Cottage Core Style Aesthetic 🌿 { kibbe & seasonal color outfit ideas too!}

There are trends, fads, and aesthetics that sweep in quickly only to disappear within a matter of months.  And then some aesthetics seem to have a staying power.  They seem to resonate with people on a deeper level, and cottage core style is definitely among them. 

For the past few years, we’ve seen those quaint cottage images with a woman wearing a soft linen dress permeate more than just our screens.  We earn for the simplicity, the beauty, and the natural ease that this aesthetic exudes.

Now, we might not be able to abandon our corporate jobs, college term papers, or our busy mom lives and buy a cottage and read prose all day drinking tea… But we can infuse a bit of this calm, nostalgic style into our everyday style.

And the best news is that this style aesthetic has a wide spectrum that continues to grow so it not only works for a ton of different body types, and seasonal color palettes but also allows one that meets your lifestyle needs. 

So grab your cup of tea, a cozy spot on your front porch, and let’s get into it.  (Or, ya know, just pretend you’re there and continue reading, I’ll try to paint the picture for you!). 

What is the Cottage Core Trend? 

Cottagecore is more than a social media hashtag to rack up some likes, no. It’s an aesthetic and lifestyle trend inspired by a romanticized vision of Western agricultural life.

It’s essentially a back-to-nature idea. The picture of a cottage revolves around embracing a simple, slow-paced life, emphasizing sustainability and self-sufficiency.

In part, the revert to suburban life is a reaction to capitalism and the screen-riddled hustle culture. It stands against past aesthetic trends focusing on technology and industrialization.

One typical characteristic of a cottagecore aesthetic is the presence of handcrafted and vintage items. It covers everything, from gardening and cooking to fashion. You might have already partaken in these cottagecore activities without realizing it!

The Spectrum of the Cottage Core Trend 

So every trend usually has a variety of different ways to achieve it.  You have a spectrum of how it can be portrayed.  This is important to understand because it gives you a guiding point on how you might want to apply it to your style. And, it can help you decide how much effort you want to spend playing around with it.

If you find the entire spectrum appealing, then it might be something you want to explore more seriously and eventually consider part of your dream style goals. 

If you find only part of the spectrum interesting, then it might be best to apply it in smaller doses with little if no financial investment attached. 

It can also help you hone down on what it is about this trend that might be resonating in small ways so that you can carry them forward even if you decide the trend isn’t for you. 

Remember, trends are options! It is not mandated you try them and there is incredible strength and confidence in knowing “Hey, that’s just not for me!”.  Don’t feel FOMO!

Ok, so let’s look at the cottage core spectrum.  It’s an agricultural and natural-base motivated theme. 

So on one side, you have a very natural, outdoorsy functional style. Styles you could actually run a farm with, and live out in the middle of nowhere in.   Then you have some slightly more “Anthropologie” girl creeping in.  She’s a bit natural/romantic (if Kitchener essences are your thing) and we are seeing some loose dresses, and natural fibers, but a bit less believable that she’s chopping wood.  And then on the other side of this spectrum, we have the glamorized version of this trend.  It’s a little bit like if Vogue decided they wanted to do a cottage core photoshoot.  There’s a gorgeous dress, elaborate braids, and flowers in the hair.  

And there’s there is a lot of in between those three juncture points. 

I lay these out so you can get a feel for where you might want to play around with it, and how you might use your current wardrobe to achieve these looks. 

Maybe it’s as simple as throwing a flower in your hair braid. Or maybe you like the more rustic natural look with a touch more glamour in your hair and accessories.

Understanding your 4 outfit pillars can help you decide what is a good starting point as well. 

Cottage Core Style Basics 

Now we have a good idea of what cottage core outfits can look like, let’s go over some of the “essentials” that are common in this theme so that you can learn how to apply them to your unique style POV. 

I want us to get a good frame of reference for common hair, silhouettes, makeup, and accessories so that when we get to the body shape and seasonal color examples you can see how you might tweak or adjust these elements to fit your style toolbox best. 

Cottage Core Silhouettes

In cottagecore fashion, the silhouette embodies a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, drawing inspiration from vintage and rural aesthetics. Dresses often feature flowing, prairie-inspired designs with A-line or empire waist silhouettes, evoking a sense of pastoral charm and natural beauty. 

Skirts are commonly gathered or pleated, offering a relaxed yet elegant look reminiscent of countryside living.  They usually tend to be longer in the midi or maxi range.  But there are always ways to tweak this if you find shorter hem lengths work best for your body type.

When it comes to pants, cottagecore embraces comfortable and practical styles such as wide-leg trousers, cropped culottes, or high-waisted jeans, reflecting a laid-back and versatile approach to dressing. Overly fitted pants, like skinny jeans or leggings, are not typically found in this aesthetic. 

Jackets tend to be lightweight and unstructured, with options like denim or linen jackets, cardigans, or cozy knit sweaters, adding a layer of warmth and coziness to outfits. Shirts follow a similarly relaxed vibe, featuring loose-fitting blouses, peasant tops, or button-down shirts with gentle gathers or ruffles, emphasizing comfort and ease of movement while maintaining a romantic and whimsical aesthetic. 

Are you beginning to see the themes? The silhouette prioritizes comfort, versatility, and a connection to nature, allowing individuals to embrace a sense of rustic charm and timeless elegance in their attire.  Seeing the larger picture themes allow you to be able to apply those same things to your unique style preferences.  ( We encourage “rule breaking” and style as self-expression around here!) 

Cottage Core Fabrics

Fabrics play a pivotal role in defining this aesthetic and are hugely important to consider when building any outfit. 

Embracing natural materials, cottagecore enthusiasts often gravitate towards breathable and soft fabrics that evoke a sense of rustic charm and simplicity. Cotton, with its lightweight and versatile nature, is a staple choice, adorning everything from dresses to blouses in quaint floral prints or delicate eyelet lace. 

Linen, prized for its airy feel and timeless appeal, lends a casual elegance to cottagecore attire, seen in breezy skirts or relaxed-fit trousers.

 Wool, particularly in the form of chunky knit sweaters or cozy cardigans, adds warmth and texture, perfect for layering during brisk countryside strolls. 

Additionally, lightweight muslin, lace, and embroidered fabrics further enhance the romantic and handmade aesthetic of cottagecore fashion, evoking images of sun-dappled meadows and quaint cottage gardens. 

Textures and Prints 

Textures and Prints are one of the “4 pillars of outfit building” and are part of the details/finishes section.  These are the things that can help you bring an outfit from “kinda getting a vibe” to “yes, cottage core 1000%”. 

This theme often incorporates textured fabrics, soft laces, crochet, embroidery, and floral prints. These textures add depth and interest to garments, evoking a sense of handmade craftsmanship and rural beauty.

It can also include natural textures and soft knits.  The knitted texture connects on a deeper level too because we see a lot of “cottage core” living to include handmade elements and a focus on self-sustainable hobbies.  

Prints can range from antique florals, gingham prints, and some plaids, and anything with a slightly vintage nod is a good choice. Your print choice can affect where you fall on this trend “spectrum” so keep that in mind. If you lean more glamorous then the antique florals will be an easy yes.  Whereas if you want more natural, the plaids or ginghams might be more suitable. 

We want to stay away from super high-contrast prints and overly geometric prints.  And don’t worry if you’re in high contrast or bright season (seasonal color analysis), I’ll show some examples soon!

Details for Cottage Core

Certain details in your clothes can help you really master this aesthetic.  Delicate details such as ruffles, pin tucks, smocking, and lace trims are common in cottage core fashion. These details contribute to the vintage-inspired, whimsical aesthetic of cottage core attire.

You’ll also find soft ties or bows common in this look.  We aren’t going with small perky bows, but more of a natural shoelace-look bow. 

Shirring can also be a common detail in the blouses and dresses.  And small floral embroideries or natural embroideries are great.

Because the emphasis on self-sustaining is deeply intertwined in cottage living, elements like “darning” or patching your own clothes can give it an authentic look.  There’s a general mindset of let’s make what we have work for us. This is a fantastic approach for your wardrobe as well.  I encourage you to use style creativity or the croquis outfit approach to try and make this trend work for you instead of going out and buying a fast fashion alternative right away. 

Accessories that Help You Master This Dreamy Prairie Style

Wide-brimmed straw hats are quintessential to cottagecore fashion, evoking images of leisurely picnics in sun-drenched meadows. These hats not only offer protection from the sun but also add a charming and pastoral touch to outfits.

 Woven baskets or straw tote bags are practical yet charming accessories that evoke a sense of rustic simplicity. Perfect for carrying fresh produce, flowers, or picnic essentials, these bags add a touch of countryside charm to any outfit. I find canvas totes a nice alternative as well.  You can also lean more retro with this trend and go for some retro structured bags with natural motifs.

If you lean more glamorous with this style you might appreciate the bows or ribbons accessory. Thin ribbons can be used as hair ties, chokers, or belt accents, adding a whimsical and feminine touch to cottagecore ensembles. They offer a playful way to incorporate color and texture into outfits, echoing the carefree spirit of rural life.

For jewelry, it’s best to lean a bit more antique-inspired.  Pieces like lockets and brooches can be a great finishing touch. But you can also do more natural jewelry or handmade items depending on where you fall in this style trend spectrum.  Or jewelry that has some nature-inspired look like the leaf ring in the above collage. 

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Cottage Core Shoes 

Shoes in cottagecore fashion are chosen for their comfort, versatility, and ability to complement this return to simplicity trend. Here are some ideas: 

Mary Janes: Classic Mary Jane shoes with their rounded toe, low heel, and strap across the instep are popular choices in cottagecore fashion. These timeless shoes add a vintage-inspired touch to outfits and are often adorned with floral motifs or delicate detailing. T-shape styles are also a great option!

Ballet Flats: Simple ballet flats in soft, neutral tones are versatile staples in the cottagecore wardrobe. Their understated elegance and ease of wear make them ideal for pairing with dresses, skirts, or cropped trousers, adding a touch of femininity to outfits.

Boots: Boots in leather or suede are practical yet stylish footwear options for cottagecore enthusiasts. Whether adorned with laces, buckles, or floral embroidery, ankle boots add a rustic charm to outfits and provide warmth and support for countryside adventures.

Espadrilles: Espadrilles with their woven jute soles and canvas or leather uppers are perfect for channeling a relaxed, summertime vibe in cottage-core fashion. These casual shoes add a touch of bohemian flair to outfits and are ideal for picnics, garden walks, or leisurely strolls.

Oxford Shoes: Oxford shoes with their lace-up closure and low heel offer a vintage-inspired touch to cottagecore ensembles. Worn-in leather options are a great direction to try. 

Clogs: Traditional wooden clogs or modern interpretations with leather uppers are charming footwear options for cottagecore fashion. These sturdy shoes offer comfort and support for long days spent outdoors and add a rustic, artisanal flair to outfits.

Woven Sandals: Woven sandals with their natural materials and earthy tones are perfect for embracing the ease of this trend… Whether adorned with braided straps, floral embellishments, or delicate ties, woven sandals add a touch of summertime romance to outfits and are ideal for warm-weather outings. 

Cottage Core Hair 

With hair, we want to prioritize some softness or movement.  Hairstyles often feature gentle waves, loose braids, or tousled updos that evoke the carefree spirit of rural living. 

Relaxed waves, achieved through air-drying or minimal styling, add a touch of softness and movement to the hair, reminiscent of sun-kissed days spent outdoors. Braids are also a popular choice, whether adorned with wildflowers or left undone for a bohemian feel, adding a rustic charm to the overall look.

We want to avoid anything too severe or rigid, generally speaking. Slicked-back buns and wet-hair looks are better left for another trend. 

Cottage Core Makeup

 With makeup, the focus is on enhancing natural beauty with soft, subtle touches that evoke a fresh-faced, outdoorsy glow. The “no-makeup makeup” look is a cornerstone of this aesthetic, aiming to create a flawless complexion while maintaining a barely-there appearance. Tinted moisturizers or light coverage foundations are used to even out the skin tone, while concealer discreetly camouflages any imperfections. A hint of peachy blush applied to the apples of the cheeks adds a youthful flush, mimicking the rosy glow of a sun-kissed complexion. Eyes are kept soft and understated, with neutral eyeshadows in earthy tones and a coat of mascara to define the lashes. Lips are often adorned with a sheer tint or nude lipstick for a subtle pop of color. 

For a more glamorous take on cottagecore makeup, soft smoky eyes with earthy hues, defined brows, and a dewy highlighter on the high points of the face can elevate the look while still maintaining a natural and effortless vibe. A touch of shimmer on the eyelids or a glossy lip adds a hint of allure, perfect for special occasions or evening outings in the countryside.

Some people like to add a “sun-kissed” effect with freckles or bronzer, but make sure this suits your overall vibes.  

Apply Cottage Core Trends to Body Types and Seasonal Color 

A trend can be a fun exploration into what is possible for your style, and if it’s a deeply ingrained style goal (like I talk about in this video), then it’s worth sorting out how to apply it to your best colors and your body type. 

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should help you see how all of these outfits generally reflect the traditional style lines of each kibbe id. (But, don’t be confined by these base examples!). Yet they prioritize different elements of the trend. 

Similarly, we can see that any seasonal color palette can do their own version of this trend, it might just have a slightly different effect overall.

Where these looks fall on the spectrum of cottagecore depends on the overall vibes of each body type or season.  But look at this as a proof of concept that there isn’t “one way” to do a trend.  And that customization and exploration for your own style should always be the priority

When you open the doors for new aesthetics that resonate with you on a personal level, every garment becomes an opportunity for self-expression and exploration.  Embrace this opportunity to weave a unique narrative through your clothes. 

You might find yourself buying that cottage, frolicking in fields, or enjoying a good book by the fireplace in no time.