Living in a big city is the dream of many, but sometimes city life is just so tiring. Sure, there’s tons of fun to be had with various recreational options, but there’s also smog, traffic, and a general sense of guardedness that comes from being in such close proximity to so many other people all the time.
Many young urbanites have found a way to combat this fatigue by embracing ‘Cottagecore’, an aesthetic lifestyle movement centered around the beauty of a rural existence that encourages followers to slow down, become more in tune with nature, and feel nostalgic for a simpler time.
Like the Dark and Light Academia aesthetics, Cottagecore started to gain popularity online sometime during the 2010s before exploding into one of the biggest visual movements present on the internet today. It’s pleasantly relaxed and rustic while offering an alternative to those who don’t vibe with the overly glamorous lifestyles popularized by many social media models. Followers of Cottagecore are looking for fashion choices and a lifestyle that feel more down-to-earth; An interest that definitely isn’t new.
For decades, this call to romanticized country living has been appealing to many women. We saw it with the popularity of home and garden magazines, cooking shows, and entire HGTV shows dedicated to farmhouse and English cottage revivals.
For Cottagecore specifically, this ultra-feminine fantasy isn’t just about frolicking in the grass or pretending anyone ever actually looks good in a milkmaid dress, but about finding a little more room to breathe in an overly demanding world.
The Perfect Picnic
Pick a pretty wicker or raffia basket for those sun-drenched afternoons spent in the park. Almost every brand offers some version of this bag, making it easy to find one in your price range. Smaller basket bags are cute and will perfectly compliment all of your girly Free People dresses, but larger ones are spacious enough to hold all of the necessary picnic essentials. Don’t forget the rosé!
Fun Fruits & Florals
Fun fruit and floral patterns are integral for capturing the outdoorsy vibe of the Cottagecore aesthetic. If you really want to embody the classical version of the look, try opting for vintage floral patterns in pastel colors. For those only looking to add a slight touch to their existing wardrobe, I recommend something girly with little cute fruits; however, any pattern you choose should be small, dainty, and give total secret garden vibes.
Lovely Lace
Adding a touch of lace is the perfect way to make any outfit feel both romantic and retro. The intricate designs add a bit of dimension and texture to otherwise simple looks. There aren’t too many white lace (or lace print) bags on the market today, but the few available options are all gorgeous and total works of art!
Getting Crafty
Since the core of the aesthetic is about romanticized self-sufficiency and connection to simpler times, crochet bags are humble-looking accessories that show off your enthusiasm for traditional crafting skills (even if you didn’t make it yourself.)
Even if you prefer your bags to be more high-end there are still many beautiful woven pieces that will bring the look together.
If you really want to commit to your Cottagecore dreams, just forego the designer bag altogether and learn to make your own! There’s nothing more than chic than something custom-made.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can always get this cool DIY Fendi Baguette set. Just make sure to post your final creation onto PurseBlog!
nothing says getting back to a “simpler time” than a $13,700 wicker basket.
I can’t wait to purchase one! 😊 If I told hubby what I spent on this he’d literally have a heart attack!
While the prada bag is darling I don’t know if I want to spend so much for it lol
I know right? 😂
The Fendi kit is definitely my favorite thing on this list.
That Chanel crochet flap is too adorable for words.