Fashion comes and goes but this time, I really wish cottagecore fashion could stay forever.
Whatever you call them, farmcore or countrycore, can we all agree that this style is almost too PERFECT to exist?
As a perfect blend of cottage rural flare, body-flattering fits, and feminine romance, cottagecore outfits are just irresistible to me.
While some girls may think it can be costly to embrace this trend, this article is here to prove you wrong.
Ready to dress like a farmer girl and spoil yourself with all flowy midi dresses and dreamy romantic dresses?
Ahead are the 9 must-have items to dress cottagecore on a budget – save some of these outfits for later! <3
1. EMBRACE COTTAGECORE WITH SMOCK TOPS
Whether you wanna dress cottagecore or not, a high chance is you’ve already owned a puff sleeve top or eyelet smock dress as they are all the rage these days.
Despite the fact that the puff sleeve top is universally flattering to all body types as it can hide the upper arms, it just gives out a dash of princessy vibes without going too over the top.
As for the neckline, the most iconic one must be the milkmaid neckline.
The big neckline just helps draw attention to your bust area and makes your face appear to be smaller visually.
If you think that’s too retro, feel free to switch to the square neckline for a stylish twist.
For a low-key cottage-core look, what about this one?
I am starting a new fashion ig now – follow me if you love feminine outfits x Thanks love!
2. ALL KINDS OF FLORAL DRESSES
If the cottagecore style could be pinned to a single apparel, it would be a flowy floral dress.
To create a billowy silhouette, opt for a midi and maxi dress to maximize the effect.
While some girls may think floral dresses can look like a granny, the key here is to style the small delicate pastel patterns for a dash of daintiness.
I don’t know about you but whenever I wear floral dresses, I just feel like I want to bake and crochet.
That just feels right!
3. PLAY WITH LACE, PLAIDS & GINGHAM
Besides the iconic floral patterns, cottagecore fashion is all about playing with all kinds of prints and patterns including lace, plaids, gingham, and vintage stripes.
For a soft aesthetic look, pastel colors like pale pink, muted greens, and warm whites are the signature hues to bring out the serene vibes.
You can also notice these prints can often be so simple as cottagecore is all about featuring the coziness at home.
But if you are feeling extra vintage today, perhaps it’s time to experiment with a retro floral corset dress to bring you back to the good old 70s.
4. DRESS COTTAGE-CORE WITH LINEN
If prints and patterns aren’t your favorites, go for a neat beige V-neck linen dress that can never go wrong.
Finish off your look with a pair of white espadrilles wedge sandals, this look is just simple yet effortlessly darling.
The charm of the cottagecore aesthetic is that, while it’s so romantic and whimsical, the trend also focuses on sustainable fashion and eco-living.
So ladies, if you are good at DIY, knitting a white crochet dress can be one of the most meaningful yet relaxing things to do during the lazy weekend.
5. DRESS LIKE A FARMER GIRL WITH DUNGAREES
When it comes to practicality, let’s not forget the dungarees and jumpsuits.
Don’t doubt, they are certainly one part of the cottagecore family.
For the days that we just wanna feel comfy in the laid-back ensemble, dungarees are a perfect choice.
For a breath of freshness, I love pairing a cream ruffle sleeve top with chambray short dungarees.
Complete the look with a pair of old Converse, this look is a 10/10.
6. DRESS COTTAGE-CORE IN WINTER WITH LAYERING
While cottagecore style seems all about the summery romance, you can definitely continue the aesthetic in winter.
That said, layering is the key.
For a sophisticated womanly look, a deep V pinafore dress and turtleneck top are such an impeccable match.
To bring your dress into the spotlight, feel free to do some color contrast with a dusty nude top and a grey dress.
But if you are feeling nostalgic, a mustard yellow high-neck top will never disappoint you.
7. OPT FOR EMBROIDERED CARDIGANS
I love winter as this is such perfect timing for us to step up your outerwear game.
To dress cottagecore on cold days, an embroidered cardigan just increases your aesthetic tenfold.
As for the colder days, reach for the vintage cape coat for a distinctive old-school look.
A long cream coat with scalloped embroidered accents? Just shut up and take my money. (Sometimes my mental power can be THAT weak..)
8. DON’T FORGET YOUR STRAW HATS & BANDANAS
If a puff-sleeve smock dress already gets you excited, I’m sure you will get lost in this cottagecore accessories department as the choices are simply endless.
Whether the small item like a pastel yellow scrunchie or a statement wide beam straw hat, I just want them all.
But seriously, please don’t forget your put on a Cream bandana or a flower crown for an Instagrammable look.
You know, sometimes girls just wanna have fun!
This is so random… BUT
- Your body is a masterpiece that carries you through life’s journey—honor it with the love and respect it deserves.
- Beauty has no single definition; you define what beauty means through your uniqueness and authenticity.
- Your worth extends infinitely beyond your appearance—your kindness, strength, and spirit are what truly shine.
- The space you occupy in this world is yours by right; never apologize for existing exactly as you are.
- Your body tells the story of your life—every mark, curve, and change is a chapter of resilience and growth.
- You deserve to speak to yourself with the same compassion and tenderness you would offer to someone you love.
- Nourishing your body and soul isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary act of self-respect and care.
- The parts of yourself you’ve been taught to hide may be exactly what makes you magnificently unique.
- Your body is not a project to be fixed—it is a vessel for experiencing the fullness of life’s joys.
- You are allowed to love yourself completely today, not when you reach some future version of yourself.
9. DON’T FORGET YOUR COTTAGE-CORE FOOTWEAR
Last note, the footwear. On the plainer side, a pair of Converse can be enough for the dungaree look.
But if you want to step up your game, I would recommend the brown Doc Martin boots as they just echo well with the flowy long dresses.
As for the vintage look, T-bar shoes and kitten heels are worth investing in for your cottagecore collection as well, they just never go out of style.
If you are reading till this point, I’m sure you are the fashion girlies. If yes, check out my newly set-up (Like literally this June) insta @hannahnfashion for more <3 See you there pretty ladies!
And guess what, if a guy ever asks you “what you bring to the table”, show him this reel lol
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So ladies, here are the 9 outfit combos if you wonder how to dress cottagecore on a budget.
Let’s have a quick recap first.
- Embrace cottage-core with smock tops
- All kinds of floral dresses
- Play with lace, plaids & gingham
- Dress cottage-core with linen
- Dress like a farmer girl with dungarees
- Dress cottage-core in winter with layering
- Opt for embroidered cardigans
- Don’t forget your straw hats & bandanas
- Don’t forget your cottage-core footwear
Looking for more styling tips? Check out the other popular articles! See you there loves!