'Cottagecore' is STILL having a moment—here's how to style the whimsical and cozy aesthetic for 2023

All things 'Cottagecore' continue to dominate our For You Pages and Pinterest style boards, but what does this cozy and fairytale-like aesthetic entail, exactly? Allow us to break down every single adorable aspect...

From white flowy maxi skirts and milkmaid dresses to rustic, farm-house interiors and home baking, the 'cottage' life is taking over the internet and had been for some time. Much like that of the 'Tomato girl' and 'coastal-grandmother' aesthetics, this lifestyle vibe encompasses everything from your style to your morning routine and is as whimsical and idyllic as these trends come.

So, for anyone else wanting to channel a Jane Austen novel in their capsule wardrobe and beyond, here's your full guide to Cottagecore—but beware, you'll likely want to move out to the sticks but the end of it...

What is 'Cottagecore'?

Picture a little cottage, nestled amongst rolling hills and wildflowers, with the smell of baking bread wafting from the open window and tiered, puff sleeve white dresses and cozy, thick knit cardigans swaying gently from a washing line outside. Now that is 'Cottagecore'. 

The aesthetic is literally inspired by the picturesque impression of living in a cute country cottage, where you spend your days reading, lounging in the garden and wearing timeless, floral and coastal-cowgirl-esque skirts and bodice dresses. You might even carry a basket full of veg and flowers...

@adventuringbeth

♬ Je te laisserai des mots - Patrick Watson

@glam.inspoo

♬ Daylight - David Kushner

Now of course, you don't actually have to live in a cottage to achieve this vibe in your styling or even your décor, but that's basically where we—and TikTok—are getting our inspo from. 

@katty_invintage

♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole

@kelsrfloyd

♬ Force (Acoustic) - Yaima

MIL's 'Cottagecore' style picks

As for the style, it's very cozy but also whimsical, so think Rory Gilmore-like knits over flowing dresses, or floral corsets layered over puffy-sleeved, blouses—paired with pearl or simple gold huggie earrings. You can also keep it more casual with loose, wide-leg, linen trousers for instance, or mid-blue jeans, paired with cute broderie and lace tops.

There's an effortlessness to the outfits, the sort of ensembles you might wear on a picnic or when frolicking through a field...very Pride & Prejudice chic.

MIL's 'Cottagecore' decor picks

The decor is very much in keeping with what you would find in a traditional English cottage or farmhouse. Iris' home from The Holiday immediately springs to mind as a perfect example of 'cottagecore.'

Aim for woods, pottery and floral embellishments, plus a healthy amount of soft throws and plush pillows. Warm lighting is also a must, as are cookie and fall-scented candles—like this one from Yankee Candle (available at Amazon). Basically, if it's cozy and warm, it belongs in your 'cottagecore' home.