Cottagecore Aesthetic: What It Is & How to Get the Look
Cottagecore is slow, handmade country life, wherever you actually live.
Cottagecore is a daydream about simple rural living: baking bread, pressing flowers, mending a sweater, reading under a tree. It named itself on Tumblr around 2018 and grew fast when many people were stuck at home. You do not need a farm. A jar of wildflowers and a homemade loaf get you most of the way.
Key traits: Gentle, Hands-on, Nature-loving.
Cottagecore colour palette
Key elements of Cottagecore
| Category | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Fashion | Prairie and puff-sleeve dresses, Hand-knit cardigans, Gingham and small florals, Straw hats, woven baskets |
| Music vibe | Indie folk, Acoustic guitar, Gentle singer-songwriters |
| Room decor | Quilts and patchwork, Dried flowers in jars, Mismatched teacups, Window herbs |
| Activities | Baking, Gardening or windowsill growing, Embroidery, Picnics |
How to do Cottagecore on a budget
- Buy a second-hand cotton dress or a large shirt and wear it belted. Charity shops are full of florals.
- Grow basil, mint or chives from seed on a windowsill for the price of a packet.
- Make your own "vase" from a washed pasta-sauce jar and pick flowers or leaves from a walk.
- Learn one simple bake, like soda bread or scones, instead of buying decor.
Any body, any gender and any budget can do this. Take what you like and skip the rest.
Good to know
- Often linked with goblincore and dark academia in write-ups on internet aesthetics.
Related aesthetics
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Take the quizCottagecore FAQ
Do I have to live in the countryside for cottagecore?
No. It is a mood, not an address. City flats can do it with plants, handmade textiles and slower weekends.
Where did cottagecore start?
The word was used on Tumblr around 2018 and spread on TikTok and Instagram in 2020, according to Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia: Cottagecore