Cottagecore is here to stay

Cottagecore, much like home-baked sourdough and virtual quizzing, might have found its sweet spot at the peak of the pandemic, but it’s not going away.

For those who missed it the first time around, the online phenomenon describes a whimsical aesthetic inspired by broderie Anglaise clad women skipping through bluebell meadows. Cottagecore is baskets brimming with perfectly-ripe, hand-picked fruit. It is newborn chicks, gingham table cloths and Hansel and Gretel with an ever so subtle hint of cool. Like it or loathe it, it is also the perfect building block with which to refresh your wardrobe for spring.

Among the floral frocks and pastel colour palette that define this movement is the hint of spring your winter wardrobe is calling out for. Tired of trudging through the frost in your black puffer? Change it up for a quilted overcoat (think the Queen at Balmoral). Or why not try swapping out one of your tried and tested chunky knits for a sweater in a sugary shade? Powder pink and lemon are excellent for this, and both look great with denim. And, of course, blouses with oversized collars truly defined this pretty perfect moment and the best of those remain as relevant as ever.

For a way to wear during these long, cold months, look for long sleeve blouses (cotton is ideal) and layer under a crew neck sweater. A peachy collared collar will serve as the perfect pick-me-up for even the most understated of grey knits, while a white blouse will inject a freshness to classic navy.

And if you are finding this all a bit on the twee side, you’re not the only one. In stark contrast to all this sweetness and light, the fashion world also reports a rise in goblincore, the alt-style trend that’s all about embracing the darker side with gothic tones and alt-glamour. Admittedly, this look is less likely to put a spring into your step…