Happy 2024! May this year bring us all peace, joy, and cheaper groceries!
I don't make new year resolutions because no doubt I'll break them! But I do like to see every January as a reminder to take a deep breath, look around, and see what new goals I like to set for myself for the upcoming year.
One thing I'm going to try to revive is the cottagecore lifestyle, which gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. What's cottagecore? Well, Dictionary.com defines it as "an aesthetic or imagery inspired by an old-fashioned, rural lifestyle, characterized by rustic décor and fashion, a revival of traditional handicrafts, etc."
Credit: Melike Benli
This type of lifestyle has actually been around since the 2010s, but wasn't called cottagecore until 2018 on Tumblr. It became hugely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were all stuck at home, and many of us took up baking and sewing to pass the time. Remember the sourdough craze? Or that strawberry dress?
Obviously, this Internet aesthetic "rural lifestyle" has been highly romanticized and very unrealistic of what actual rural life is. I'm by no means undermining all the hard work and challenges that people who do live in rural areas face, but if cottagecore is a means for us to increase our mindfulness and be happier by living a more peaceful life, then I say we go for it!
What are the aspects of cottagecore?
1. Fashion
Credit: Ron Lach
While homemade clothing is a feature of cottagecore, if you're not a sewer, you can still partake in this style. Cottagecore clothing often includes long, layered dresses, puffy sleeves, and ruffles. Soft, floral prints are an obvious choice, as well as pastels. It definitely veers toward a romantic aesthetic.
Although, I think this really is more of a nice weather kind of thing. In the pouring rain during winter, I'll be sticking to my trusty jeans and hoodies!
2. Food
Credit: Jovan Vasiljević
Buying from local farmers' markets and the slow art of home-cooked meals and baked goods is a big part of the lifestyle. Some proponents even advocate growing your own fruits and vegetables, but since I'll probably starve if I do that, that's one part I'll just have to let go. I know bread machines are very tempting, but the idea behind cottagecore is slow and hands-on, so to fully embrace this lifestyle, unplug and put away!
I personally found kneading and rolling the dough to be very therapeutic. My favorite part was slamming it on the counter to get rid of all the air bubbles. A fantastic stress reliever!
3. Gardening
Credit: Jenni Kowal
The one hobby I took up during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued! The Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom noted cottage gardening as a trend back in 2021, but I personally find it enduring. Cottage gardens are characterized by a classic, informal garden style. Think The Secret Garden (1993 movie version). Popular flowers include English lavender, peonies, roses, and hydrangeas.
Imagine fragrant red climbing roses covering a white arbor or supported by a white lattice. Beautiful! David Austin English roses are very popular, but there are plenty of gorgeous roses by other breeders. The great thing is that with proper care, roses can last for years, so consider it an investment!
4. Interior design
Credit: Dominika Roseclay
No surprise here, but cottagecore aesthetics involve simple and minimalistic designs, and lots of natural elements like wood and flowers. The color palette tends to be soft neutrals with minimal prints. Because cottagecore is so influenced by nature, cut flowers play a big role towards achieving that cottagecore vibe.
Credit: Sophkins
Growing your own flowers is an easy and inexpensive way to have a continual supply of flowers that you can display in your home. Yes, the initial investment of buying the flowers, soil, etc. is more expensive, but you'll be rewarded with continual blooms for the entire season. Imagine displaying an armful of purple blooms in a pretty pitcher vase and burying your nose in them when you wake up in the morning. Not a bad way to start the day!
5. Physical and mental well-being
Credit: rocknwool
Cottagecore emphasizes taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Activities that require focus and rhythmic motions, like knitting or crocheting, can help your busy mind escape to calmer places and reduce stress and anxiety. And getting a handmade scarf out of it at the end? An added bonus!
Will I give up my electronic gadgets entirely? Never. But an escape from them once in a while? Absolutely!
