Cottagecore is the New Normcore (So Get Ready for a Lot of Nap Dresses)
There’s never been a better time to find yourself knee-deep in any and all forms of escapism. Because why would you linger on the sad state of the world when you could put all your energy into baking a loaf of sourdough bread? Which explains why the cottagecore trend, a focus on the quaint, slow-moving aesthetic of pastoral life, has quite literally exploded over the past few months.
PureWow editor Alexia Dellner wrote about cottagecore emerging as a decor trend earlier in March, explaining the movement beautifully: “Allow us to paint a picture: A thatched cottage sits under sun-dappled trees, a few hens putter around the yard, while a freshly baked apple pie cools on the window ledge. One can imagine spending the day here tending to the vegetable garden out back, embroidering something for your friend down the lane and sipping Earl Grey from your vintage teapot.” Ahhh, sign us up.
Turns out, dressing like you’re living in the aforementioned country cottage can help bring the cottagecore reverie to life—even if you’re stuck in a tiny city apartment. And it all started with the Nap Dress. One-part Victorian chic and one-part nightgown, the frock was designed up by Hill House Home and swiftly sold out, becoming the dress of the summer (probably because you can wear it for a Zoom call and to crawl into bed for a daytime snooze). Here, we’ve pulled together a list of 19 other cottagecore pieces, all of which are relaxed, romantic and ready for a romp in the countryside. So, ditch those uncomfortable mom jeans you adopted as part of your embrace of simple, no-frills normcore aesthetic and plan a picnic in a field sometime soon.
RELATED: 9 Cottagecore-Inspired Pieces to Transform Your Home into a Tranquil Hideaway
1. English Factory Empire Maxi Puff Sleeve Dress
Zoom in to see the sweet polka dots that cover this puff-sleeve number.
2. Doên Meadow Floral-Print Silk Mini Dress
The only thing we want to wear when the temps edge above 85.
3. Free People Abigail Victorian Top
Just add a tangle of gold jewelry and you’re good to go.
4. Missoma Gold Ode to Rome Necklace Set
Speaking of gold chains, start with this layering set from Missoma. They’re vintage-inspired, sans the trip to a thrift store.
5. Janessa Leone Klint Straw Hat
This straw boater will look great with flowy nap dresses and ditzy floral blouses alike.
6. Billie the Label Eleanor Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
It might appear to be a simple white frock, but this dress contains some of summer’s trendiest details: a square neckline and puff sleeves.
7. LoveShackFancy Mckenna Grand Bag
Carry this bag now with flowy dresses, and again this fall with your wool and cashmere sweaters.
8. BLANKNYC Gingham Ruffle Hem Shorts
These sweet gingham shorts are easier to wear than they appear. Seriously, just throw on a white T-shirt or blouse and you’re good to go.
9. Hereu Cabas Mini Straw Bag
If we had to describe this bag in three words, we’d use: So freaking adorable.
10. Othilia Lydie Embroidered Blouse
Easy, breezy and detailed with just the right amount of romance. BTW, we’d style these with denim shorts and lace up sandals.
11. Ariel Gordon Jewelry Baroque Pearl Drop Necklace
Wear this baroque pearl on its own, or layer the chain with a cascade of meaningful charms.
12. UO Demi Smocked Peplum Tank Top
This might be the easiest way to test out the cottagecore look. Especially since the wide straps will accommodate any bra, and since you can’t beat the under-$35 price.
13. Lizzie Fortunato Confetti Headband
Grosgrain ribbon + pearls = infallible combination.
14. S/W/F Violetta Linen Shirtdress
BRB, we just buttoned this shirtdress up and we’re already on our way to the nearest field.
15. Mehry Mu Fey Mini Rattan and Croc-Effect Leather Tote
Surprisingly roomy, this tote is like a picnic basket you can always carry around
16. La Vie Rebecca Taylor Pascale Mixed Floral Print Cotton & Silk Top
With ruffles and no less than three sweet floral prints, what’s not to love about this cotton silk blouse?
17. Joolz by Martha Calvo Pearl & Chain Initial Necklace
Not only does this work with the trend at hand, but you’ll want to wear this initial necklace for years to come.
18. Maeve Rhodes Shirtdress
An unfussy feel is what cottagecore is all about, and this throw-on-and-go frock embodies that notion perfectly.
19. Lele Sadoughi Oversized Scrunchie
Whether you wear it on your wrist or knotted in your hair, it will add a romantic touch to any outfit.
RELATED: Want Proof That Off-the-Shoulder Dresses Are Still Trendy? Check Out These 22 Styles
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