The Cottagecore Aesthetic: An Ultimate Guide
Alongside other popular trends, such as the soft girl, the cottagecore aesthetic has seen an uprise in interest. And it’s easy to see why. Cottagecore, or also known as farmcore and countrycore, is escapism in its most beautiful form. It embraces a simpler and slower pace of living life. The aesthetic also puts a big emphasis on the importance of having a sustainable way of being self-sufficient. And even though this trend has been around since the 2010s, it’s only recently been gaining popularity. It’s easy to see the appeal of wanting a life as a Studio Ghibli character, away from the noise of the city, frolicking in fields of flowers, especially after going through quarantine. You may have even unknowingly participated in many cottagecore activities. Things like baking bread, playing Animal Crossing, or even looking after plants all have strong cottagecore themes. Let’s learn a bit more about it.
Cottagecore is also known as farmcore and countrycore
What is a Cottagecore Aesthetic?
Cottagecore is inspired by a romanticized interpretation of a classic, agricultural lifestyle. As we mentioned, it centers around the idea of simple living, being in harmony with nature, comfort, space, and well-being. Themes that are also often associated with cottagecore are those of self-sufficiency, caring for everything around you, baking, and living a cozy lifestyle. Cooking, picking flowers, running through fields, looking after animals, reading, all this has big cottagecore energy. It’s an aesthetic inspired from a sense of nostalgia for a rural countryside life. Just as the name suggests, in a cottage in the middle of the woods, or in a forest. Anything that involves the outdoors and finding peace and comfort in nature is very cottagecore.
Cottagecore centers around the idea of simple living
DIY
The aesthetic also has strong inclinations towards crafting and DIY, thrifting, and mending. Evidence for this is the profusion of handmade quilts, tapestry kits, knitting patterns, handmade jewelry, pottery, and the bouquets of hand-picked flowers all over social media. This aesthetic welcomes the beauty of nature’s imperfections.
DIY is a big part of the cottagecore aesthetic
Movement
The cottagecore movement is a type of reaction against the capitalist-consumerist society and the problematic increase of time we spend glued to screens. The movement is one of wellness and sustainability. Cottagecore attempts in its own way to assuage burnout with the passive enjoyments of daily mundane tasks.
It’s a movement of wellness and sustainability
Overall Take
Overall the concept of cottagecore embraces a sustainable, harmonious life, while the aesthetic gives a nod to the traditional English countryside lifestyle, one filled with romance and nostalgia. It reflects a desire to live a quiet, straightforward lifestyle which in its own way gives a rewarding feeling.
Cottagecore reflects a desire to live a quiet, straightforward lifestyle
Cottagecore Color Palette
So, what type of color palette should we go for in order to achieve a cottagecore aesthetic? As cottagecore is so heavily intertwined with nature, earthy colors are a must. The great thing about this concept is that since nature is filled with beautiful variants of colors, you have quite a lot of freedom when it comes to the palette. Think greens, crispy whites, pretty pinks, browns, oranges. There are plenty of colors to choose from. Here is an example palette for inspiration.
Nature is filled with beautiful variants of colors
Cottagecore Aesthetic Clothes
If you enjoy this type of trend, and you want to change up your wardrobe, check out these outfits. Learn the basics on how to dress like a real cottagecore girl no matter the season! The cottagecore fashion is at its most simple definition – loose-fitting, flowy skirts and dresses, long puffy sleeves. Things like chunky sweaters, knitted cardigans, linen pants and overalls are also very popular in this aesthetic. You can also see a lot of patterns like florals, stripes, paisley, and gingham. Think rural, farm cutie. Also try shopping second hand to find unique, vintage, cottagecore pieces.
Cottagecore fashion by the most simple definition is loose-fitting, flowy skirts and dresses, puffy sleeves.
Classic Cottagecore
For a classic look you can include things like a cable knit sweater or cardigan, a flowy skirt, some accessories that embrace natural recourses, some Birkenstocks sandals. Find a dress with some puffed sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. There are many possibilities.
A classic cottagecore look
Working in the Garden
Living the true cottagecore life, you will want to embrace the messier side of it. Create outfits inspired by going out in nature. Whether you’re hiking, gardening or just going on a walk, why not put on some overalls, put a bandana as a hair wrap and get lost in the magic.
Create outfits inspired by going out in nature
Casual Cottagecore
If you like the idea of cottagecore, but don’t want to look too much like a Jane Austen character, you can incorporate just some of the aesthetic’s elements. Put a flowery blouse over some loose-fitting jeans, add a pair of Oxford shoes for a romantic vibe. Some low-key cottagecore pieces.
Incorporate just some of the aesthetic’s elements in your every day outfits
Princesscore
Princesscore is a fashion trend evolved from cottagecore. This is the most glamorous version of the aesthetic. If you want to have an elevated look you can wear elegant dresses, pretty pearl-like earrings, and soft handbags.
This is the most glamorous version of the aesthetic
Vintage Cottagecore
Since cottagecore is inspired mainly by the romantic, vintage charm and looks of the 30s and 50s, try finding some vintage pieces in thrift stores. Find some collared blouses, pinafore dresses and some Mary Jane shoes to create the vibe.
Find vintage pieces in thrift stores
Garden Party
You can party even if you’re isolated in the woods. Whether you’re having a tea party, attending a wedding, need some birthday outfits, or just want to feel a bit more glamours, there are plenty of cool fits. A corset with a midi skirt and a flower crown will definitely give you a cottagecore look.
Experiment with colors
Office Cottagecore
Sadly, we can’t all retreat to a beautiful forest cottage and live off the grid, picking berries and making art. Most of us still have to go to work. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some cottagecore vibes to your fits. Try some corduroy pants, an embroidered cardigan and some cute heels.
Add some cottagecore vibes to your office attire
Cottagecore House
Why not redecorated your home, or even just the dining room to fit your cottagecore vision? After all, the aesthetic is all about comfort and coziness, and who doesn’t want that vibe in their house? So, let’s see some ideas on how to give your house a real farmcore makeover.
A cute, modern version of a cottage kitchen
Small Garden
If you don’t have a house with a garden, or you live in an apartment, you can still bring in some nature in your space. Plant some wildflowers or herbs such as lavender, basil, rosemary in some pots on the windowsill, or in your backyard, if you have one.
There are many plants that will do just fine in your apartment as well
Unique, Craft Materials
Since crafting is a big part of the movement, search for items that are one-of-a-kind. Items that can only be made or sourced by specific craft makers. Find local furniture, or hand-paint your own in some warm colors. Use accessories like handmade ceramics, rough plaster sculptures, hand painted art, knitted blankets, handpicked flowers and so on.
Find local furniture, or hand-paint your own
Natural, Sustainable Materials
Bring in plants into your home to evoke a cottagecore aesthetic. Use materials like wooden beams, stone, wool, linens, and sisal in accessories and upholstery. Things that emphasize nature.
Use natural materials, that are found in nature
Layer Textures
Use different types of textile to your benefit. Layer different types of textures and fabrics to bring a cozy, fireside warmth to the space. Use things like soft furnishings in wool, velvets, and linens. Rugs on the wall and artisanal woven wall hangings will also help bring the vibe.
Layer different types of textures and fabrics to bring a cozy, fireside warmth to the space
Cottagecore Recipes
Well now we have the looks, the house vibe, the color palette, all that’s left is to start embracing the cooking and baking part of this healthy lifestyle movement. And while sourdough bread and starters are a staple in the cottagecore aesthetic, today we will be showing you some simpler but still as delicious cottagecore treats!
Sourdough bread and starters are a staple in the cottagecore aesthetic
Mini Blueberry Tarts
If you are in the mood for something sweet, try out these super simple, yet affective mini blueberry tarts. They are the perfect treat if you are hosting or going to a tea party!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Blueberries
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 4 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 sheets Pie Crust
- 1 large Egg Yolk, Lightly Beaten
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Crush half the blueberries.
- Sift together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Add the mix of whole and crushed blueberries to the sugar, cornstarch mixture. Toss them. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crusts. Cut out six 4-1/2-inch circles. Press circles onto bottoms and up sides of greased muffin cups.
- Evenly spoon the blueberry mixture in the muffin cups.
- Cut out six 2-inch circles from the remaining crust, Place over the filling and brush it with yolk. Or don’t. It depends, how you want them to look.
- Bake them until the crust is golden and filing bubbles. From 13 to 17 minutes.
- Let them cool and remove from muffin cups.
- Garnish with blueberries.
Delicous mini blueberry tarts
Vegetable and Chèvre Quiché
As we mentioned having a garden is a big part of the movement, so what better way to use some of the vegetables you’ve been growing, than with a Quiché. Of course, if you don’t have a garden, or it’s winter time, you can also pop by the farmers market and support the locals by buying from them.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet Refrigerated Pie Crust
- 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 1 Small Eggplant, Cut into Small Pieces
- 1 Tomato, Cut into Small Pieces
- 2 Large Eggs and 2 Large Yolks
- 1 Pepper, Cut into Small Pieces
- 3/4 cup Half-and-Half Cream
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 log Goat Cheese, Crumbled
Method:
- Grease a 9-inch tart pan. Unroll the pie crust in the pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Line the crust with a double thickness foil. Fill it with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice.
- Bake it on a lower oven rack until the edges turn golden brown. About 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and remove foil and weights. Place once again in over and cook for 3 to 5 minutes longer. After that, cool it on a wire rack.
- In a bowl combine the pepper, eggplant, tomato, and garlic. Add in the oil and toss. Transfer them to a greased baking pan. Roast until tender. Between 15 and 20 minutes. Stir halfway.
- Reduce the oven settings to 375 degrees F. Spoon the roasted vegetables into the pie crust.
- In a bowl whisk the eggs, yolks, cream, salt, and pepper until it’s all blended.
- Pour the egg mixture over the roasted vegetables and top with some goat cheese.
- Bake on a lower oven rack on a baking sheer. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a knife near the center and if it comes out clean it’s done.
- If the edges are browning too fast, cover them with foil. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting it. Enjoy.
Pop by the farmers market and support the locals by buying from them
Those were all the tips, tricks, and ideas we have for you. We hope we helped you in your cottagecore journey. Now go out and be your true, authentic, cottagecore self!
Cottagecore attempts to assuage burnout with the passive enjoyments of daily mundane tasks
