Outfit Ideas for the Cottagecore Fashion Trend

Ah, cottagecore, the aesthetic that makes you want to frolic through fields, bake bread from scratch, and romanticize your life like you’re in a period drama. Cottagecore outfits are all about feminine silhouettes that exude warmth, optimism, and vintage charm. Think clean lace, puffy sleeves, ruffled hems, flowy fabrics, romantic corsets, and a soft, muted palette with rustic hues. 

And the accessories? They follow the same script. Woven straw and raffia bags, ribbon-tied hats, and barely-there jewelry are essentials for achieving that whimsical, rural, and countryside look. Get inspired by some of these dreamy cottagecore fashion ideas and luxury purse pairings!

1. Milkmaid Top & a Top-Handle Bag

Woman in a cream milkmaid top & jeans holding a brown purse
Dressing up as an Anne of the Green Gables character might be tempting, but we need our cottagecore to be for real life. Start simple: a milkmaid top with balloon sleeves and a cinched bodice paired with your go-to jeans. A top with a dainty floral print or lace trim would make it even better. This look juxtaposes softness with structure for a balanced outfit that can be worn to a brunch date, a lakeside picnic, or just a stylish grocery run. Grab a top-handle purse in a warm brown or tan to complement the romance of the top while keeping this cottagecore fashion look wearable. 

2. Sunshine, Schiffli, and a Crossbody Purse

Woman in a yellow top & denim shorts with a crossbody bag
A schiffli embroidered blouse in a sunny yellow paired with denim shorts is the sartorial version of golden hour. It’s playful, breathable, and practically made for days when your only plan is to follow the sun and pick wildflowers. A straw, raffia, or woven vegan crossbody purse would add even more charm to this outfit. Then, all you need are a few stacked rings or sleek bracelets, a bead necklace, and espadrilles or canvas sneakers for a cottagecore fashion outfit that’s sweet, modern, and practical.

3. Flowy Maxi Skirt & a Rustic Woven Bag

Woman in a black top & maxi skirt holding a woven bag
It doesn’t get more romantic and cottagecore than a breezy maxi skirt paired with a fitted linen or knit top. Go for a skirt with romantic details, like tiers, a ruffled hem, or a subtle texture. Bonus points if there’s a vintage floral print involved! A rustic woven purse can spice up the look further, making it fit for a stroll at your local farmer’s market or brunch under sunny skies. Finish this cottagecore outfit idea with a locket, stacked bracelets, and lace-up flats or woven sandals that complement the bag. 

4. Breezy Jumpsuit & a Shoulder Bag

Woman in off-white jumpsuit holding a straw shoulder bag
A wide-leg jumpsuit in off-white, soft beige, or even a muted jewel tone is an unexpected but totally on-brand take on cottagecore fashion for the minimalist at heart. It has just enough structure to feel put together, yet flowy enough to keep things relaxed. Style it with a vegan shoulder bag made from woven straw to bring on the natural, earthy vibes. An ivory or cream vegan leather purse would be perfect too if you’re leaning more polished than pastoral. Tie it all together with simple pearl drop earrings, a thin gold necklace, and woven mules or sandals.

5. Crochet, Denim, and a Trusty Tote

Woman in a white dress holding a tote bag with a scarf wrapped around the handle
For a cottagecore fashion outfit that feels like summer itself, grab a crochet top (or anything else with that open-knit look) and pair it with denim shorts. It’s breezy, lightweight, and made for those carefree days when you’re just meeting friends for coffee and fun conversations. Add macrame jewelry or textured gold earrings for an unexpected boho twist to this cottagecore outfit idea. Finally, slide into some comfy sandals and throw an earthy, vegan tote purse over your shoulder. 

6. Flirty Sundress & a Signature Clutch

Woman in yellow mini dress holding a brown beaded clutch
If cottagecore fashion had a signature outfit, this would be it. A flowy yellow sundress, tiered, puffed, or all of the above. It’s equal parts romantic and easygoing, whether you’re going with all-over ditsy floral prints, classic gingham, or just a solid hue with a lived-in look. Pair it with an evening clutch with beads or embroidered details that fit the occasion. Add a few gold bangles, maybe a dainty anklet, and slip into gladiator sandals to pull it all together.

7. Whimsical Midi & a Structured Purse

Woman in blue midi dress holding a straw bucket bag
A midi dress in a dusty blue, sage, or blush, with soft pleats and just the right amount of movement, feels like a total storybook moment. Balance the floatiness of the dress with a structured corset on top and a statement handbag, like a bucket purse in a neutral tone. Lean into the whimsy of this cottagecore outfit idea with woven vegan leather bracelets and a silky scarf or ribbon tied in your hair. Add T-strap flats or slide-on sandals to bring it all together.

Cottagecore fashion is about dressing soft, feminine, and dreamy without losing out on practicality. Mix and match romantic pieces with everyday staples or just bring that rural feel to your outfits through accessories. Explore Urban Expressions for high-end purses in cottagecore styles that are trendy, vegan, and affordable. Shop now, pay later, and enjoy free US shipping on your new carry-all!