets for floral arrangements or decorative accents.

Create your own decorations. Embrace the cottagecore ethos by decorating your home with handmade ornaments and trinkets. Craft garlands from dried flowers or scrap fabric, or fashion tree decorations from paper for a personal touch.

• Combine gardening with crafting by using flowers from your garden to create floral arrangements or potpourri.

Infuse your space with nature-inspired décor. Bring the outdoors inside with seashells, fresh flowers, and nature-themed designs adorning every corner. Transform your home into a cozy cottagecore haven with lush greenery and animal motifs.

• Embrace cottagecore regardless of your location by incorporating farm-themed elements into your interior design.

Illuminate with fairy lights. Elevate the enchanting ambiance of your home by adorning it with fairy lights. Create a magical atmosphere by draping them over curtains, headboards, or houseplants, casting a delicate glow reminiscent of starlight.

• Extend the magic outdoors by hanging fairy lights in your garden or yard.

Indulge in a clawfoot tub. Transform your bathroom into a cottagecore haven by replacing your modern shower with a charming clawfoot tub. Enhance the ambiance with rustic accessories like seashells, dried flowers, and floral-scented candles.

• Alternatively, repurpose a vintage clawfoot tub as a whimsical planter in your garden, overflowing with vines and flowers or serving as a quaint container for growing produce.