If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed a new fashion trend: Cottagecore, also referred to as fairycore. Since you’re reading this post, you’re probably like me. You’ve fallen in love with that flowy, free spirit style that makes you want to spin around in a field wearing a linen dress, then pick yourself a bouquet of flowers on the way home. But why do cottagecore clothes have to be so frickin’ expensive? Well, they don’t. So get ready, cause we’re about to dive into some super cute and affordable cottagecore clothes.
I realized I had to write this post when I was browsing a featured article on Pinterest for cottagecore clothing, and every blouse they chose had a price tag of at LEAST $50, while dresses were about $100 or higher. I’m sure you get what you pay for, but my goodness. If you bought just 3 new cottagecore pieces for your closet based on that article, you could easily spend $150-$200.
And honestly, that’s not necessary. Not to mention, that’s not practical for most people–myself included. So, I decided to help out my fellow thrifty shoppers with an eye for that fairycore/cottagecore fashion.
I’ve put this post together to help you find the top rated picks of cottagecore fashion, from dresses and tops to trousers and accessories.
Quick tip! Pin this for later so you can always come back to this post!
Related reading
Got fashion on your mind? Check out these posts:
Gift Guide for the Fashion Lover! Remember, gift guides can be used for other people, but you can use it to find something for yourself, too 😉
How to Be Fashionable on a Low Budget. This post will give you tips to shop fashionable while on a budget, as well as my list of the best affordable clothing shops for women!
What is cottagecore fashion and where did it come from?
I looked into the origins of cottagecore, and it seems that it may have started showing up in online communities such as Tumblr as early as 2017, but it really took off in 2019. Basically, the cottagecore aesthetic–which is practically a lifestyle at this point–is a counter-reaction to capitalism, the hectic MOREMOREMORE atmosphere of corporate America, and an effort to take some space from the constant use of our phones and TV.
But if you want the nutshell version, cottagecore is a romanticization of rural, agricultural farm life. It often features picking flowers, walks out in nature, baking fresh bread, hanging your clothes out to dry on a clothes line, lots of houseplants, and most things that relate to living a slow, cozy life at home.
Really, it’s one of the most relaxing aesthetics I’ve seen lately. And I think that’s the point. People are becoming more and more focused on self care, being in the moment, slowing down and taking care of their wellness.
Cottagecore fashion is often light and roomy– perfect for dancing, curling up comfortably with a book, frollicking about or gardening. It’s both effortless and elegant, in a farm girl kind of way.
Both cottagecore aesthetics and fashion are focused on comfort, being in nature, and just enjoying life.
How can you create a cottagecore outfit?
Cottagecore fashion has a range of specific “looks” to it.
If we put cottagecore fashion in a scene, you’d have:
- The “flower child out in nature,” which often involves a long, floral printed dress while picking flowers or having a picnic.
- There’s the “cozy at home” look, which usually involves loose-fitted, neutral linen clothing and socks–maybe with some baking involved.
- And there’s the “coulda been in the Pride & Prejudice” look, which usually includes some sort of pinafore dress or skirt and definitely more linen.
Even though there’s lots of variety in cottagecore fashion, there are a few commonalities. Some recurring cottagecore fashion themes and clothing items include:
- Comfort
- Loose-fitted (at least in some areas; the whole outfit doesn’t need to be baggy unless you prefer that)
- Neutral, pastel or floral prints
- Straw hat, bandana or headband
- Trousers
- Puff sleeves or ruffles
- Buttons or corset-style strings
- Apron or penicore dress/skirt
Basically, you want to wear something you’d be photographed in while twirling in a flower field. Aim for Liza Bennet or Anne of Green Gables vibes, and you’re already doing great.
Cottagecore fashion can be revealing, modest, or anything in between. Wear whatever makes you feel like your most beautiful, confident self!
And now, we’re ready to dive into affordable cottagecore clothes and fairycore outfits for a whimsical wardrobe upgrade!
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Affordable Cottagecore Clothes
All of these products had great reviews and were affordable (all under $100)! That’s why they were chosen for the budget-friendly cottagecore fashion list 😊
Wide-leg linen pull-on pants
These high-rise linen pants from Target are the perfect summer pants for any style! You can keep this look low-key with a basic T-shirt, or pair them with a blouse for a more romantic look.
[ADD WIDGET W/ ACCESSORIES]
Midi linen summer dress
This is the perfect summertime dress for just about any activity. It’s long enough to wear while gardening, but not so long that the hem will get in your way.
Or just throw this dress on, grab a whicker handbag and a big floppy hat, and go for a stroll down the boardwalk.
Whatever your summer activities look like, this dress will be your new go-to.
Cinch tie-waist midi dress
I love everything about this dress, but especially those lil capped sleeves! This dress just screams picking-flowers-in-a-field, and that’s the exact cottagecore vibe we’re going for.
This plus-size dress is the perfect summer addition to your closet.
Ruffled dress
I love the color of this dress and the sweetheart neckline. It’s flattering and the perfect dress for picking strawberries on a warm summer day!
Flowy maxi skirt
This dress embodies cottagecore with its effortlessly chic appearance, and comfortable fit.
Personally, I think cottagecore is all about going with the flow, with a touch of whimsy. This skirt is naturally flowy, which will look so lovely and romantic while you take a stroll.
Vintage dress
This dress checks allll the cottagecore fashion boxes! It’s mid-length, loose and flowy, has slightly puffed sleeves, is so elegant and pretty, and has ruffles. I love everything about it, and there are several lovely colors to choose from.
Tie neck blouse (also comes in a Peter Pan collar!)
This top is so pretty and chic, and the Peter Pan collar is a great addition. You can wear this with jeans for a modern day cottagecore outfit, or tucked into a long, flowy skirt for a more vintage outfit. If you’re looking for affordable cottagecore clothes, you can’t go wrong with a timeless blouse like this one.
Mini Dress
Cottagecore dresses definitely don’t need to be long! Especially on those hot summer days, when you’re just dying to let your legs breathe and let the sun put some color in your skin. This mini dress is super cute and would make a great picnic dress, or a nice evening date outfit!
Linen maxi skirt
Linen clothing is a staple in a cottagecore wardrobe. I love this skirt, and that floor length hem is perfect for a cottagecore aesthetic. Plus, no shaving required ; )
Lace up booties
Tall booties are one of my favorite things about cottagecore fashion. This pair received really positive reviews and I love how affordable they are. You can wear these with a long, swooshy skirt or a mini dress with puff sleeves! You can even pair them with jeans and a simple cotton blouse for a more casual look.
Platform Oxfords
It can be challenging to find affordable cottagecore shoes, but these Oxfords can fit into most budgets. Oxfords are such a classic look, and they fit perfectly into the cottagecore aesthetic.
Pair these platform Oxfords with dark or light stockings for the perfect touch. These come in a wide variety of colors, and have options for full coverage or cut outs. You can’t go wrong no matter which ones you choose.
Knee high lacey socks
Knee high socks are the most comfortable thing to wear for a cozy, book-reading type of day. They’re an affordable accessory that can easily turn a simple skirt and blouse into a full blown cottagecore outfit.
These are cute pulled all the way up, or slouched down a bit around the calves to show off those cute lil knees of yours.
Pinafore Dress
Cottagecore girls are often photographed twirling in a pinafore dress, standing in a flower field with their arms held high. This is the pinafore skirt you’ve been looking for.
Though pinafore dresses don’t usually fall into the “affordable” cottagecore clothes category, this one checks all the boxes. Budget-friendly and oh-so-cute, all you need for a full outfit is a pair of cute booties and a plain white cotton shirt underneath.
Lace-up corset
I know Elizabeth Swann hated corsets, but she wasn’t trying to put together a cottagecore outfit to take cute picnic photos in.
Corsets may not be the most practical piece of cottagecore fashion, but they’re certainly one of the most lovely. You can layer this corset waist belt over a flowy dress to give the looseness a curvier shape.
Mesh socks
These floral mesh socks are an adorable addition to any cottagecore outfit! They’ve got that “soft girl” vibe, with the delicate material and cute little flowers.
Wear these with Doc Martins, loafers, clogs or Oxfords.
Straw hat
A straw hat is a fun way to accessorize your summer outfit. Cottagecore girls are usually out in nature, gardening, taking a long stroll, picking flowers, etc. All of which are very romantic things to do, but involve a lot of direct sunlight.
I love this straw hat, and it’s an affordable addition to amp up your outfit in a way that offers shelter from the blazing sun.
Floral bandanas
These handmade bandanas are so cute and pretty for any girl to wear! The best part is, they really don’t require anything else to make an outfit look much more cottagecore. You could wear a basic outfit–a pair of jeans and a white tank top–then put on one of these patterned headbands, and the entire vibe of the outfit would change.
Sometimes, it’s the simple accessories that really make the outfit.
Baggy Overalls
Baggy overalls are one of the best looks right now. They’re cute, practical, comfy, and require nothing more than a plain T-shirt underneath.
When you’re wearing overalls, feel free to let your hair do its natural thing. Messy curls and tangled hair just proves you’re a true cottagecore girl–living carefree and embracing the natural beauty of life.
Mushroom earrings
These little red and white mushroom dangle earrings are SO cute. They actually tempt me to finally pierce my ears (yes, I’m a full grown adult woman with virgin earlobes haha). The mushroom aesthetic is one of things I love about cottagecore, and these earrings will fit perfectly into your cottagecore jewelry collection.
Oversized cardigan
Every cottagecore girl should own at least one oversized, comfy cardigan. This forest themed cardigan is embroidered with cute little leaves and mushrooms, making it perfect for that cozy vibe.
Peter Pan collared sweater
I looove a good knitted sweater, and the Peter Pan collar on this one makes it extra cute.
Wear it with trousers or a skirt!
Knit sweater vest
Sweater vests are having a (very long) moment, so grab yourself a knit sweater vest while they’re hot! True to the cottagecore trend, a knit sweater is comfortable and layers perfectly over a short or long sleeve top.
Crystal mushroom necklace
These handmade, crystal mushroom necklackes are a beautiful and unique addition to your jewelry box. I love that this seller offers an absurd amount of crystal and color varieties. Browse through the options and pick out your favorite!
Corduroy tote
This corduroy tote bag is such a handy accessory to add to any fairycore or cottagecore outfit. It comes in a variety of colors and can easily replace your typical purse that might not go as perfectly with the rest of your cottagecore outfit.
Read next…
Gift Guide for the Fashionista
How to Downsize Your Closet in 8 Simple Steps
How to Dress Fashionably on a Low Budget
Conclusion to Affordable Cottagecore clothes
And that’s the end for this roundup post of affordable cottagecore clothes must-haves under $100! All these pieces are affordable for most budgets, and add a cozy, subtle touch of cottagecore or fairycore to your wardrobe. So embrace the whimsical side of fashion right now, get out your paperback books, make some herbal tea, or go for a long stroll down a forest trail and get ready to embrace the slower way of life.
Romanticize the rural lifestyle and let your outfit reflect that.
Til next time, my whimsical friend.
