How to Style Cottagecore

Love the cottagecore trend, but not sure how to style it for everyday wear? Fear not! We’ve put together some of our top tips and top Joanie picks to help you embody the cottagecore aesthetic, no matter where you’re heading.

Cottagecore is one of the most enduring movements to emerge out of internet obscurity in the last couple of years, and it’s easy to see why: the romantic silhouettes, floral prints, and all-round wholesome vibes make cottagecore one of the cutest - and most vintage - aesthetics we’ve encountered to date!

What Is Cottagecore and Where Did it Come From?

Sometimes referred to as farmcore or countrycore, cottagecore is a trend rooted in an idealised version of bygone times and rural life in the (often British) countryside. This Romantic interpretation of country life is marked by the donning of vintage prairie dresses, crafting, and baking - three activities we’re more than happy to get behind here at Joanie!

The term itself was first coined on Tumblr in 2018 when the cottagecore movement had been gaining traction online for a number of years. Cottagecore garnered mainstream interest in 2020 during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the emphasis on simple, grounded activities gaining huge popularity at a time when many people found themselves largely indoors.

Characterised as calming and cosy, the popularity of the cottagecore aesthetic skyrocketed throughout the pandemic. Yearning for an escape to the countryside at a time when many people couldn’t easily travel stands to reason, as does harking back to a simpler life living in harmony with nature when a lot of people were living and working at home.

How to Style Cottagecore

Frolicking around in the great outdoors is something we’re just as drawn to on the other side of the pandemic, particularly now it’s become a bit more accessible! Here at Joanie, we’re huge proponents of wearing floaty vintage-inspired midaxi dresses regardless of the occasion, but what about some practical cottagecore styling for everyday wear?

Manon Leaf Print Button-Through Tea Dress

Even though cottagecore dressing is generally associated with spring and summer, super autumnal styles like Manon really do lend themselves to wholesome cottagecore styling! Pair with a matching hair ribbon or your favourite headband, and layer with a knitted cardigan for ultimate cottagecore cosiness.

Clarice Cable Knit Jumper Dress

Autumnal hues are a cottagecore staple, and Clarice is the transitional dress that’s perfect to throw on and go, no matter what your day has in store! Layer with a chunky fleece and boots when it’s cold outside, or, for bonus cottagecore styling points, weasr with your favourite beret and a pumpkin spice latte.

Henry Woodland Fair Isle Jumper

It doesn’t get much more homely than a fair isle knit! Henry is the perfect cottagecore style for anybody looking to add a little bit of rustic flair to their everyday wardrobe. Throw on over your favourite vintage collared shirt to add a touch of cosy comfort, or wear it alone with a pair of cord trousers for ultimate cottagecore vibes.

Pepita Check Shirt Dress

When it comes to easy everyday cottagecore dressing, a check print button-down shirt dress is an absolute essential. Pepita boasts a full knee-length skirt with pockets and features an all-over yarn-dyed woven check that makes the perfect base for any everyday cottagecore outfit!

Clemmie Carnation Print Skater Skirt

Vintage-inspired floral prints are a key component of any cottagecore wardrobe, and Clemmie is the perfect easy-to-wear mini skirt for almost any occasion! Style with your favourite knitted waistcoat for a cosy transeasonal cottagecore outfit, or pair with tights, boots, and a hand-knitted scarf when it gets colder outside!

Looking for more cottagecore wardrobe inspiration? Check out the Joanie Cottagecore Edit now!