Introduction to Aesthetics: Cottagcore
By Avani Sethi and Niko Adams
In the next article of Introduction to Aesthetics, we will be describing Cottagecore, an aesthetic that like many others, found its way into the mainstream fashion industry early last year.
Cottagecore, put simply, romanticizes the desire to live in the countryside, heavily drawing inspiration from western agricultural living, midwestern farm life, and Western European countryside imagery. Cottagecore has had a rich history in the popular media — over the years, because of its ‘traditional’ aspects, and its tendency to simplify hard labor, it has gained much criticism for being an outlet for far-right propaganda. But now it has taken Tik Tok and other popular social media apps by storm, with the style being heavily adopted by the sapphic community especially, an act that directly opposes efforts to claim the style as a way of romanticizing the colonial lifestyle. In addition, the style, which is still white-dominated, has become increasingly popular with women of color, as well as men thanks to the influence of popular artists like Robbie (Cavetown) and Conan Gray.
The most important part of any aesthetic would be dressing the part, so let’s talk fashion. Cottagecore outfits revolve around layered, loose-fitting flowy clothing. Think puffy sleeves, big pockets and button up blouses in colder weather, and sundresses and overalls with embroidery in the summer. The common color themes are colors already found in nature or faded colors including: olive green, ivory, beige, light pink, and brown. Try incorporating these colors along with patterns such as gingham and floral into your outfits and watch how nicely it all comes together!
Additionally, if you’re going to be dressing the part, you might want to change your bedroom up a bit, to match your changing style. Try adding different plants, vines like the English ivy or a spider plant for an easy forestry-look. Some other plants which are also quite easy to maintain and don’t need much water would be the snake plant, philodendron, a simple non-fussy vine which can easily grow out a hanging basket, and of course the very simple aloe vera. Not only do plants spruce up your room, but they also help with oxygen production which can be especially helpful these days as we spend most parts of our days inside. Besides the greenery from plants, some color themes to keep in mind would be light cream and ivory and possibly some maroon and brown to match your wardrobe. These can be incorporated into your blankets, pillows, and curtains.
In terms of music inspiration for this aesthetic, there’s a wide range: everything from older classical music to modern indie/pop, such as Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. Some musical artists include Bon Iver, Dodie, Florence and the Machine, Hozier, and Lord Huron. Some songs include: Exile (feat Bon Iver) by Taylor Swift, Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens, She by Dodie, and Happiness is a Butterfly by Lana Del Rey.
Some movies that just scream cottagecore where you can find inspiration include: Alice in Wonderland, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and The Sound of Music, most of which I’m sure most people have already watched at least once. Some TV shows that you can also find hints of cottagcore in would usually be period dramas such as: Anne With An E, Little House on the Prairie, and Downton Abbey.
Additionally, as reading is a part of the cottagecore lifestyle, some books which you may like to read include: almost anything by Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter, such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and The Tales of Peter Rabbit. Some other cottagecore favorites include: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Ash by Malinda Lo, and An Enchantment of Ravens by Margeret Rogerson.
Along with reading some of your favorite classics, other cottagecore activities include going for picnics, writing poetry, baking, sewing, and painting. As this is an aesthetic that revolves around nature, anything that helps you connect with Mother Nature would be valid as a cottagecore activity. From picking flowers, to tending to your garden, to building a birdhouse for the hummingbird who keeps visiting your garden, there is a wide variety of fun activities you can do to have fun with this aesthetic.