Cottagecore GirlThe Cottagecore aesthetic has become a popular emergence among social media; the simple-living mindset and focus on nature is perfect for those wishing to escape their busy lives. Inspired by a romanticised vision of rural living, pictured floral dresses, rosy cheeks and a longing for fresh, country air.
Dark Cottagecore is an offshoot of Cottagecore, with a focus on the melancholy. Heavily inspired by the gothic and horror, Dark Cottagecore involved visuals of old haunted houses, ghostly fog, and decaying ruins.
Both aesthetic lifestyles have their own charms; highly versatile, they allow individuals to uniquely customise their fashion, beauty, and lifestyle to align with their form of expression. But what sets them apart and how can you understand the differences? After that, how will you be able to decide which is the right choice for you?
Overview of Cottagecore
Cottagecore is a relatively new term, emerging to describe the celebration of simple living. The fashion, lifestyle and beauty trends are characterised by a nostalgia for a simpler time, a deep love of nature, and sustainability. Those involved in the community embrace a slower lifestyle.
The aesthetic is highly influenced by the Victorian and Edwardian eras – what people wore, and what people would do in their leisure time. Cottagecore members value the mundane, and see the beauty in it; laundry, cooking, gardening, and cleaning your home. The Cottagecore aesthetic idealises an imaginary world that celebrates community, simplicity and embracing nature; there are variations that have these commonalities, but their aesthetic visuals and colours may differ slightly.
Aesthetic Differences
There are distinct differences between Cottagecore and Dark Cottagecore. The traditional Cottagecore aesthetic is inspired by the natural world with significant focus on pastoral landscapes, cosy interiors, rustic lifestyles and simple living. The trend is characterised by creating a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
Dark Cottagecore incorporates elements of mystery, melancholy, and gothic horror into traditional Cottagecore. Instead of bright and cheerful, Dark Cottagecore is dark and moody, highly inspired by the changing seasons, and mysteries of the natural world.
Colour Palettes
Colour palette’s are an extremely helpful tool in defining the vibe of different aesthetics and the majority of difference between traditional Cottagecore and Dark Cottagecore lies within their colour palettes. Where Cottagecore is soft and whimsical, focusing on pastels, muted earth tones, and light floral accents, Dark Cottagecore was moody and mysterious, focusing on deep greens, browns and reds, with pops of black and saturated jewel tones.
Common Themes
Through Cottagecore, and it’s many offshoots, certain themes emerge. The Cottagecore aesthetic includes themes of appreciating nature, often portrayed through floral patterns, natural materials, incorporation of plants, and greenery. The Dark Cottagecore celebrated nature with a focus on ominous and mysterious tones.
Both versions of the aesthetic reject modernity through the use of vintage or antique furniture and décor, a love for handmade and handcrafted items as well as an appreciation for domestic skills such as baking, knitting or embroidery.
These aesthetics have gained significant popularity in recent years, especially in fashion and home décor. They emphasise the beauty of nature, though they differ in their approaches. Both styles offer community members the opportunity to escape their busy, modern lives and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
