Cottagecore Aesthetic 101: Your Guide to this Cosy Lifestyle

Imagine you are in the countryside, sitting on the porch of a quaint cottage surrounded by farmland. You have a cup of tea in your hand, watching the flowers bloom in the meadow while ducks swim in the pond. Your sourdough bread is rising in the kitchen, and on your armchair in the reading nook, you have a half-knitted jumper. You enjoy every day as it comes, and you feel grateful for living a slower-paced life.

This is Cottagecore.

Some people consider cottagecore to be a mere lifestyle trend, but for others, it represents an idyllic, romantic way of life that involves reducing one’s dependence on capitalism and debt. By learning new skills and spending less time on technology, people can find inner peace and happiness through traditional means and connecting with nature.

I don’t know about you, but I’m here for it!

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What is Cottagecore?

While I have described cottagecore above in my own words, this is a summary of how it is described online:

“Cottagecore” is a popular trend that has gained popularity in recent years. It celebrates a simpler, more idyllic way of life and emphasises nature, simplicity, and cosiness. This trend is characterised by enchanting home aesthetics, whimsical fashion style, and a heart-warming lifestyle, making it unique and special.

If you search for cottagecore on Pinterest, you will see pictures of beautiful meadows and gardens filled with colourful flowers. You will also see images of girls wearing peasant blouses and flowy skirts, as well as charming tea sets and quaint cottages in the countryside. You will see ducks frolicking in ponds. Oh, and don’t forget about the florals – there are plenty of floral patterns to be found!

Let’s explore all the different ways that cottagecore is incorporated into life.

Cottagecore Home – Cosiness and Quaint Charm

Cottagecore is all about creating a cosy and inviting home that exudes warmth and comfort. Imagine a charming cottage nestled amidst a picturesque countryside, with lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and hills rolling into the distance. To bring this idyllic aesthetic to life in your space, you can focus on incorporating elements such as rustic furniture, floral prints, vintage decor, and soft lighting.

If you’re on the interior side of Instagram or TikTok, you may have noticed the rise of Nancy Meyer’s interior style in the spotlight. She is known for her homely interior decorating in the films she’s directed, like “The Holiday” or “It’s Complicated”. She creates an inviting and warming atmosphere using cosy furniture, warm colour palettes, fresh baking, books lots of books and a range of textiles from linens to stripes.

So, how can you embrace a cottagecore style in your home? Well, let me help guide you (if you can’t tell already, I’m very passionate about this)

Infuse your home with natural materials like wood, stone, and cotton. Opt for wooden furniture, stone countertops, and soft cotton linens to create a rustic and inviting atmosphere. Embrace the beauty of nature with floral prints and patterns. Incorporate pretty wallpaper, cushions, and curtains to make things cosy.

Illuminate your space with soft, warm lighting. Use fairy lights, candles, and table lamps to create a cosy ambience that mimics the gentle glow of a countryside sunset.

Scour thrift shops and flea markets for vintage furniture and décor pieces. Mixing old and new items adds character to your space and enhances the cottagecore charm. Ask your grandma for some of her old crockery. Add some cane baskets as storage around your home.

Integrate potted plants, herbs, and bouquets of wildflowers into your home. Not only do they add a touch of nature, but they also contribute to a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

By combining these elements, you can create a home that is warm and inviting.

Cottagecore Fashion Style – Whimsical, Comfortable, and Timeless

Cottagecore fashion is an extension of the cosy and rustic home aesthetic. It emphasises the values of comfort, simplicity, and a whimsical touch. Taylor Swift’s album ‘Folklore’ is the perfect example of cottagecore fashion. She wears relaxed dresses, oversized knitted cardigans, and plaid prints and wears her hair natural and curly.

Here’s a guide on what to wear:

• Flowy dresses
• Sweaters and cardigans
• Relaxed accessories
• Muted colour tones & prints
• Relaxed outerwear

Choose dresses with floral prints, ruffles, and flowing silhouettes. Layer them with oversized sweaters and cardigans.  Add vintage-inspired accessories like straw hats, lace-up boots, and delicate dainty jewellery. Remember to stick to a colour palette inspired by nature, including earthy tones and soft pastels. Nothing is too structured. It’s about being whimsical and cosy but also functional. So it’s best to invest in practical yet stylish outerwear, like trench coats, duffle coats, and quilted jackets.

Here are some of my favourite brands for cottagecore clothing:

• Spell & The Gypsy Collective
• Reformation
• Doen
• Ruby Jude
• Madewell
• Free People
• Anthropologie
• Sézane
• & Other Stories

A Cottagecore Lifestyle – Embracing Simplicity and Connection

While we’ve only been talking about aesthetics so far, living a cottagecore lifestyle goes beyond this. It’s about cultivating a mindset that values simplicity, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the world around you. It’s a way of homemaking.

Embrace the beauty of the outdoors with leisurely walks through parks, forests, or meadows. Pack a picnic basket with homemade treats and enjoy the simplicity of nature with your family and friends. Find joy in cooking and baking with fresh, local ingredients. cottagecore living often involves making homemade jams, bread, and other delights that bring warmth and comfort.

Learn new skills for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, like gardening, sewing, knitting, canning, homesteading or embroidery. The cottagecore lifestyle encourages handmade and personalised crafts that reflect your individuality.

Build a strong sense of community by getting to know your neighbours and supporting local artisans and small businesses! Attend farmers’ markets and community events.

And most importantly practice mindfulness and gratitude in your daily life. Take time to appreciate the small moments, whether it’s sipping a cup of tea by the fireplace or watching the sunset from your porch.

Cottagecore is more than just a trend. It’s a lifestyle that invites individuals to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and create a space that feels like a comforting retreat. By embracing the cottagecore home aesthetic, fashion style, and lifestyle, you can infuse your life with a sense of whimsy, simplicity, and timeless charm.

So, whether you’re decorating your home, updating your wardrobe, or seeking a more intentional way of living, cottagecore offers a delightful journey into the enchanting world of cosiness and connection.