Get The Look: Cottagecore
Words by Chloe Taylor
Like with most communities, cottagecore has a uniform. This attire includes pieces like gingham, wicker accessories and florals, that have been spotted on the high fashion runways. Here is your official guide to getting the cutest cottagecore look.
Cosy Crochet for Days
As well as looking good, an important element of cottagecore is being comfy. Crotchet is not just for grandmas anymore. Christian Dior showcased a knit crochet floral playsuit, in earthy tones of green, white and blush, on their SS20 RTW runway. It was accessorised with a straw hat, a hand-woven braided belt, made from natural jute canvas, and tie up espadrille sandals, for a natural, bohemian look.
Batsheva also released a cosy floral mustard knit crochet cardigan with their SS21 RTW collection. They paired it with a white long-sleeved minidress with ruffled cuffs and collar, creating a comfortable, feminine vibe.
Although the colossal focus on comfort, style was certainly not lacking. Beaded and lace crochet also appeared at these spring/summer collections. Alexander McQueen sent an array of white, floral lace-crochet dresses down their SS20 runway. Their delicate, gentle gowns were juxtaposed with black, hard-leather shoes and accessories, toughening up the sweetest ensembles. Jacquemes showcased a standout patchwork midi dress with blue and lilac beaded crochet elements at his SS20 show.
Gingham Girl
Though it could be argued that you’ll match the blanket on your next picnic, we can’t help but to associate the gingham trend with nostalgia and whimsy. Seen in SS20/21 collections in sugary pastel shades reflecting the sweet and simple nature of cottagecore.
Batsheva’s SS21 collection showcased a candyfloss pink and white capri jumpsuit, with a cropped open waistcoat, fastened with a bow on the collar. It also featured tie-up pockets that sat against the hips and pearly buttons up the front. It was paired with a matching oversized hairbow and mismatching coloured gingham triple buckle Mary Jane’s.
Rodarte’s collection followed their iconic romantic style in their SS21 collection, presenting a 1940s style blue and white gingham midi skirt suit, with short leg of mutton sleeves, black piping and a waistbelt, cinching in the waist. Paired with a red and white silk floral wreath, with pearl accents, that framed the model’s face, adding even more to the idyllic, dreamy look.
Jacquemus’ SS20 catwalk show, that was set in the middle of a Parisian lavender field, showcased an array of pastel gingham looks: an ankle-length lavender gingham button-up, long-sleeved shirt dress, paired with a round mini box bag in a matching print; a lavender gingham slouchy suit; and a baby pink tiered maxi dress.
Fabulous Florals
What says spring/summer simplicity more than florals? From prints to embroidered and beaded motifs, these flowery looks showed up in abundance in the SS20/21 collections.
Angelic and adorable looks were seen at the Simone Rocha SS20 show, with her transparent organza bishop sleeve overlay midi-dress embroidered with white cloud-like shapes and dainty baby blue flowers, larger leafy shapes with green stems. Underneath sits a white shirt-dress with floral embroidered cuffs, paired with crisp white knee socks, tie-up baby blue, studded ballet flats. This look was accessorised with a pearl and spikey studded headband and sapphire blue coloured and pearly beaded dangly earrings.
Jacquemus released a range of floral fits in his SS20 collection: oversized, slouchy suits, ties and jackets in a cornflower blue and white scribbly floral print; pistachio green shorts and shirts with white embroidered swirly flowers; oversized baby blue flower printed suits and flowy tiered maxi dresses; and blacked out sunflower shapes printed onto yellow shirts and long shorts.
Christian Dior saw an array of ankle-length canvas frocks with embroidered floral motifs, paired with gold and wooden beaded jewellery, a black straw garden hat, white netted wrist gloves with black piping, and tie-up flip-flop espadrilles.
Wicked Wicker
Nature is a core element of cottagecore: being in and around it, using its natural resources, taking care of it… the list goes on. This trend of wicker wear takes it one step even further. Be at one with nature wherever you are by wearing wicker hats, straw-like gowns and basket bags as seen in the SS20/21 RTW collections.
The first collection that springs to mind is Christian Dior SS20. The catwalk was lined with hundreds of trees donated from France, Germany and Italy, creating a secret indoor woodland. These trees were said to have been replanted and join “sustainability projects around Paris”. This, along with the rest of the set being recyclable and plastic free, was part of Dior’s “zero-waste policy and sustainability commitment”.
Dior sent full straw looks down the runway: from strapless shaggy straw gown, paired with tie up espadrille sandals, a garden hat, a braided canvas belt and a wooden beaded necklace; to an ankle length A-line straw skirt with appliqued floral details, paired with espadrille sliders, a garden hat, a braided canvas belt, a glass beaded necklace poking out of the collar of the cornflower blue shirt, and gold rings and earrings.
Jacquemes’ SS20 show featured floppy wicker hats with wide, oversized brims, and beach bags with neon leather straps, finishing off the looks at their sunny summer collection. Etro followed suit with their own version of the iconic floppy sunhat and wicker basket bag, at their SS21 RTW show, keeping you safe and chic this spring/summer period!