Cottagecore Aesthetic
The cottagecore aesthetic is one of simple living in the modern era, accented with the scent of freshly baked bread and the lingering taste of homemade strawberry jam.
Cottagecore embraces rural countryside scenery and quaint village domesticity, with similar aesthetics to that of the 18th century Romanticism movement.
It’s an aesthetic based on a simple rural lifestyle and everything it entails, from spending days wandering through thicketed forests to favoring candlelight over electricity. Nature is the heart and soul of the cottagecore community and serves as a form of escapism from the hustle and bustle of real life.
That said, not all community members adhere to the same standards. Some focus on interior design and fashion, while others happily abandon the negative aspects of modern amenities in favor of rural life.
Cottagecore Aesthetic Design Motifs and Themes
- The romanticization of nature and pastoral life
- English countryside and French countryside-inspired interior design to create a “rural space” within the home
- Gardens, particularly meadow-style flowers and colorful vegetable plots
- Handicrafts with natural elements and beautiful details, such as cross-stitched wallhangings, tatted lace doilies, and fresh bouquets
- Botanical and agricultural imagery
- Favoring rural areas over urban ones
- Floral patterns, gingham, stripes, and paisley in a green color palette accented in warm tones
- Sustainable lifestyle choices, with an emphasis on handmade things and natural decorative elements
- Celebration of farm life, including caring for small flocks of livestock animals like chickens, goats, and sheep
- Rustic home decor in natural textiles and muted colors
- A return to home-cooked meals, with a specific emphasis on canning, preserving, and baking bread
- Rejection of modern life in favor of self-sufficiency
Cottagecore Fashion
Like Grandma’s vintage dishware come to life, cottagecore fashion is a healthy dose of floral prints in a naturalistic color palette.
Earthy tones and soft pastels dominate cottagecore outfits, along with “old-fashioned” silhouettes like that of a pinafore dress or peasant blouse.
These vintage cuts and sturdy fabrics not only serve to create the cottagecore vibe, but are also a practical choice for the cottage lifestyle, which often includes physical tasks such as foraging, gardening, carpentry, and cooking.
- Flowy dresses with long sleeves or butterfly sleeves
- Full skirt shilouettes
- Puff sleeves
- Oversized, crocheted sweaters or button-down shirts
- Knitted woolen socks
- Cardigans
- Wide-leg linen pants
- Long, wavy hair worn in braids or left loose
- Milkmaid-style tops
- Brimmed sun hats and bonnets
- Overalls
- Embroidered details
- Aprons
- Leather boots
Cottagecore Aesthetic Influential Media
Books
- The World of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
“Beatrix Potter loved the countryside and spent much of her childhood drawing and studying animals. The Tale of Peter Rabbit¸ published in 1902, was her first book, expanded from an illustrated letter she had sent to a young friend. Beatrix Potter went on to publish more than 20 tales and collections of rhymes.”
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
“If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler.”
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
“Lovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, spoiled Amy: these are hard lessons of poverty and of growing up in New England during the Civil War. Through their dreams, plays, pranks, letters, illnesses, and courtships, women of all ages have become a part of this remarkable family.”
- Heidi by Johanna Spyri
“Heidi is a girl of the majestic Swiss Alps [who] finds beauty and simple wisdom in nature.
- Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
” The timeless Little House series tells the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.”
Shows
“A plucky orphan whose passions run deep finds an unlikely home with a spinster and her soft-spoken bachelor brother. Based on “Anne of Green Gables.”
“David Suchet stars as the dapper, diminutive Belgian who solves the most serpentine cases with the sharpest of minds and the driest of wits.”
“Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious land and try to find their way home.”
Movies
“When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.”
“A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.”
“When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.”
“A young woman meets and falls in love with a young man who is part of a family of immortals.”
“A young, recently-orphaned girl is sent to England after living in India all of her life. Once there, she begins to explore her new, seemingly-isolated surroundings and its secrets.”
“A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out to find them.”
“A young novitiate is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.”
Cottagecore Aesthetic Resources and References
Internet Personalities and Social Media
- YouTuber The Green Witch
- YouTuber Hand & Harvest
- YouTuber TheCottageFairy
- Social Media Influencer Fordeabbey
- Social Media Influencer AClothesHorse
Spotify Playlists
- Cottagecore + Fairycore Aesthetic Songs + Spring Vibes by Indiemono
- cottagecore daydreams by Campbell Fauber
Subreddits and Tumblr Blogs
Pinterest Boards
- Cottagecore Fashion by For Home Atelier
- Cottagecore Aesthetic by Moon and Cottage
Podcasts
- Comfy Cozy Witch Podcast hosted by Jennie Blonde
- CottageCorner hosted by Marie Rapert