Cottagecore outfit essentials — Authorized use of photo by Mio Ito via Unsplash

The cottagecore aesthetic is taking the Internet by storm this year. It’s all over TikTok and Pinterest, and it’s hard to find a store that isn’t selling some version of a floral puff sleeve dress now. This is the ideal style to wear during spring and summer, thanks to the flowy fabrics and simple patterns, so it’s hard not to take part in the cottagecore trend!

Chances are you probably own key elements of the cottagecore aesthetic without realizing it. While some trends and aesthetics require you to purchase specific pieces and styles to get the look, the cottagecore aesthetic is flexible to be as casual or as dressy as you please. Whether you want to wear overalls or a tulle dress, it’s entirely up to you, which makes this style very easy to wear. Here’s how to build the best cottagecore wardrobe with 18 classic pieces.

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What Is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is a popular Internet aesthetic that thrives on the return to simpler times in lifestyle and fashion. It romanticizes country life and living peacefully in a cottage away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century. Picture days spent outside, long walks, baking, picnics, frolicking through fields, and reading books. The fashion is feminine and on the more casual side, depending on your style. Lots of neutrals, muted tones, subtle floral prints, and flowy fabrics.

Which Pieces Do I Need To Own, And Where Can I Buy Them?

Cottagecore is a simple style, and you can use basic pieces such as white tops and jeans that you already have in your closet to start. Before completely diving into this style, it’s best to start with the basics and then pick up statement pieces as you go along. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get the cottagecore look. If you’re into vintage looks, check out your local thrift stores, such as GoodWill. But if you don’t have access to thrift stores, you can try online places such as Amazon, H&M, Petal & Pup, Shein, ThredUp, Depop, LuLus, and Breath of Youth Clothing, to name a few.

Cottagecore Aesthetic Essentials

1. White Puff Sleeve Top

Start your cottagecore wardrobe off with a simple white puff sleeve top. You can find one at thrift stores and your favorite online retailers. This piece matches everything, so you don’t have to buy many tops for this style.

2. Floral Puff Sleeve Top

If you love your white puff sleeve top, then you have to add a floral top to your wardrobe for a fun statement piece. Wear it with a pair of paper bag shorts or a flowy midi skirt for a feminine outfit.

3. Collared Blouse

Collared shirts are layered with almost any piece, from dresses to tank tops, and instantly dress up a look. Incorporate long sleeve, and short sleeve collared shirts into your wardrobe depending on the season and your location.

4. White Puff Sleeve Dress

Puff sleeve dresses are perfect for any occasion, and you can’t go wrong with a white one during summer. It’s classic and easy to style with any accessories, from hair scarves to straw bags. One of my favorite pieces to own that I wear all the time.

5. Floral Puff Sleeve Dress

I love to have a statement dress as well as a few basics. A floral dress is a necessity in a cottagecore wardrobe, and the puff sleeves make it all the more feminine. Pick up a few in pastels or light neutrals to live out your cottagecore dream life while looking like a princess.

6. White Midi Dress

A white midi dress is the perfect cottagecore look for fancy events or cooler temperatures. Add a white midi dress to your wardrobe for instant princess vibes during the spring and summer.

7. Floral Midi Dress

A floral midi dress is a fun and feminine cottagecore piece you’ll want to wear all spring and summer. If you like longer dresses but don’t want to forgo prints and patterns, then you need to pick up one of these asap! It’s a subtle way to take part in the floral trend that’s having a moment right now.

8. Denim Overalls and Dresses

Denim overalls and dresses are casual and easy to style during any season. If you spend a lot of time outside or in casual settings, then these pieces are for you. Channel your inner cottagecore farm girl with denim pieces!

9. Denim Pants and Shorts

If you’re going for a casual cottagecore look, then you can’t go wrong with paper bag denim shorts or jeans. Style these pieces with your favorite puff sleeve tops and collared blouses for a chic cottagecore outfit.

10. Midi Skirts

Midi skirts are a staple piece in the cottagecore wardrobe. They’re comfortable and appropriate for all occasions and match well with any top. I love to wear midi skirts out to dinner or for a shopping day when I want to wear something nice but casual.

11. Ruffle Skirts

If you like to wear short skirts, then ruffle mini skirts are for you! The shabby chic style is having a moment right now, thanks to popular brands such as LoveShackFancy, so you can’t go wrong with a floral ruffle skirt during summer. They look so chic and girly when paired with corsets or puff sleeve tops.

12. Corsets

Corsets overlap with most of the popular Internet aesthetics, and I don’t mind that at all. You can purchase a full-body corset or play around with trendy bustier tops, depending on your style.

13. Chunky Cardigans

Chunky cardigans are perfect for spring days or early fall weather. I love to pair one over a dress for a little warmth when I wear my cottagecore outfits. This way, I’m cozy and warm but still stylish at the same time. Pick up one with floral embroidery for additional cottagecore details!

14. Hair Scarves

Hair scarves are my favorite cottagecore accessory to wear. They add a touch of farm girl chic to any cottagecore outfit and keep the sun out of your face too. I love to pick up a few printed ones with floral or gingham designs as a fun statement piece.

15. Straw Hats

Whether you’re picking fruits and vegetables out in the garden or shielding your face from the sunshine on a beach, you can’t go wrong with a straw hat. Straw hats are both practical and chic for the cottagecore aesthetic.

16. Straw Bags

My go-to cottagecore summer bag is a straw basket bag. I love how easy these are to style and match with everything. They’re a good size and hold several items, but they also work well as a simple accessory!

17. Mary Janes

Mary Janes are the perfect shoe for the cottagecore aesthetic. They’re feminine and vintage and match everything. I love to wear mine with dresses and skirts, but they work well with jeans too!

18. Frilly Socks

Pick up a pair of frilly socks to wear with your Mary Janes. They look dainty and elegant with any outfit, and they’re a fun throwback to childhood. Frilly socks come in endless colors and patterns, so you’ll find a pair to suit every outfit!

Have fun building your cottagecore wardrobe! I hope this post was helpful 🙂