Dreamy, romantic, soft, and earthy, the cottagecore aesthetic has gained in popularity over the past few years and shows no sign of slowing down. From baking your own bread to spending the day reading a great book, cottagecore embodies a lifestyle as much as a look. Use this guide to fabrics, silhouettes, where to shop, and more to build your dream cottagecore capsule wardrobe.

Hallmarks of Cottagecore Style

As I said above, cottagecore style involves a way of life as much as a specific look. Vintage style, sustainability, practicality, and pastoralism embody the key traits of what makes a look cottagecore.

As an ultimately nostalgic style, cottagecore integrates well with vintage and antique silhouettes. The 1970s trends of Victorian and Prairie style and the 1930s trend towards incorporating natural motifs work especially well with cottagecore. The idea of cottagecore clothing is to call back an earlier time without specifically copying it, so feel free to mix eras!

As a grassroots movement dedicated to a simpler life, sustainability and practicality are crucial to incorporate when building your capsule wardrobe. Practicality is subjective – if your aim is to start a farm, you’ll need different clothes than if you live in the city. Making sure your clothing is practical for your particular life is key.

Sustainability as it pertains to cottagecore goes beyond where you buy your clothes. Select garments that you can enjoy for a long time, learn to patch and repair items, and get comfortable with upcycling. Additionally, supporting small makers when purchasing clothes is a great way to invest in a community.

Materials for a Cottagecore Capsule Wardrobe

Fabric Styles

When building a cottagecore capsule wardrobe, fabrics make up the foundation of the style. The key to any lasting wardrobe is high-quality fabrics that last well. In the case of cottagecore style, avoid shiny fabrics like satin and crushed velvet in favor of more matte styles. Here are a few examples of fabrics that work well:

• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Cotton
• Linen
• Eyelet

I listed fabrics first because they are perhaps the most important element to cottagecore style. A modern trend (such as a bucket hat) gets an instant cottagecore edge when it’s made of dark green corduroy.

A Note on Denim

While denim is practical and matte, denim can often be associated with many different styles and come off as too contemporary. When choosing denim for a cottagecore wardrobe, stick to classic shapes with minimal embellishments. Choose classic washes and less stretch.

Embellishments

Embellishments comprise the elements of a cottagecore wardrobe most recognizable to the untrained eye. Much like materials, using these elements on more modern types of clothing can reroute them to cottagecore, and therefore, a bit more timeless. Embellishments can mean embroidery, but it can also mean patches, accessories, and screen printing.

Look for these motifs in clothing for cottagecore embellishments:

• Plants and fungi, such as acorns, flowers, or mushrooms
• Embroidery in natural colors in looping or organic patterns
• Old-fashioned prints and patterns like calico and eyelet
• Classic forest creatures like foxes, owls, bears, and deer

Silhouettes for a Cottagecore Capsule Wardrobe

If you want to go straight for a more old-fashioned look in your cottagecore capsule wardrobe, consider the silhouette first. While not an exhaustive list of silhouette elements, knowing a few key terms can go a long way in your hunt for cottagecore clothes.

You can mix and match parts of a silhouette in various clothing types to achieve a desired effect. While not a vintage garment, jumpsuits can be cottagecore with the right silhouette and embellishments.

Practical Tips for Dressing Cottagecore All Year

Many cottagecore inspiration photos are set squarely summer. While we’d all love to be able to read on a blanket in a field all year long, the truth is, most of us live in the real world, with real weather. The key to your capsule wardrobe, is to build in practical pieces with classic or vintage pieces that go well with a cottage core wardrobe.

Many of the items listed below can come at a pretty penny – and for good reason. However, with a bit of elbow grease and creativity, you can work out your budget. I’ve found many fabulous, high-quality coats at estate sales. For shoes, sites like Poshmark and eBay are your best friend.

Shoes

When dressing for the weather, shoes are often the first necessary consideration. Opt for timeless silhouettes in your shoes and sturdy materials that can withstand a range of weather. Wellington boots come in handy, especially in wet places, and companies like Frye have made gorgeous (and practical!) leather boots for years. If your area experiences cold, but not a lot of rain, some lace-up leather boots are a great day-to-day option in the colder months.

Coats & Jackets

As any kid who Halloween-ed in the north can tell you, nothing ruins a cool outfit faster than a bad coat. While technical fabrics and dozens of zippers serve an excellent use in extreme climes, a good wool coat does wonders. Soften your look by buying one in camel, olive, brown, or navy. “Stadium cloth” is a sturdy fabric that comes in a wide variety of cuts.

In the same vein, most rain jackets are positively brimming with paraphernalia. Personally, I favor a classic yellow slicker, but brands like Barbour and LL Bean often carry designs year-over-year that are as practical as they are classic.

Accessories

Perhaps the easiest way to ensure your cottagecore wardrobe lasts all year? The right accessories! Cute wool hats, gloves, and scarves can be found just about everywhere. Wide-brimmed straw hats provide both shade and interest in the summer. Best of all, accessories like tights, socks, and layered garments can help summer clothing stretch into winter.

Where to Shop for Cottagecore Clothes

Before I list the shops, I have a few disclaimers. First, there are a few well-known dropship and fast fashion brands that have cottagecore clothing, and I did not include them. Firstly, because I don’t feel comfortable endorsing them. Secondly, because a well-built capsule wardrobe contains quality items. Often items sold on those sites are made too quickly with inexpensive materials.

Second, if you’re looking for it, cottagecore clothing can be found nearly anywhere! Everything from Old Navy to The Row can be incorporated smartly into a capsule wardrobe. Don’t limit yourself to only these brands.

All suggestions listed ship to the United States. See individual retailers for international policies. Shine Daily is not directly affiliated with nor sponsored by any brand listed as of the writing of this article.

Cottagecore Etsy Shops

Budget Shops (mostly under $100)

Mid-Price Shops (mostly under $250)

Luxury Shops (over $300)