Cottagecore Explained: The Appeal Behind This Growing Trend

Cottagecore has taken the internet by storm, capturing hearts with its cozy charm.

This trend celebrates a simpler life, bringing back old-world skills and a love for nature.

From baking bread to tending gardens, cottagecore embraces activities that connect us to a slower, more peaceful existence.

It’s a step away from our fast-paced, screen-filled world, offering a breath of fresh air.

Born on social media platforms, this movement quickly grew in popularity, especially during recent stay-at-home periods.

People found comfort in its warm, inviting aesthetic and the idea of a more harmonious life.

Let’s explore Cottagecore, why it has gained such appeal, and how it is shaping the ideal lifestyle for many.

What Is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

• It is a movement that celebrates simple living and the charm of country life.
• It draws inspiration from rural living, focusing on baking, gardening, and hand-making.
• Imagine sunny meadows, snug cottages, and people wearing flowing old-fashioned clothes.
• This style has spread across social media, with many sharing photos of their own cottagecore-inspired lives.
• The look of cottagecore is warm and inviting.
• It appears in pictures of pretty countryside views, clothes that look like they’re from a long ago, and people doing things like baking bread or tending to gardens.
• These images make many people happy and calm, reminding them of simpler times.

How Did Cottagecore Become Popular?

Cottagecore’s rise to fame is an interesting story that shows how trends can grow quickly in our connected world.

Let’s look at how cottagecore went from a small internet trend to a widely known lifestyle choice.

Early Roots

• Cottagecore started to gain notice around 2017, first on sites like Tumblr.
• But it has taken off in recent times when people have had to stay at home more.
• As folks spent more time indoors, they found comfort in the idea of a simpler, more natural way of life.

Pandemic Boost

• The COVID-19 lockdowns created a perfect environment for Cottagecore to flourish.
• People stuck indoors began searching for activities and aesthetics that connected them to nature and simple, peaceful living.
• Cottagecore provided that escape.

Role of Social Media

• Social media played a big part in spreading cottagecore.
• Platforms like TikTok and Instagram helped share its charming look far and wide.
• People started posting videos and photos of themselves living the cottagecore life, which interested even more people in trying it out.

The Cultural and Philosophical Appeal of Cottagecore

Cottagecore has grown popular not just for its looks but for what it stands for.

This trend speaks to people’s hearts, offering a different way to see the world.

It’s about more than pretty dresses and cozy homes – it’s a way of thinking that many find comforting and meaningful.

Nostalgia and Idealization of the Past

• Cottagecore paints a rosy picture of country life.
• It brings images of peaceful farms and simple living from long ago.
• These ideas make people feel good, especially when times are tough.
• But it’s important to remember that real rural life wasn’t always easy.
• Cottagecore sometimes skips over the hard parts of living in the countryside.

Still, these happy images offer many a nice break from today’s worries.

A Response to Capitalism and Overwork

• Many see cottagecore as a way to push back against always being busy and buying lots of stuff.
• It says it’s okay to slow down and enjoy simple things.
• Instead of working all the time, cottagecore suggests spending time on hobbies like baking or gardening.
• This idea is very different from the common belief that we should always work hard and try to get ahead.
• Cottagecore says living more slowly and caring for the earth is good.

Inclusivity and Reclaiming the Narrative

• At first, cottagecore mostly showed images of white people in European-style settings.
• But over time, it has grown to include more types of people.
• Black and LGBTQ+ communities have made cottagecore their own, adding their stories and experiences.
• This change is important because it shows that anyone can enjoy and be part of cottagecore.
• It’s not just about one type of person or place anymore.
• Now, cottagecore celebrates many different ways of living a simple, nature-focused life.

The Visual and Lifestyle Aspects of Cottagecore

Cottagecore isn’t just about how you think – it’s also about how you live and what you see around you.

This trend has a distinct look and way of doing things that many people find appealing.

It touches everything from how people decorate their homes to how they wear and spend their time.

Home Decor and Fashion

• In cottagecore, homes often look cozy and old-fashioned.
• People like to use things that remind them of the past, like old furniture or decorations with flowers.
• Colors are usually soft and calm, like light blues or pinks.
• Many cottagecore fans also like to use natural things in their homes, like wood or plants.
• Regarding clothes, cottagecore fans often choose outfits that look like they’re from long ago.
• Long, loose dresses and tops that look like something a farmer might have worn in the past are popular.
• These clothes are usually comfortable and make people feel connected to simpler times.
• Even big clothing stores have noticed how much people like this look.
• For example, H&M has started making clothes that fit the cottagecore style, especially in their summer collections.

Sustainable Living and Connection to Nature

• Cottagecore isn’t just about looks – it’s also about taking care of the earth.
• Many people who like cottagecore try to live in good ways that benefit the environment.
• This might mean growing their own food, avoiding waste, or buying used items instead of new ones.
• Gardening is a big part of cottagecore.
• It’s not just about having pretty flowers – it’s about feeling close to nature and understanding where food comes from.
• Many cottagecore fans enjoy growing their vegetables or herbs, even if they just have a small space on a balcony or windowsill.
• These practices help people feel more connected to the earth and the seasons.
• It’s a way of life that values taking care of the environment and enjoying the natural world.

The Role of Social Media in the Rise of Cottagecore

Social media has played a big part in making cottagecore popular.

These online platforms have helped spread the look and feel of cottagecore to many people quickly.

They’ve also created spaces where people can share their love for this lifestyle and feel part of a community.

Viral Moments and Influencers

• Apps like TikTok and Instagram have been key in spreading cottagecore.
• On these platforms, people share photos and videos of their cottagecore-inspired lives, which others can see and enjoy.
• This has helped the trend grow fast.
• Some famous people have also helped make cottagecore more well-known.
• For example, when singer Taylor Swift released her album “Folklore,” she used a lot of cottagecore-style images. She was seen in natural settings in her music videos, wearing simple clothes that fit the cottagecore look.
• This helped bring the style to even more people.

Community and Inclusivity Online

• One of the best things about cottagecore online is how it brings people together.
• Many have used cottagecore to create friendly and welcoming online spaces.
• This is especially important for groups that sometimes feel left out in other places.
• These online communities let people share their takes on cottagecore.
• They can post pictures of their gardens, share recipes, or discuss how they decorate their homes.
• For example, some groups have made cottagecore spaces that focus on Black experiences or LGBTQ+ perspectives. This has helped make the trend more diverse and welcoming to everyone wanting to join it.
• Through social media, cottagecore has grown from a small trend into a big movement that many different people can enjoy and be part of.

The Future of Cottagecore: Where is the Trend Headed?

Cottagecore has become quite popular, but what’s next for this trend? We can see how cottagecore might change and grow as we look ahead.

It’s likely to keep some of its core ideas while adapting to new styles and including more people.

Aesthetic Longevity

• Cottagecore is evolving, blending its old-world charm with simpler designs.
• This change keeps it fresh and appealing.
• Its focus on caring for the earth and living simply will likely stay important as environmental concerns grow.
• The core idea of slow, thoughtful living remains valuable to many, offering comfort in our fast-paced world.
• These elements suggest cottagecore will continue to be popular for a long time.

Continued Inclusivity and Cultural Relevance

• Looking ahead, cottagecore is set to grow more diverse. It may include ideas from different cultures, not just European traditions.
• We might see cottagecore in city settings or mixed with other cultural styles.
• C cottagecore could stay popular and meaningful for many people by keeping its main values while changing.
• Its future seems bright as it continues to offer comfort and inspiration to a wider group of people.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through cottagecore, it’s clear this trend is more than just pretty pictures.

It’s a way of life that values simplicity, nature, and slower living. From its roots in social media to its growing inclusivity, cottagecore offers a comforting escape from our fast-paced world.

Whether baking bread, tending a garden, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in a sunny window, cottagecore invites us all to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

As this trend continues to evolve, it reminds us of the importance of connection – to nature, to our communities, and ourselves.

So, why not bring a touch of cottagecore into your own life? Start small, embrace the cozy, and see how it can brighten your world.