A guide to the cottagecore style

Cottagecore is a comforting fashion trend that’s emerged along with the pandemic, as people have hunkered down and started spending more time at home. This distinctive fashion caters perfectly to those looking for a slower pace of life with more traditional pastimes and leisurely pursuits. For someone interested in a charming fashion that’s right for a stroll through the garden or an afternoon of embroidery, this is it.

What is cottagecore?

The cottagecore style is a pastoral, timeless style that evokes images of freshly plowed fields, home-baked bread, gently clucking chickens and profusions of fresh wildflowers. This distinctive fashion caters toward a general feeling of getting back to one’s roots, living more closely with nature and enjoying time-honoured traditions from generations past. 

Cottagecore is breezy, comfortable and a bit old-fashioned. Even new cottagecore pieces tend to look like they come from a vintage shop. This style carries a distinct sense of comfort, peace and timelessness. Perhaps it’s no wonder why cottagecore blossomed so readily in the wake of 2020 when feelings of security or familiarity were at a premium.

The benefits of cottagecore

Cottagecore is fashionable yet functional. The primary purpose of cottagecore styles is to facilitate a more traditional way of life. It’s not possible to find anything in this collection that’s stiff, tight or difficult to move in. The clothes in this style are perfectly accommodating for nearly any type of work.

Much like athleisure apparel, cottagecore suits those at home. The primary difference is that cottagecore clothing is also romantic and charming. While athleisure wear can make someone feel like they should be doing yoga or hopping on the exercise bike, cottagecore makes people feel like they should curl up with a good book, brew tea or pluck some fresh vegetables from the garden.

Cottagecore trends

Cottagecore for women includes plenty of breezy dresses with charming details such as cross-stitch embroidery, ruffled sleeves and lace edging. It’s possible to opt for homespun attire that’s evocative of pioneer days or go for something sheer, flowing and almost over-the-top in its femininity. Floral prints abound, as do simple neutrals such as white or khaki. For men, cottagecore apparel often involves dark khakis, open-necked button-down shirts and soft, cosy sweaters.

Accessorizing with cottagecore

Since cottagecore associates with functional applications, it’s usually paired with shoes that will get the job done. Think breezy summer dresses with durable boots. Wide-brimmed straw hats complement the look perfectly by adding to the rustic appeal while keeping the sun out of the face while tending the goats or weeding the garden. A patterned handkerchief over the hair adds colour to an outfit while also keeping stray hairs away from the baking. Any jewellery worn with this style, such as a small pendant, is usually understated.

Cottagecore may have evolved to cater to the slower days of 2020, but this trend is persisting as it offers a welcome sense of ease that’s still enjoyable as we recover from the trials of last year and find our way into a new normal.

The editorial unit