What does Cottagecore mean?
An aesthetic inspired by a romanticized rural life
Detailed Explanation
Cottagecore is an internet aesthetic and lifestyle movement that celebrates an idealized, romanticized vision of rural and farm life. It emphasizes simplicity, self-sufficiency, and harmony with nature. The aesthetic is characterized by things like baking bread, gardening, foraging, picnics, flowy dresses, and rustic, cozy home decor.
Usage Examples
“Her Instagram is full of cottagecore pictures of her baking and tending to her garden.”
“I just want to leave the city and live a quiet cottagecore life.”
“That thrifted floral dress is perfect for a cottagecore look.”
Origin & History
The aesthetic began to gain traction on Tumblr in the 2010s but exploded in popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people were stuck at home, the idea of a simple, peaceful, and self-sufficient rural life became extremely appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cottagecore a real lifestyle?
For some, it is a genuine lifestyle focused on sustainability and traditional skills. For many others, it is primarily an online aesthetic focused on the visual elements of this idealized life, rather than the hard labor that rural life actually entails.