In recent years, a simple and charming aesthetic has taken over social media, decoration magazines and fashion editorials.
This is about Cottagecore, a visual and behavioral movement that rescues the charm of country life, with fresh flowers on the table, flowing dresses, homemade bread and peaceful afternoons in the sun.
But Cottagecore goes far beyond aesthetics. It represents a lifestyle.
A way to slow down, reconnect with the simple and find beauty in everyday life.
In this article, you will discover everything about Cottagecore:
Where it came from, how it manifests itself, what it proposes and, more than that, how to incorporate it into your routine, whether you live in the city or in the countryside.
What is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is a cultural and visual trend that celebrates simplicity, nature and a slower, more conscious life.
The word comes from the combination of “cottage” (country house) and “core” (core, essence).
It started as an online aesthetic, popularized on Tumblr and then exploded onto Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok.
Photos of porcelain cups, artisanal breads, flowery picnics and 19th-century-inspired clothing dominate feeds.
However, behind the bucolic images there is a deep desire:
To move away from the urban chaos and reconnect with values considered more human, such as time, silence and nature.
The Roots of the Movement
Although the term is recent, the sentiment behind Cottagecore is old.
It has roots in European romanticism, in the imagery of English rural life and in books such as “Anne of Green Gables” and “Pride and Prejudice”.
It also draws on the aesthetics of “back to basics”, slow living and the growing desire for sustainability and self-care.
With the pandemic, when millions of people were forced to slow down and seek emotional refuge, Cottagecore found fertile ground to flourish.
It has become a symbol of gentle resistance to the excess productivity, consumption and hustle and bustle of cities.
Cottagecore in Fashion, Decoration and Behavior
In the fashion, Cottagecore appears in dresses with ruffles, puffed sleeves, natural fabrics like cotton and linen, floral prints and soft palettes.
Loose hair, braids and light makeup complement the look.
In the decoration, the aesthetic is marked by aged wood, vintage furniture, floral crockery, lace curtains, dried flowers, embroidery, handmade candles and elements that refer to the simple life of the countryside.
Node behavior, we see practices such as gardening, sewing, artisanal cooking, reading, embroidery, handwriting and slowed down routines.
It is a way of living in which taking care of time and space becomes a priority.
Why Has Cottagecore Taken Over the World?
We live in a time where everything is accelerated: notifications, deliveries, charges, goals.
In this scenario, Cottagecore emerges as an antidote.
It offers visual, emotional and sensory comfort.
A reminder that life can be light, kind and beautiful in the little things.
It is also a response to collective anxiety, environmental insecurity and social media exhaustion.
The desire to leave the digital world behind to experience something more real, tactile and true.
Cottagecore Beyond Aesthetics
More than just flowers and pretty fabrics, Cottagecore proposes a philosophy of life.
He invites us to cultivate time with the same attention with which we cultivate a vegetable garden.
Savoring food, valuing rest, finding meaning in simple tasks.
It's about emotional sustainability.
About living more consciously, producing less waste, reusing materials, consuming with purpose.
Cottagecore is also an invitation to introspection, to connect with nature, to listen to the body.
A lifestyle that flourishes in silence and routine.
How to Adopt the Style in Practice
You don't have to live in the country to live Cottagecore.
The movement can be adapted to your space and lifestyle. Here are some ideas:
In the wardrobe:
- Opt for flowing and comfortable dresses.
- Prefer natural fabrics: cotton, linen, wool.
- Explore earthy tones, pastels and floral prints.
In decoration:
- Use wooden, iron or straw furniture.
- Use lots of flowers (natural or dried), candles and vintage pieces.
- Keep a reading corner, with soft light and blankets.
In the routine:
- Practice gardening, even in pots.
- Cook simple, homemade recipes.
- Read in daylight, write letters or diaries.
In food:
- Value local and seasonal ingredients.
- Prefer home-made food.
- Set up picnics, even in the living room.
Cottagecore is about creating an atmosphere of calm and beauty in the midst of everyday life.
Cottagecore and Emotional Wellbeing
The impact of the Cottagecore style goes beyond the visual: it positively influences emotions.
Studies indicate that contact with nature, the use of soft colors and the practice of manual activities reduce stress and increase the feeling of well-being.
Furthermore, the slow pace, typical of the style, helps to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and encourage presence in the present moment.
It’s no wonder that therapists have been recommending the cultivation of routines inspired by Cottagecore as a form of self-care.
The simple can, in fact, be transformative.
Aesthetics in Social Networks and its Commercial Potential
Cottagecore has become one of the most shared movements on Pinterest and TikTok.
Content creators use videos with calm soundtracks, slow-motion images and bucolic scenes to convey feelings.
Fashion, cosmetics, decoration and even gastronomy brands began to incorporate elements of the style into their campaigns.
Lace, flowers, rustic furniture and artisanal breads became synonymous with desire.
It's a style that sells sensations. And, for that very reason, it's extremely profitable when used well in digital marketing.
Criticism of the Movement and Reflections
While Cottagecore is charming, it doesn't escape criticism.
Some point to the excessive idealization of rural life, disregarding the harshness and inequalities of the real countryside.
Others question the elitism of certain cottagecore profiles, which romanticize a lifestyle only possible for those with time and resources.
Therefore, it is important to remember that the movement does not need to be perfect.
It can (and should) be adapted to each person’s reality, without becoming an unattainable standard.
Cottagecore should be about welcome, not pressure.
About finding beauty in simplicity, within the real possibilities of each lifestyle.
SAQ – Cottagecore Frequently Asked Questions
Is cottagecore just an aesthetic?
No. Despite the strong visual presence, the movement involves values such as sustainability, introspection and simplicity.
Do you have to live in the country to live the style?
Absolutely not. Cottagecore can be lived in urban apartments, as long as there is intention and sensitivity.
What influences does the style have?
Romanticism, European rural culture, classical literature, movements such as slow living and affective minimalism.
How can I start living the style?
Start with the little things: take care of plants, read more, cook calmly, decorate with natural elements.
Is Cottagecore Feminist?
Yes and no. There are strands that rescue feminine practices as a political act of reconnection and autonomy.
But there is also criticism of the reinforcement of traditional roles.
Conclusion: A Style That Flourishes in Silence
Cottagecore is not about escaping reality, but about reinventing it.
He shows us that there is beauty in routine, poetry in everyday life and magic in simplicity.
A style that blooms in details: in the flower you pick, in the cake you bake, in the cup you choose to start the day.
Adopting Cottagecore isn’t about changing everything, but about changing your perspective.
What if the life of your dreams is hidden in the softest gestures?