Style Guide

The Ultimate Cottagecore Style Guide: Fashion, Decor & Lifestyle

6 min read

Your Complete Cottagecore Style Guide

The cottagecore style encompasses fashion, decor, and lifestyle choices that celebrate rural romance and simple pleasures. This comprehensive guide will help you authentically embrace the aesthetic while maintaining your individual expression.

Defining Your Cottagecore Style

Core Style Elements

  • Romantic: Soft, feminine, dreamy qualities
  • Nostalgic: Vintage-inspired and timeless
  • Natural: Earth-toned and organic
  • Handcrafted: Artisanal and homemade
  • Comfortable: Practical and cozy

Fashion Style Essentials

Building Your Wardrobe Foundation

  • 3-4 flowing dresses in different weights
  • 2 romantic blouses with special details
  • 2 skirts (midi length preferred)
  • 1-2 cardigans or knit sweaters
  • 1 pair of practical bottoms (jeans or overalls)
  • Outerwear: Trench coat or cape

Signature Style Details

  • Puffed or bishop sleeves
  • Square or sweetheart necklines
  • Smocking and shirring
  • Eyelet and broderie anglaise
  • Pearl buttons and ribbon ties

Lifestyle Elements

Daily ritual items including journal, tea, and fresh lavender

Daily Rituals

  • Morning: Tea ceremony, journaling, garden tending
  • Afternoon: Baking, crafting, reading
  • Evening: Candlelit dinners, handwork, letter writing

Seasonal Activities

Seasonal grid showing spring flowers and summer berries
  • Spring: Seed starting, flower pressing, picnics
  • Summer: Berry picking, sun tea brewing, outdoor dining
  • Autumn: Apple harvesting, preserving, cozy crafts
  • Winter: Knitting, bread baking, hygge evenings

Home Styling Basics

Quick Transformation Tips

  1. Add fresh or dried flowers to every room
  2. Display books and vintage finds on open shelves
  3. Layer textiles for instant coziness
  4. Use baskets for both storage and decoration
  5. Incorporate candlelight daily

Personal Care and Beauty

Natural Beauty Approach

  • Skincare: Simple, natural products
  • Makeup: Fresh, dewy, minimal
  • Hair: Loose waves, braids, natural texture
  • Fragrance: Floral or herbal scents
  • Nails: Short, clean, or soft pink

Adapting Cottagecore for Different Lifestyles

Professional Cottagecore

  • Midi skirts with simple blouses
  • Cardigans over dresses
  • Oxford shoes or low heels
  • Subtle floral accessories

Urban Cottagecore

Urban balcony with container garden and vintage furniture
  • Window herb gardens
  • Vintage furniture in small spaces
  • Weekend farmers market trips
  • Balcony container gardening

Modern Cottagecore

  • Mix vintage with contemporary pieces
  • Choose quality over quantity
  • Embrace technology mindfully
  • Focus on sustainable choices

Remember, cottagecore is about finding joy in simple pleasures and creating beauty in everyday life. Adapt these guidelines to fit your unique lifestyle and preferences.