What Is Cottagecore?
23 Jul 2024
An anti-capitalist aesthetic that is conquering Instagram and TikTok right now. This summer, social networks are literally overflowing with pastoral scenes: picnics on the grassland with cheese, wine, and baguette, an open book on a patchwork blanket, and girls in light pastel dresses against a background of fields and forests. Like all internet trends, this one quickly acquired a name: cottagecore. You've probably gotten used to the fact that most microtrends now get the suffix “core”.
Go to grandma's house in the countryside and never be online again! Sounds tempting, but you can start embracing the cottagecore aesthetic in a less radical way. For example, put on a floral dress, pick up a straw basket, and go shopping for fruits and vegetables at the local farmer's market instead of the supermarket. Or tie a headscarf on your head, pull on a denim jumpsuit, and have a picnic with your girlfriends in the city park. It is sympathized by teenagers who would rather prefer your grandmother's lifestyle and certainly wouldn't resent being offered a vegetable garden.
If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with various trends in fashion and culture, let's find out what is behind the mysterious term cottagecore! We tell you what it is and why this rural life aesthetic has become so popular.
Go to grandma's house in the countryside and never be online again! Sounds tempting, but you can start embracing the cottagecore aesthetic in a less radical way. For example, put on a floral dress, pick up a straw basket, and go shopping for fruits and vegetables at the local farmer's market instead of the supermarket. Or tie a headscarf on your head, pull on a denim jumpsuit, and have a picnic with your girlfriends in the city park. It is sympathized by teenagers who would rather prefer your grandmother's lifestyle and certainly wouldn't resent being offered a vegetable garden.
If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with various trends in fashion and culture, let's find out what is behind the mysterious term cottagecore! We tell you what it is and why this rural life aesthetic has become so popular.
What Is the Cottagecore Aesthetic?
Cottagecore (sometimes called “countrycore” or “farmcore”) which is derived from English words describing a rural lifestyle) romanticizes life in harmony with nature outside the city and the corresponding rural lifestyle, which is manifested not only in clothing but also in the interior of houses. This core aesthetic is often compared to Danish hügge. But with its own unique characteristics.
Unlike some aesthetic trends, cottagecore has a full-fledged philosophy. It is a visual trend that is based on the romanticization of rural life. It glorifies traditional crafts - ceramics, baking, gardening; unity with nature; and simplicity of country vacations. Gardening and thinking about nature have become the most peaceful activities in this world full of chaos. In it, people seek solace, a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a more ecological and conscious approach to life, learn to enjoy the moments, and see the beauty in things around them. This hobby is especially attractive to residents of large cities with poor ecology, where the culture of achievement and active development of technology prevails, alienating people from the natural rhythm of nature and a moderate lifestyle based on the change of seasons.
Unlike some aesthetic trends, cottagecore has a full-fledged philosophy. It is a visual trend that is based on the romanticization of rural life. It glorifies traditional crafts - ceramics, baking, gardening; unity with nature; and simplicity of country vacations. Gardening and thinking about nature have become the most peaceful activities in this world full of chaos. In it, people seek solace, a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a more ecological and conscious approach to life, learn to enjoy the moments, and see the beauty in things around them. This hobby is especially attractive to residents of large cities with poor ecology, where the culture of achievement and active development of technology prevails, alienating people from the natural rhythm of nature and a moderate lifestyle based on the change of seasons.
How Did It Get so Popular?
Where did this sudden love of romanticizing village life come from? This trend did not appear by chance! Cottagecore became a response to excessive consumption, mercantilism, the stresses of megacities, and other hardships of capitalism. And only in that part of it, which brings joy and pleasure: wildflowers, picnics in nature, beautiful clothes, healthy and tasty food, leisurely pastime for favorite hobbies (knitting, embroidery, sewing).
Numerous videos and photos with beautiful pictures of the pastoral way of life appeared on Instagram and the youth social network TikTok. People (mainly the younger generation) felt the urgent need for an island of safety, serenity, and peaceful beauty. The romanticization and aestheticization of village life leave out the rural reality - the need for hard work in the garden and fields, harvesting, caring for livestock, etc. Only the most pleasant and dear to the heart remains - picnics in nature, wildflowers, beautiful clothes, tasty and healthy food, and leisurely hobbies (for example, embroidery, sewing, knitting).
Why cottagecore appeared exactly now, it is difficult to say definitely. Most likely, there are several reasons. Perhaps it happened when it became obvious that, due to quarantine and COVID restrictions, spending time in your own home with a private outdoor space is much more pleasant and safe than being locked up for months in a city apartment.
However, cottagecore didn't originate in 2020, but a little earlier - in 2018. It was then that the first mentions appeared on Instagram about the new trend, which can be seen as an answer to the stresses of megacities, mercantilism, and excessive consumption. The related hashtag on Tiktok has accumulated over 16 billion views.
People, among whom the majority is the younger generation, felt the need for peaceful beauty and serenity, the acute need for an island of safety. This led to the aestheticization of rural life, the desire to escape from the noisy and dangerous city to a quiet and peaceful place, to create something with their own hands.
Numerous videos and photos with beautiful pictures of the pastoral way of life appeared on Instagram and the youth social network TikTok. People (mainly the younger generation) felt the urgent need for an island of safety, serenity, and peaceful beauty. The romanticization and aestheticization of village life leave out the rural reality - the need for hard work in the garden and fields, harvesting, caring for livestock, etc. Only the most pleasant and dear to the heart remains - picnics in nature, wildflowers, beautiful clothes, tasty and healthy food, and leisurely hobbies (for example, embroidery, sewing, knitting).
Why cottagecore appeared exactly now, it is difficult to say definitely. Most likely, there are several reasons. Perhaps it happened when it became obvious that, due to quarantine and COVID restrictions, spending time in your own home with a private outdoor space is much more pleasant and safe than being locked up for months in a city apartment.
However, cottagecore didn't originate in 2020, but a little earlier - in 2018. It was then that the first mentions appeared on Instagram about the new trend, which can be seen as an answer to the stresses of megacities, mercantilism, and excessive consumption. The related hashtag on Tiktok has accumulated over 16 billion views.
People, among whom the majority is the younger generation, felt the need for peaceful beauty and serenity, the acute need for an island of safety. This led to the aestheticization of rural life, the desire to escape from the noisy and dangerous city to a quiet and peaceful place, to create something with their own hands.
Key Characteristics of Cottagecore
Cottagecore includes many styles of completely different eras and locations: Georgian, Edwardian, country, American prairie style, boho-chic, different ethnic (a la russe, Bavarian, etc.) and peasant, rustic styles. To better understand this fashion trend, you can turn to Sofia Coppola's films, adaptations of Jane Austen's novels, or publications on social networks under the corresponding hashtag. You need flying blouses with voluminous sleeves, just like those in which in the XIX century were engaged in household chores: baking bread, and tending the garden. Let's just name the main signs of cottagecore aesthetics.
✅Natural fabrics
Cottagecore aesthetics is largely based on a return to the roots, to the real thing. Followers of the style often sew their outfits from natural fabrics, knit with crochet or needles, and make jewelry with their own hands.
Now products from natural fabrics (cotton, linen, hemp, jute) are easier to find in second-hand or small boutiques. The product should feel good on the skin. Do a test: would you be able to sleep in this dress? If it feels like pajamas, you've made the right choice.
✅Head accessories
Followers of the style love to decorate hairstyles or hair with unusual jewelry. First, it is practical: if you spend all day in the field or the sun, a hat or cap is necessary. Secondly, it is beautiful and makes any image romantic.
✅Clothes with floral prints
This is the starting point for any cottagecore outfit. The more authentic (read - vintage and rustic) the dress, skirt, or blouse, the more genuine the look will come out.
Be sure to look at the cut. It's easy to find a floral dress now, but the 80s are also in fashion now, which goes against the rustic style. Look at the neckline: the neckline should be round, open the collarbones, and the sleeves are better to choose free.
The longer the better. Our goal is to run beautifully on the field so that the skirt fluttered. So do not be afraid to choose a floor-length hem, it is appropriate here.
✅Simple shoes
No balenciagas or stilettos with garters. We bet on comfortable ballet flats, oxfords, and loafers (but not black, and more “earthy” colors - brown, green, gray), and combine them with socks or cute socks. And in general, shoes are for wimps: real cottage-corners go barefoot :)
✅Picnic items
Picnic is one of the main subjects of cottagecore. A snack in nature often consists of fruit, croissants, and wine in a wicker basket, sometimes the image is complemented by tea from a beautiful set or a colorful dessert.
✅Vintage style
Behind the apparent simplicity of cottagecore lies exquisite things that may not have existed in real peasant life.
✅Natural fabrics
Cottagecore aesthetics is largely based on a return to the roots, to the real thing. Followers of the style often sew their outfits from natural fabrics, knit with crochet or needles, and make jewelry with their own hands.
Now products from natural fabrics (cotton, linen, hemp, jute) are easier to find in second-hand or small boutiques. The product should feel good on the skin. Do a test: would you be able to sleep in this dress? If it feels like pajamas, you've made the right choice.
✅Head accessories
Followers of the style love to decorate hairstyles or hair with unusual jewelry. First, it is practical: if you spend all day in the field or the sun, a hat or cap is necessary. Secondly, it is beautiful and makes any image romantic.
✅Clothes with floral prints
This is the starting point for any cottagecore outfit. The more authentic (read - vintage and rustic) the dress, skirt, or blouse, the more genuine the look will come out.
Be sure to look at the cut. It's easy to find a floral dress now, but the 80s are also in fashion now, which goes against the rustic style. Look at the neckline: the neckline should be round, open the collarbones, and the sleeves are better to choose free.
The longer the better. Our goal is to run beautifully on the field so that the skirt fluttered. So do not be afraid to choose a floor-length hem, it is appropriate here.
✅Simple shoes
No balenciagas or stilettos with garters. We bet on comfortable ballet flats, oxfords, and loafers (but not black, and more “earthy” colors - brown, green, gray), and combine them with socks or cute socks. And in general, shoes are for wimps: real cottage-corners go barefoot :)
✅Picnic items
Picnic is one of the main subjects of cottagecore. A snack in nature often consists of fruit, croissants, and wine in a wicker basket, sometimes the image is complemented by tea from a beautiful set or a colorful dessert.
✅Vintage style
Behind the apparent simplicity of cottagecore lies exquisite things that may not have existed in real peasant life.
Whimsical Cottagecore Outfits
If last summer celebrities and fashion influencers constantly flashed ultra-short minis, stilettos, neon colors, and tie-dye, then with the development of the popularity of cottage-core in the closet of many appeared knitted cardigans, dresses in small flowers, panamas, and loose jeans - the first place in the duet with aesthetics came comfort. So how can you create cottagecore outfits? Keep reading and you will find out.
“Dad” style
Aesthetics suggests that we shouldn't spend a lot of time creating an image - throw on something comfortable and go. And who worries the least about appearance? Dad, when he repairs something at the cottage or goes fishing! Take an example from him, or from your brother, or your brother's boyfriend, or from your girlfriend who adores oversized shirts and faded jeans.
Oversize is all yours. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always emphasize your waist with a huge belt or scarf; Old clothes. You don't have to run to the store for the next sweater: ask a relative or friend, buy it second-hand, or swap it at a swap meet. Responsible consumption is another important part of the cottagecore philosophy.
Cozy nanny sweater
What could be better than a cozy, warm sweater that will wrap you up and give you a sense of peace of mind? That's right, nothing! In the conditions of urban everyday life, we suggest combining it with corduroy and no less bright pants, which are also responsible for your good mood ;), and rough boots.
Milky voluminous sweater
Yes, cottagecore style sweaters are not only colorful! The main element of this style of sweater is the “as if grandma knitted it” effect. And the voluminous milk sweater creates such a cozy effect and is perfect for your everyday looks.
Knitted vest
Here we smoothly approached another indispensable element of cottagecore style - a knitted vest. And by the way, they are the ones that fit perfectly into the everyday urban closet. We suggest styling them with leather pants, a shirt, and loafers.
Outfits in this aesthetic are often complemented with Cossacks, straw hats, wicker bags, and other attributes of romantic country life. But the main role is still played by dresses: we tell you what kind of dresses they are.
Floral dresses for classic cottagecore
If you want to feel like a heroine of a fairy tale, then we advise you to try on a romantic midi in florals - well, just a dream of childhood. A dress with a double-layer skirt and a fitted top can be perfect for a date or a picnic with friends - we would definitely go hunting for such a miracle lot!
Floral prints do not require additional accents, so we suggest you pay attention to monochrome sandals in the color of the pattern. And hair can be gathered in the back in a ponytail or braid, tying a ribbon. In this case, massive earrings or large rings will look inappropriate, although they are the trend of the last seasons - neat carnations and one or two thin rings, on the contrary, will make the look more refined.
Colorful dresses with lantern sleeves
If you are not in the mood for floral dresses, then pastel pink, soft blue, lavender, and pistachio are the perfect shades for a cottagecore style dress. Choose them and you won't go wrong. But you'll have to experiment with styles to find your perfect dress. Be sure to try on a model with a high waist and skirt A-silhouette: they have one great property - visually lengthened legs. Just imagine how you can elongate your silhouette if you complement your new dress with high-heeled sandals!
Layered white lace skirt
Skirts with embroidery or lace on the hem look even more interesting when the skirt has several layers. You can make up a variety of summer cottagecore outfits with such models. For example, if you put on high-heeled loafers and a tweed jacket, you will get a great outfit for going out with friends or a romantic evening with a young man. In this case, we suggest collecting your hair in a high ponytail, and as accessories try on large metal earrings.
But we know another cool option, how to wear “vintage” dresses with lace layered skirts. On top of the dress, we suggest putting on a contrasting oversized T-shirt with a grunge-style print, complementing the combination with tall boots or rough boots. Just put on dark glasses - and a stylish spring outfit is ready!
“Dad” style
Aesthetics suggests that we shouldn't spend a lot of time creating an image - throw on something comfortable and go. And who worries the least about appearance? Dad, when he repairs something at the cottage or goes fishing! Take an example from him, or from your brother, or your brother's boyfriend, or from your girlfriend who adores oversized shirts and faded jeans.
Oversize is all yours. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always emphasize your waist with a huge belt or scarf; Old clothes. You don't have to run to the store for the next sweater: ask a relative or friend, buy it second-hand, or swap it at a swap meet. Responsible consumption is another important part of the cottagecore philosophy.
Cozy nanny sweater
What could be better than a cozy, warm sweater that will wrap you up and give you a sense of peace of mind? That's right, nothing! In the conditions of urban everyday life, we suggest combining it with corduroy and no less bright pants, which are also responsible for your good mood ;), and rough boots.
Milky voluminous sweater
Yes, cottagecore style sweaters are not only colorful! The main element of this style of sweater is the “as if grandma knitted it” effect. And the voluminous milk sweater creates such a cozy effect and is perfect for your everyday looks.
Knitted vest
Here we smoothly approached another indispensable element of cottagecore style - a knitted vest. And by the way, they are the ones that fit perfectly into the everyday urban closet. We suggest styling them with leather pants, a shirt, and loafers.
Outfits in this aesthetic are often complemented with Cossacks, straw hats, wicker bags, and other attributes of romantic country life. But the main role is still played by dresses: we tell you what kind of dresses they are.
Floral dresses for classic cottagecore
If you want to feel like a heroine of a fairy tale, then we advise you to try on a romantic midi in florals - well, just a dream of childhood. A dress with a double-layer skirt and a fitted top can be perfect for a date or a picnic with friends - we would definitely go hunting for such a miracle lot!
Floral prints do not require additional accents, so we suggest you pay attention to monochrome sandals in the color of the pattern. And hair can be gathered in the back in a ponytail or braid, tying a ribbon. In this case, massive earrings or large rings will look inappropriate, although they are the trend of the last seasons - neat carnations and one or two thin rings, on the contrary, will make the look more refined.
Colorful dresses with lantern sleeves
If you are not in the mood for floral dresses, then pastel pink, soft blue, lavender, and pistachio are the perfect shades for a cottagecore style dress. Choose them and you won't go wrong. But you'll have to experiment with styles to find your perfect dress. Be sure to try on a model with a high waist and skirt A-silhouette: they have one great property - visually lengthened legs. Just imagine how you can elongate your silhouette if you complement your new dress with high-heeled sandals!
Layered white lace skirt
Skirts with embroidery or lace on the hem look even more interesting when the skirt has several layers. You can make up a variety of summer cottagecore outfits with such models. For example, if you put on high-heeled loafers and a tweed jacket, you will get a great outfit for going out with friends or a romantic evening with a young man. In this case, we suggest collecting your hair in a high ponytail, and as accessories try on large metal earrings.
But we know another cool option, how to wear “vintage” dresses with lace layered skirts. On top of the dress, we suggest putting on a contrasting oversized T-shirt with a grunge-style print, complementing the combination with tall boots or rough boots. Just put on dark glasses - and a stylish spring outfit is ready!
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