Cottagecore is the New Normcore (So Get Ready for a Lot of Nap Dresses)

There’s never been a better time to find yourself knee-deep in any and all forms of escapism. Because why would you linger on the sad state of the world when you could put all your energy into baking a loaf of sourdough bread? Which explains why the cottagecore trend, a focus on the quaint, slow-moving aesthetic of pastoral life, has quite literally exploded over the past few months.

PureWow editor Alexia Dellner wrote about cottagecore emerging as a decor trend earlier in March, explaining the movement beautifully: “Allow us to paint a picture: A thatched cottage sits under sun-dappled trees, a few hens putter around the yard, while a freshly baked apple pie cools on the window ledge. One can imagine spending the day here tending to the vegetable garden out back, embroidering something for your friend down the lane and sipping Earl Grey from your vintage teapot.” Ahhh, sign us up.

Turns out, dressing like you’re living in the aforementioned country cottage can help bring the cottagecore reverie to life—even if you’re stuck in a tiny city apartment. And it all started with the Nap Dress. One-part Victorian chic and one-part nightgown, the frock was designed up by Hill House Home and swiftly sold out, becoming the dress of the summer (probably because you can wear it for a Zoom call and to crawl into bed for a daytime snooze). Here, we’ve pulled together a list of 19 other cottagecore pieces, all of which are relaxed, romantic and ready for a romp in the countryside. So, ditch those uncomfortable mom jeans you adopted as part of your embrace of simple, no-frills normcore aesthetic and plan a picnic in a field sometime soon.

RELATED: 9 Cottagecore-Inspired Pieces to Transform Your Home into a Tranquil Hideaway

1. English Factory Empire Maxi Puff Sleeve Dress

Zoom in to see the sweet polka dots that cover this puff-sleeve number.

BUY IT ($100; $70)

2. Doên Meadow Floral-Print Silk Mini Dress

The only thing we want to wear when the temps edge above 85.

BUY IT ($278)

3. Free People Abigail Victorian Top

Just add a tangle of gold jewelry and you’re good to go.

BUY IT ($128; $90)

4. Missoma Gold Ode to Rome Necklace Set

Speaking of gold chains, start with this layering set from Missoma. They’re vintage-inspired, sans the trip to a thrift store.

BUY IT ($310)

5. Janessa Leone Klint Straw Hat

This straw boater will look great with flowy nap dresses and ditzy floral blouses alike.

BUY IT ($216)

6. Billie the Label Eleanor Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

It might appear to be a simple white frock, but this dress contains some of summer’s trendiest details: a square neckline and puff sleeves.

BUY IT ($178)

7. LoveShackFancy Mckenna Grand Bag

Carry this bag now with flowy dresses, and again this fall with your wool and cashmere sweaters.

BUY IT ($145; $102)

8. BLANKNYC Gingham Ruffle Hem Shorts

These sweet gingham shorts are easier to wear than they appear. Seriously, just throw on a white T-shirt or blouse and you’re good to go.

BUY IT ($48)

9. Hereu Cabas Mini Straw Bag

If we had to describe this bag in three words, we’d use: So freaking adorable.

BUY IT ($275)

10. Othilia Lydie Embroidered Blouse

Easy, breezy and detailed with just the right amount of romance. BTW, we’d style these with denim shorts and lace up sandals.

BUY IT ($158)

11. Ariel Gordon Jewelry Baroque Pearl Drop Necklace

Wear this baroque pearl on its own, or layer the chain with a cascade of meaningful charms.

BUY IT ($395)

12. UO Demi Smocked Peplum Tank Top

This might be the easiest way to test out the cottagecore look. Especially since the wide straps will accommodate any bra, and since you can’t beat the under-$35 price.

BUY IT ($34)

13. Lizzie Fortunato Confetti Headband

Grosgrain ribbon + pearls = infallible combination.

BUY IT ($125)

14. S/W/F Violetta Linen Shirtdress

BRB, we just buttoned this shirtdress up and we’re already on our way to the nearest field.

BUY IT ($269)

15. Mehry Mu Fey Mini Rattan and Croc-Effect Leather Tote

Surprisingly roomy, this tote is like a picnic basket you can always carry around

BUY IT ($445; $134)

16. La Vie Rebecca Taylor Pascale Mixed Floral Print Cotton & Silk Top

With ruffles and no less than three sweet floral prints, what’s not to love about this cotton silk blouse?

BUY IT ($250)

17. Joolz by Martha Calvo Pearl & Chain Initial Necklace

Not only does this work with the trend at hand, but you’ll want to wear this initial necklace for years to come.

BUY IT ($240)

18. Maeve Rhodes Shirtdress

An unfussy feel is what cottagecore is all about, and this throw-on-and-go frock embodies that notion perfectly.

BUY IT ($158)

19. Lele Sadoughi Oversized Scrunchie

Whether you wear it on your wrist or knotted in your hair, it will add a romantic touch to any outfit.

BUY IT ($28)

RELATED: Want Proof That Off-the-Shoulder Dresses Are Still Trendy? Check Out These 22 Styles

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