The Allure of Cottagecore: Escape to a Pastoral Fantasy
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try cottagecore if you’re feeling…
nostalgic
romantic
domestic
vintage
feminine
timeline & influencers
While the term cottagecore is said to have originated in 2018 on Tumblr, the 2010s saw the rise in interest in rural culture, planting the seeds for a defined aesthetic
Early-mid 2010s blogs and social media accounts dedicated to vintage-inspired domestic scenes like prairie-style dresses, bread-baking, and botanical illustrations started gaining followings
During the isolated pandemic years of 2020-2021, people wanted to escape to the novelty of an "off-the-grid" fantasy as they spent more time at home
The most mainstream representation of cottagecore came from Taylor Swift, first with her folklore & evermore albums (2020), where she explored a fictional woodland world dreamed up during quarantine. Next, she portrayed a cottagecore fairy in the "Willow" video, complete with floral crowns and renaissance-style dresses.
In 2023, with her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift again brought cottagecore to the masses featured a remote woodsy cabin set on stage during the folklore set
Cottagecore Aesthetic Outfit Inspo & Gift Guide
Puff-sleeve maxi dress (Amazon)
Corset dress (Amazon)
Knit cardigan (oversized, Amazon)
Floral blouse (short-sleeve, Amazon)
Corduroy jacket (Amazon)
Knitted shawl (cashmere, Amazon)
Cashmere scarf (Amazon)
Straw hat (woven, packable, Amazon)
Leather tote (Amazon)
Mary jane shoes (Dansko Mika, Amazon; Dr. Martens 8065 vegan leather, Amazon)
Ballet flats (woven, Amazon)
Lace-up boots (cognac combat boot, Amazon)
Similar Trends
trad wife, mermaidcore, fairycore
Embracing cottagecore is singer-songwriter Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour in Arlington, Texas, April 2, 2023 | Photo: Ronald Woan
In today's digital world, many people are longing for a simpler way of life, which has led to the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic trend. Cottagecore represents a romanticized view of rural living, with its imagery of thatched cottages, and gardens filled with wildflowers and roses. This dreamy trend emerged as a response to the highly curated world of social media and its cozy comfort has resonated with many people, especially taking off during pandemic uncertainty.
Key elements of the cottagecore aesthetic include prairie-inspired florals, ruffles, lace, and puff sleeves. It offers an escape into a fantasy of a quieter and simpler life, evoking a sense of nostalgia for idealized pasts, such as the aesthetic of a 19th-century farmhouse or the iconic 90s childhood of millennials.
Cottagecore fashion aesthetic evokes pastoral vibes that evoke the feeling of being off-the-grid or in prairie-like settings | Unsplash
The Enduring Appeal of Cottagecore
The cottagecore trend celebrates a more authentic and natural aesthetic, one of self-sufficiency and an appreciation for the imperfect beauty of nature. While it is rooted in a yearning for the past, its increasing popularity reflects contemporary desires such as sustainable living, work-life balance, and a desire to escape the stresses of modern life into a cozy, pastoral dream world. It offers a romanticized vision of strolling through English gardens, reading a book in a meadow, or leisurely baking a pie from scratch while observing chickens outside your window.
Cottagecore fashion takes us back to a time when we were unplugged and closer to the simplicity and beauty of nature | Unsplash
Cottagecore Style Guide & Outfit Inspo
The key is cultivating an ethereal, fresh-from-the-garden look that feels romantic, carefree and in harmony with nature through soft textiles, muted earth tones and effortless, undone styling. Embrace imperfect, timeless beauty.
Fashion:
Flowy and ethereal dresses: Choose tiered dresses in floral prints, prairie styles or full skirts in cotton/linen fabrics.
Practical yet romantic tops: Puff sleeve blouses or smocked bodice tops paired with soft, loose sweaters or cardigans, or oversized knit shawls.
Simple, comfortable shoes: Mary jane style shoes are favorites. Also practical are combat, riding or lace-up boot styles.
Hair:
Natural and undone: wear simple waves, braids, or loose, tousled updos with face-framing tendrils.
Hair accessories: Accessorize with ribbons or simple barrettes.
Makeup:
Minimal and natural-looking: Pair a base of tinted moisturizer with cream blush for flushed but natural-looking rosy cheeks.
Sheer and earthy: Try a simple wash of eyeshadow hues like terra-cotta or golden olive paired with a subtle rosy lip.
Accessories:
Functional and fashionable: Floppy straw hats or bonnets protect from the sun and basket bags or crossbody satchels are rustic enough for the outdoors.
Classic and delicate jewelry: Pearls and locket necklaces evoke the nostalgia of the aesthetic.
Nails:
Trimmed and practical: Sheer, milky nail polish or nudes pair well with cottagecore simplicity.
Soft colors: Mattes of buttermilk, peach, sage or lavender add whimsy while opal finishes play up the romanticism.
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