Cottagecore Outfits: Everything You Need to Know

When the weather feels chilly and travel outside the city awaits us, it’s hard not to think of a timeless style mixed with some rustic chic appeal for our unwinding sojourn style.

With more and more of us embracing the idea of a less-hectic and balanced life, the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic still dominates the popular zeitgeist as well as the fashion industry today. While fashion trends change with the seasons, the retro-chic cottagecore remains the perfect fall aesthetic, allowing you to combine countryside charm with modern elegance as you navigate the busy metropolis.

If you’re wondering what cottagecore is all about and more importantly how to incorporate it in your daily looks, here's everything you need to know about the viral fashion trend.

What is Cottagecore Fashion?

The cottagecore movement first appeared on Tumblr in 2018, but it gained massive popularity during the pandemic as more of us embraced a simpler way of life. However, cottagecore is not just about fashion; it also includes interior décor, gardening, food, and arts and crafts. However, each element is rooted in a deep nostalgia for simpler times and the idyllic countryside life of yore.

Cottagecore fashion, as seen on social media, celebrates clothing with romantic details, whimsical florals, and vintage charm. You have likely spotted the look on your feed, with floral dresses paired with earthy-toned boots, finished with straw hats and antique jewellery.

While the aesthetic is simple and straightforward on its own, pairing pieces that truly captures the cottagecore vibe can be confusing if you are unsure where to start or what to incorporate.

Cottagecore Outfits: Fabrics, Designs & Details

Embracing simplicity is the foundation of cottagecore fashion, but the whimsical style should evoke a sense of romance, nature, femininity, and comfort.

Did you know that cottagecore fashion actually echoes styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries? It is no surprise, then, that cottagecore outfits often include nods to the past. Flowing maxi dresses, loose and comfortable blouses, floral skirts, high-waisted trousers, cardigans, oversized blazers, and jackets can all be incorporated into your cottagecore wardrobe.

The key is to bring in the whimsical, romantic vintage charm by paying attention to design details. Cottagecore silhouettes often feature long, flowing shapes with empire, A-line, or fit-and-flare cuts. For fabrics, it is best to stick to natural, breathable materials such as linen, cotton, and muslin, which you can find in luxury brands like Zimmermann and Loewe.

Once you have the basic silhouette, it is time to focus on patterns and details. Cottagecore is known for florals, but gingham, stripes, and toile prints are also quintessential motifs, giving outfits a handmade, vintage feel. Romantic details such as ruffles, puff sleeves, bows, lace, and embroidery on dresses and blouses will complete the look.

For palettes, cottagecore fundamentally leans into nature-inspired hues, dominated by neutrals, earthy tones, and pastels. Shades like sage green, brown, beige, blush pink, lavender, and sky blue can be easily mixed and matched as long as they remain balanced. For example, you can use neutral colours as a base and pair them with delicate pastels or warm earth tones without ever going overboard with striking contrasts.

These details can also be applied to handbags and shoes, with fashion houses like Gucci and Tod’s offering a range of stunning designer pieces.

Where to wear them?

You might be surprised to learn that this aesthetic is versatile enough for many occasions, including the trendy cottagecore office outfits, or incorporating it when attending a garden or outdoor wedding, or simply for running daily errands. And if you’re channelling your inner Beyoncé, you can rock the comfortable, breezy style while making a statement on your own Hampton weekend getaway.

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