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How to Wear Cottagecore In 2021, Because the Whimsical Aesthetic Isn't Going Anywhere

How To Wear Cottagecore In 2021
How To Wear Cottagecore In 2021

Getty Images

Out of all the aesthetics Instagram made famous as of late, "cottagecore" is probably my favorite. This may or may not have something to do with the fact that I've been incorporating peasant silhouettes, soft floral patterns, and earth tones into my wardrobe since my junior year of college, when my admiration for all things Jane Austen-esque transpired into a full-fledged obsession. At the time, I didn't have the gumption to fully commit to the look; I would have stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of designer sweatshirts, stackable rings, and metallic embellishments that 2013 brought with it. Now, however, I'm considering a serious wardrobe revamp.

RELATED: Every Celebrity Is Dressing Like '90s Cindy Crawford Right Now

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Cottagecore, of course, isn't exclusive to 2021. The soft, ethereal aesthetic saw a resurgence back in 2020, when the world was in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic. As society searched for different outlets of escapism, this whimsical, period-inspired way of dressing rose in popularity, offering up a slice of simplicity we'd been too busy to realize we needed pre-Covid.

I'm happy to report that, even as we re-enter the world post-Covid, cottagecore is still alive and kicking, despite light academia and fairycore threatening to overthrow the trend. But how do we preserve the simplicity of this sweet, simple vibe when outside the quarantine bubble, where it has thrived in for all these months, you ask? Good question.

Here are a few ways fashion influencers on Instagram are wearing cottagecore in 2021.

RELATED: 8 Major Summer 2021 Fashion Trends That Are Already in Your Closet

Add a Vest

Floral prairie dresses are the pinnacle of cottagecore, but if you want to add a sultry touch to the otherwise sweet and innocent look, add a vest or corset to accentuate the bodice.

RELATED: How to Style a Corset Without Looking Like You're Attempting Victorian Cosplay

Embrace Solid Earth Tones

Florals and gingham are staple prints of the cottagecore aesthetic, and even when muted, the patterns make a bold statement. To keep things neutral at the office, stick to solid earth tones, like potato brown, beige, taupe, fern, moss, burnt orange, etc.

Swap Out Dresses for Jumpsuits

Arguably one of the hardest parts about re-entering the world post-Covid is stepping out of the house in anything but sweats. Luckily, jumpsuits negate the need for body-hugging denim and uncomfortable waistbands, and there are plenty of these one-piece options under the cottagecore category.

Accessorize With Straw Handbags and Hats

No outfit is complete without the right accessory. Wicker pieces drive home the natural theme of cottagecore, so top off your look with a straw hat if you're headed outdoors, or wear a straw handbag on your arm on your commute.

Wear the Trend In a Subtle Way

Whimsical as it may be, cottagecore is very much a bold trend, which may or may not bode well with various dress codes or occasions. That being said, you can still incorporate subtle nods to the style in your daily outfits. Think tying up your hair in a pretty ribbon or bow, wearing tops with lace or embroidery detail, and, of course, pops of floral.

RELATED: What to Wear for a Summer Job Interview, According to 11 Different Professionals

Puff Sleeves On Repeat

Florals aren't the only detail making a statement in cottagecore. In my opinion, puff sleeves are one of the best parts of the aesthetic, and you can find them on a large selection of pretty blouses and dresses.

Simple Retro Alicia Floral Embroidery V-Neck Blouse

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $50, simpleretro.com

Faithfull the Brand Nikoleta Floral Print Mini Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $209, net-a-porter.com

Hill House Home The Nesli Nap Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $125, hillhousehome.com

Old Navy Fit & Flare Puff-Sleeve Tiered Floral Midi Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $48, oldnavy.gap.com

ModCloth Boho on the Range Smocked Maxi Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $119, modcloth.com

Lulus Gala in the Garden Cream Jacquard High-Low Midi Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $68, lulus.com

Saylor Sunday Top

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $209, saylor.com

ASOS Design Strappy Pinny Belt Belted Jumpsuit in Floral Print

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $17; asos.com

Alice + Olivia Tabitha Embroidered Cotton Crop Top

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $295, nordstrom.com

Zara Pleated Printed Dress in Pink

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $46; zara.com

WowHeritage Handmade Moroccan Straw Bag

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $55, etsy.com

Missguided Tall Yellow Floral Print Balloon Sleeve Keyhole Mini Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $23, missguidedus.com

Vici Collection Kavita Floral Maxi Dress

Cottagecore
Cottagecore

Courtesy

Shop now: $58, vicicollection.com