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.
So ladies, if you are 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.
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 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.
2. ALL KINDS OF FLORAL DRESSES
If the cottagecore style could be pinned to 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 COTTAGECORE WITH LINEN
If you are wondering can minimalist join the cottagecore trend, my answer is a big YES.
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 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 COTTAGECORE 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
hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?
This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!
Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.
Ready? Here we go.
I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.
Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.
Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.
I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.
It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.
My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.
I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.
I AM perfect imperfection.
What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).
Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen
Alright, now keep on reading!
9. DON’T FORGET YOUR COTTAGECORE 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 echos 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.
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 cottagecore with smock tops
- All kinds of floral dresses
- Play with lace, plaids & gingham
- Dress cottagecore with linen
- Dress like a farmer girl with dungarees
- Dress cottagecore in winter with layering
- Opt for embroidered cardigans
- Don’t forget your straw hats & bandanas
- Don’t forget your cottagecore footwear
Looking for more styling tips? Check out the other popular articles! See you there loves!