"Bridgerton" Brought The Cottagecore Aesthetic Back — And It's Better Than Ever
Dearest gentle reader, if it were up to Lady Whistledown, the finest trend of the season would absolutely be the return of the cottagecore aesthetic. Bring on the floral dresses, ruching, and tulle because thanks to Bridgerton, we're glady welcoming cottagecore back into our current style rotation (if it ever left). Cottagecore has come and gone with the likes of period drama movies and TV shows á la Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey, and so many more. So whether you're frolicking in the English countryside, attending balls with Kings and Queens, or just simply catching up on Bridgerton season 3 from the comfort of your couch, we've got all the best dresses for the occasion that will have you looking like THE diamond of the season.
What is cottagecore?
Photo via House of CB
Cottagecore is an aesthetic or style that is inspired by "cottage living" — imagine the English countryside in the early 1900's. The clothing style is very reminiscent of a Jane Austen-inspired era with lots of feminine and flowy silhouettes. You'll notice the styles having corsets, ruffles, florals, and bows, so just think very effortlessly girly!
What are the best brands to shop for cottagecore aesthetic?
Photo via House of CB
The brands that immediately come to mind and encapsulate the "frolicking-in-the-english-countryside-while-waiting-for-your-star-crossed-lover" vibe are brands like Love Shack Fancy, House of CB, and Doen. I've personally shopped all of these and can attest that they are idyllic, gorgeous, and will have you feeling like the lead of a Bridgerton season in no time.
What should I watch to get inspired by the cottagecore aesthetic?
Photo via Netflix
Period dramas are perfect to get into this vibe, and some shows and films that I love to watch are Little Women, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton(obvi), and anything from the Jane Austen-era! When you watch all of these shows, you'll get so much inspiration from the way they dress and styles they're wearing. I also love scrolling Pinterest to find inpso for what to wear in order to achieve this aesthetic!
Shop Cottagecore Aesthetic Staples Here!
LoveShackFancy Floral Dress
LoveShackFancy is a brand that does cottagecore SO well! They completely nail the ruffles, florals, and femininity that we're looking for in order to achieve the cottagecore look. This mini is adorable with the ruffles and short silhouette!
Melloday Smock Dress
Anything smock will definititely help you achieve cottagecore style and this smocked dress is such a cute one! I love the length and material of this one, as well as the strings on the sleeves! Such a fun detail!
Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress
How could you think of cottagecore and have your mind not go immediately towards the cool-girl brand of Reformation. They are the brand to shop at for any linen pieces to achieve your cottagecore style. Plus, you can never go wrong with a simple white dress! It's definitely a staple in every wardrobe.
Petal & Pup Tulle Dress
Wanting to look like a literal princess? This dress is as close to it as you can get! You'll surely be the belle of the ball (or shall we say 'diamond of the season') in this tiered tulle stunner! The details are extravagant, and I'm loving it for all the cottagecore vibes!
House of CB Rafaella Dress
This dress just screams femininity and grace; exactly what we need for this Bridgerton-inpsired aesthetic! To be honest, this dress looks like it was taken right from a diamond of the season's wardrobe! Adding this to cart now!
Free People Feeling Bonita Smock Dress
Free People is a brand that does cottage core so well but in a more understated and casual way. Like this dress above, it exudes the cottage lifestyle but more casual than you may see on shows like Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. You'll definitely get so much wear out of this staple dress!
House of CB Emmelina Poplin Dress
I have this dress after trying it on in store and falling in looove with it immediately! It's stunning quality and tulle skirt will have you feeling like a princess! Just a note-- it runs quite small so make sure to adjust your sizing to a size bigger than normal!
Target Ruffle Mini Dress
If you're looking for a more day-to-day casual take on the cottagecore trend then we highly suggest looking to Target for not only great picks but also great prices! I love this casual little mini for a nice, summer day styled with sandals and some ribbons in your hair!
Abercrombie and Fitch Emerson Poplin Dress
This print just screams cottage core princess to me! The vintage floral-like pattern would fit in perfectly on the show. You simply can't go wrong with a floral midi dress and for this price point, it's definitely a steal!
Petal & Pup Belle Swiss Tiered Tulle Dress
The key to the Bridgerton look? Tulle, tulle, and more tulle! It's the essential to giving off all the "diamond" vibes á la Daphne Bridgerton — and the fluffier the better! I love this brand, Petal & Pup, for their cottage core-inspired gowns that could be great for any future birthday parties or events!
Abercrombie Emerson Mini
This pattern just screams English countryside to me with the beautiful vintage colors and silhouette. I would definitely pick up this one to achieve the cottagecore style on a budget!
Charles Henry Bustier Maxi
Another affordable option to achieve the same look as the House of CB dress! It checks all the right boxes: floral, bustier, maxi, and so cute! We love this one!
Free People Asymmetric Dress
If you're wanting a more casual take on the trend — perhaps a Kate Sharma nightgown inspired look — then this one is perfect! It is such a cute summer dress that I think screams cottagecore aesthetic with its nightgown-esque look! Free People does cottage core so well and this one is 25% off at the moment!
En Saison Ribbon Tie Dress
Want the Penelope Featherington look? This adorable maxi dress with the tie ribbon straps is sure to help you accomplish that! I love dresses that have sweet details like the ribbons on this dress!
Abercrombie and Fitch Lace Up Maxi Dress
Tiered dresses are a great way to take on the cottage core trend in a vintage inspired way because it resembles a lot of the silhouettes from the era similar to Bridgerton or Pride and Prejudice. They also look extremely flattering on because of the way they compliment your body shape with the tiered-waist.
Reformation Cherise Linen Dress
This dress is quintessential cottagecore, Bridgerton vibes to me! It looks so dainty and regal with it being a maxi and having the most adorable puff-sleeves and bow detailing. I say add a pair of white mary-jane flats and big white bow in your hair to top off the whole look!
Target Long Sleeve Flare Dress
I love the classic "fit and flare" style of dress! I find it to be so effortlessly chic, which is just what we're trying to achieve with the cottage core aesthetic. Bridgerton ladies often opt for the "fit and flare" style because it is super flattering on so many different body types.
All In Favor Midi Dress
At only $64, you're going to want to sprint to checkout on this dress that looks like it was taken right from my Pinterest board! I love how simple it is and the blue color is perfectly on brand for our theme as well. Plus, I love a corset moment!
House of CB Petticoat Dress
Petticoat dress? Say no more, we have found the most perfect cottagecore dress ever, readers! This dress would have Lady Whistledown, herself, wanting to know where it's from!
Abercrombie Puff Sleeve Dress
Lastly, a puff sleeve dress from our favorite and affordable Abercrombie because you can truly never go wrong with anything linen or puff-sleeved. I love this one with mary-janes like above or even with a pair of white pumps to dress it up!
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Lead image via Netflix.