If you’ve listened to Taylor Swift’s album, ‘Folklore’, you already have a fairly good idea of what cottagecore is. It’s the ideal simple and harmonious life that’s often spent in nature. When you think of cottagecore, it screams walking in the woods and wearing comfortable cardigans while reading a good book. It’s no wonder everyone is drawn to this aesthetic.
What are the essentials of cottagecore, you ask? Here are the things you need to embody this simple life:
Neutral and nude makeup
Cottagecore is all about letting your hair down and being one with nature. It’s not about false eyelashes and cat-eyes–it’s more of you embracing your body and working with the features you were born with, with a few embellishments, of course. Go ahead and fill your cosmetics online shopping cart with nude lipsticks and rosy blushes, and get those sheet masks, too. As you prepare to go barefaced, you want your base to be at its best and most nourished.
Flowy skirts and cozy cardigans
Taylor Swift herself wrote a song called Cardigan, so it’s almost a crime to embody the cottagecore vibes without dressing yourself up in this fashion staple. Choose one that’s a little bigger than your size for the added coziness, or pair it with a flowy maxi skirt to show the carefee country girl in you. Complete the look with your hair half up and half down, or let your tresses run free with the wind as you take your leisurely stroll. Don’t like skirts? No problem. Jumpers and coveralls will also work perfectly.
Flowery accessories
Pair your outfit with cute, low-heeled shoes, ballet flats, or loafers. There are plenty of options that go with the cottagecore outfit of your choosing. There’s definitely a pair of footwear that will be more suited to your personal style. As a general rule, always choose your footwear depending on what you will do for the day, especially if you’re not actually living on a farm. For days when you need to be out and about, wear your favorite pair of Converse or ballet flats, and for days when you can look dainty without needing to be on your feet, strappy sandals will look great. Choose your scrunchies according to theme–there are floral prints and pastel colors that will literally tie your ensemble together.
Soothing music
Though this is not something you will advertise on your outfit, music will put you in the cottagecore mindset and will help you embody the look.. Taylor Swift’s latest album is, of course, necessary, but don’t stop there. Treat yourself to Of Monsters and Men, Bon Iver, and even a little bit of Arctic Monkeys. Listen to them wearing your old-school earphones (cottagecore and earpods just don’t mix) or vintage headphones.
When it comes to cottagecore, the idea is to choose comfort and the slow life rather than the busy city life–to not overthink, and to just go with your own flow. Take it slow and enjoy being by yourself, all while dressing comfortably and being in tune with nature. Rest assured, it will be great for your mental health and for your style.
