If you are here, then most likely you already know what cottagecore is, but we are going to give you an introduction anyway so that we can have a perfect cottagecore bonding. Cottagecore is a lifestyle movement based on the ideas of simplicity, slow living, sustainability and a deep connection to nature. It’s a state of mind, like most of the time we see something and instantly gush over it and yearn for it, and that longing gives a subtle joy - pretty hard to put words to this feeling. Now it can't only be us who save hundreds of aesthetic cottagecore pictures with a thought that I'm definitely going to try this. In this read, we have added elements that will give you little ideas so you can start living the cottagecore dream. We think that cottagecore exists in 3 various distinctions.

• Daily Wear
• Space
• Activities

If you want to add cottagecore to your life, then these 3 aspects can be worked upon. 2020 is the best year to surround yourself with this surreal whole world because you have all the time on your hands. The best part is that you don’t need special skills or a lot of money for cottagecore. So, log off your social media, put down your smartphone and take a stroll into the wild or park if you are a city dweller. Basking in the sun and collecting wildflowers while eating strawberry pastries.

1. Daily Wear

Cottagecore fashion includes flowy dresses, loose-fitting skirts, layered clothing, blouses, laces and milkmaid or peasant silhouettes. The dresses have floral, gingham, paisley patterns with crotchet linings, and nature-inspired prints. You can also wear apron dresses if you think that they are too heavy or impractical - just go for something that is easy-breezy. Make sure to wear colors, which are mostly seen in nature such as green, white, tan, oatmeal, muted pastels and jewel tones. It's time to rummage your granny’s closet.

Accessories

If you live in a big city or don't like to wear dresses, hair ribbons are the best option to add some cottagecore vibes to your daily wear or you can use floral pins and brooches to adorn daily clothing. Also, sun hats are such a love. Imagine running in bunny tails meadows with your palms outstretched. Oh! what would we not give to have that feeling. Another great way of indulging into cottagecore is to start making your own accessories for example dried flower necklaces.

Footwear

As for footwear, go for something, which you can wear on a hard day of work. We would recommend flat and comfortable shoes e.g. flat leather sandals, oxford shoes or mary janes. Try clogs in winter and stripy sandals that show skin, in summers.

You can visit thrift shops, vintage stores, or you can ask your mum or grandma for the dresses they wore when they were younger. We all have that relative who doesn’t throw anything no matter how old it is. Always remember none of these tips and tricks are limited to one body type. Anybody and everybody can participate in this fashion and even if you feel uncomfortable wearing certain item that are mentioned here, this guide is served as an inspiration and its not intended to be followed strictly as instructions.

2. Space

Even if you don’t dress in a particular way, the space around you is what gives the others the lasting cottagecore impression. Everything should give a soft and enveloping feeling. Use soft and pale colors instead of bright and darker shades. You can use floral wallpapers for walls. There are so many nature-inspired wallpapers available. Other things you can add, include draperies, tapestries, sheer curtains, light-colored wood furniture, ambient lighting, pottery, fairy lights, crotchets, fluffy rugs, and plants. Lots of plants.

Embrace Indoor Gardening

Yup. We think this needs to be put first. Start indoor gardening. Okay as difficult as it may sound, it is not. You need a space that receives 4 hours of natural light and tadddaaaaan, that’s all you need. There are even plants that need only 1-2 hours of lighting. You don’t need pots, collect glass bottles of any kind, fill them with water and put plant cuttings in them. You will be amazed to hear that there are so many plants that can grow just in water as long as you can keep changing it once or twice a week. These plants include pothos, devils ivy, spider plant, philodendrons, dracaena, lucky bamboo, wandering jew, monstera and so many more. Oh and make terrariums. We can't tell you how crazy we are for terrariums. You’d definitely love them.

Displaying Vintage and Cottage Decor

Okay, so start collecting old things. Ask your granny for her china crockery. She is not going to give you her prized china plates that easy but you have to try at least. You can visit second-hand stores too. Look for rustic things with that coppery blue rust, old furniture, vases, pottery, flower paintings, ceramic animals, figurines, seashells, trinkets, chimes etc. Hang old plates on the wall and in plate holders.

Use candles and old books, bookshelves, embroidered pillows, bedsheets, tablecloths, etc. If fresh flowers aren't available, you can use faux flowers too. They are available in so many types and colors. Keep the space tidy and filled up to brim with things. Avoid minimalism and place soft furniture. Use scented candles and potpourri. Hang fairy lights and aesthetic lamps available in so many styles. Attach Victorian styled lamps to the walls.

3. Activities

Baking & cooking

Bake bread, cakes, pastries, doughnuts, cookies. or try making homemade pasta shells and enjoy cooking it. Whipped cream and strawberries and all. In summer, you can pack your baking and orange juice and go for a picnic once in a while. Stay healthy.

Needle and threads

Start doing embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. Brush up some sewing basics and try an embroidery kit. Try simple embroideries and after some time you'll be doing complex ones. You can embroider mushrooms, animals, insects, flowers on your clothes. These tasks require patience, but I am sure you will enjoy the process. You can make macramé too. They are so easy and you can hang your plants in them. If you are still looking for a Christmas present, what about knitting socks and gloves and gift them to your loved ones?

Flower preserving

This now what we think fairies do in their free time. Look for wildflowers around your house. If you live in a city or suburb, you can visit floral shops. Pssst! Make the owner your friend so he/she can give you freebies sometimes. Hang upside down or use old books or buy a flower presser for drying. You can buy silicone sand for quick drying too, without pressing the flowers. Make dry arrangements or potpourri or dioramas with them.

Reusing & repurposing

Repurposing is a great way to keep things out of the dump and to give your home a little décor boost. These projects are relatively easy, take little time and best of all, they allow you to completely repurpose that trash into something useful. Use utensils as planters or vases holders. Make grocery bags or table tops from old clothes. Collect glass bottles of every size. There are so many things that can be reused into making tea coasters. Living the cottagecore dream means being environment-friendly, resourceful and finding joy in DIY.

Mushroom hunting

If you love cottagecore then we can already tell that you love foraging mushrooms too. You go into the wild and collect them and always remember to use a knife when cutting them, so that they can regrow. You can preserve them and extract dues from them or toss in some butter and make mushroom sauté. Always go with an expert. Most of the mushrooms are not edible though so take care!

SO, this is not all. They're so much more we want to add, so watch out for the upcoming articles!

The bottom line

Don’t overthink it. The more natural, the better—no excess shopping or spending required. Once you allow cottagecore to infiltrate your home, you will watch your environment evolve into a warm cozy, loving, atmosphere where family and friends are welcomed, valued, and will never want to leave.