Cottagecore, with its idyllic imagery of countryside living, has captured the hearts of many seeking solace and simplicity. The concept isn’t new; history reveals that a similar lifestyle existed for centuries, dating back to the ancient Greek countryside around 2,300 years ago. However, the rise of technology and urbanization led many away from this simpler way of life. In recent years, a longing for a return to nature and simpler times has emerged, fueled by a desire to escape the complexities of the modern world.
It’s as if we are rediscovering the enchantment of storybooks, drawing inspiration from authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and The Brothers Grimm. We are once again captivated by the allure of dwellings nestled among fields and streams, romanticizing the notion of “staying at home.” This is the essence of the dreamlike world of What Is Cottagecore.
Defining Cottagecore: More Than Just an Aesthetic
What is cottagecore? At its heart, cottagecore is an aesthetic that romanticizes a simple, rural lifestyle. It embraces traditional skills such as baking, gardening, and sewing, encouraging a connection with nature and a slower pace of life. This trend has found a vibrant online community on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Tumblr, where it first gained traction in 2017.
“Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates simple living, particularly in the countryside.”
The New York Times describes it as a “desire to live in a world outside the one currently inhabited,” where there are no constant notifications, urgent work emails, or demanding bosses. Instead, cottagecore focuses on domestic tasks completed with a sense of fulfillment and living in the present moment.
My initial encounter with cottagecore was through Jamie Beck’s Instagram account, where she beautifully captures her whimsical life in Provence, France. From afternoon tea to graceful walks through orchards, she embodies the aesthetic with warm colors, delicate florals, and flowing dresses.
While Beck and other social media influencers contribute to the modern portrayal of cottagecore, its origins are deeper. Often linked to “Mori Kei,” a Japanese fashion style inspired by forest living, cottagecore is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This renewed interest may stem from a collective desire to find comfort and escape amidst global challenges like COVID-19, political instability, and climate change. Throughout history, society has often turned to the past to find solace in times of uncertainty.
Importantly, cottagecore provides a safe and inclusive space for historically excluded communities. For LGBTQ+ teenagers, for example, aesthetics like goblincore and cottagecore offer a welcoming environment centered on playfulness, romance, and acceptance. Black women are using the trend to reclaim “domestic femininity” and challenge historical exclusion. The popularity of content creators like Nara Smith further demonstrates the appeal of a simple, visible life.
The Conscious Core of Cottagecore: Sustainability and Connection
Cottagecore inherently encourages sustainable living and a deeper connection with the natural world. It prompts us to confront climate change and consider how we can better care for the earth. Social media accounts like @simply.living.well inspire conscious living by promoting the replacement of plastic with vintage glass or wood items. Sumaiyah Noor of Flueranoor encourages gardening, even in small urban spaces, while Jenny Ong inspires food preservation and creating a chicken coop.
The fashion aspect of cottagecore often emphasizes vintage and thrifted clothing over new, store-bought items. Paula Sutton (@hillhousevintage), an interior designer and fashion enthusiast, embodies the cottagecore lifestyle by adorning herself in vintage apparel and enjoying peaceful moments in front of her cottage home. Her clothing, inspired by a bygone era, provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
These accounts and the broader cottagecore movement remind us to slow down, live more consciously, and consider the impact of our choices. It’s about creating a gentle, fulfilling world for ourselves while transforming our homes into spaces of cultivation rather than simply storage.
We are also encouraged to honor and care for the environment around us. Even for those living in urban settings, cottagecore encourages us to be gentle with ourselves and do what we can for our homes and the earth, just as we would tend to an herb garden.
Sustainable Brands Inspired by Cottagecore
Inspired by the cottagecore lifestyle? While the movement emphasizes simplicity and making the most of what you already have (consider using sewing kits for mending clothes), exploring sustainable brands and vintage Etsy shops can also enhance your home and wardrobe. Here are a few curated items to inspire your journey into the world of cottagecore:
