If you've recently spent an unhealthy amount of time on TikTok (like us), you've probably heard of the cottagecore aesthetic. Keep scrolling to find out how to live that life, without spending your 401K on acres of English farmland!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
What is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is an aesthetic movement focusing on traditional rural clothing, interior design, and crafts such as embroidery, foraging, baking, and pottery (Wiki). It romanticizes farm life without the burden of hay fever! First coined 'cottagecore' on Tumblr in 2018, we’ve since seen celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown and David Beckham trade in their high fashion for farm fashions. At it’s core ( HAHA! *insert dad joke*) it’s about escapism and reconnecting with nature, re-using/re-cycling, and embracing handcrafted items.
We’re so obsessed we even purchased The Sims™ 4 Cottage Living Expansion Pack so we can virtually milk cows, build cottages, and knit sweaters all weekend long. But if you're not a poser, like us, here are some fun ways to incorporate cottagecore trends into your everyday lifestyle!
Bring the Outside...In!
It's cold out there! Embrace the outdoors...inside! Adding plants improves your air quality and adds natural texture to your cottagecore home. Start with some hanging plants, potted herbs, or dried floral accents.
Unsure where to find plants? Check out your local plant nursery, farmer's market, or hardware store. Personally we've found sound advice from local plant nurseries. They always take the time to explain the in's and out's of keeping plants alive. However in a pinch, we buy our planting soil and pots from Home Depot because of the affordable prices!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Photo Credit: Dee Campling
If you want to ease into indoor gardening consider reading some books about it. Here is our favorite pick: 'How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged' by Veronica Peerless. A bestselling book full of incredible tips for every plant parent.
Photo Credit: Veronica Peerless : $14.99
If you're living in a smaller space or you're a self-proclaimed plant serial killer, you can try some dried flowers for an organic colorful look. Same cottagecore concept without the responsibility! Try these incredible Luna Reign Intention Candles decorated with dried
petals and crystals. They're made with soy wax and come in five incredible scents!
Photo Credit: Luna Reign Intention Candles : $28
Add Print & Puff
If cottagecore had an official uniform, it’d probably be a prairie dress. Nothing gives more rural country-life vibes than a tiered floor length dress, puffy sleeves, and head-to-toe floral ditsy print.
Photo Credit: Salter House
To be perfectly honest, when stores like Target started selling their prairie dresses, we weren't impressed. It was giving... 'Oregon Trail' meets 'Little Women'! Eventually we realized it's all about how you style it. Accessorize with cropped boots, a wide brim hat, and some layered bracelets. Throw a fuzzy sweater over your shoulders in a soft pastel shade to compliment the print! Finalize your cottagecore 'lewk' with these dainty Atlas Felted Ball Earrings! They give a subtle handcrafted feel with a minimalistic touch.
Photo Credit: Atlas Earrings : $24
Photo Credit: Teen Vogue
These Chelsea boots are our favorite pick to compliment your cottagecore outfits. They even have our favorite memory foam insoles, so you'll be comfy stomping around! In the winter months, wear the boots with opaque tights and a cropped faux fur vest. For added warmth, layer a long-sleeve turtleneck underneath!
Photo Credit: Cushionare Chelsea Boots : $49.99
Mix & Match...Everything!
Embrace cottagecore with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Rural living means you'll be miles away from Crate & Barrel, so you'll have to improvise! Mix brand new décor with artisan handmade items. Visit the local flea market for vintage antiques and re-used/re-cycled finds! Mismatching tea cups, cloth napkins, colored vases, old mason jars, unique lamps, crocheted doilies, wicker baskets, and macramé throw blankets.
Photo Credit: House & Garden UK
Wicker baskets are a wonderful addition to your cottagecore interior. It's a great way to store fresh fruit or bread in your home. The wicker branches impart a rustic texture with a nod to farm life. Bonus points if it's lined with floral or plaid printed fabric! Scoop up this charming wicker basket set from GoodPick. You'll receive two large baskets that can be used for storage, decoration, or laundry.
Photo Credit: GoodPick 2-Basket Set : $41.99
During quarantine you probably had time to learn how to weave, embroider, and quilt textiles. Now that we're back to work, you've barely got enough time to drink your spinach smoothie. Invest in local artisans who have the time and the skill to create magic. Imagine this Esmé & Olive handmade macramé chandelier hanging over your kitchen table. The vintage amber glass bulb will fill your cottagecore home with a warm cozy glow.
Photo Credit: Esmé & Olive Home Décor : $300
We truly hope we've helped you feel as though the cottagecore life is attainable. You don't have to live on English farmland to incorporate cottagecore trends into your lifestyle!
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