How to Embrace Cottagecore Without Dresses in Spring and Summer
Let’s just start here: you don’t have to wear a dress to live the Cottagecore life. I know that’s not what most Pinterest boards would have you believe, but it’s true.
I adore a soft, sweeping dress now and then—but let’s be honest, some days call for more flexibility. Whether it's a day spent chasing littles, running errands, or working in the garden under a hot Texas sun, dresses aren’t always the answer. And the beauty of Cottagecore is that it’s a lifestyle, not a dress code.
Here’s how I keep the romantic, slow-living charm of Cottagecore alive without a single dress in sight.
Before We Get Started…
Cottagecore isn’t just about flowing dresses and lace—it’s a feeling, a lifestyle, and a way to romanticize the simple beauty of everyday life. If dresses aren’t your thing, don’t worry! You can fully embrace the Cottagecore aesthetic with cozy layers, vintage-inspired separates, and timeless fabrics that bring charm to your wardrobe without compromising comfort or personal style. To make it easy, I’ve created a Cottagecore Closet Checklist to help you curate a wardrobe that feels dreamy, practical, and completely you. Follow along and ensure your closet is filled with beautiful pieces that capture the essence of Cottagecore in your own unique way!
Embrace the Shorts
Let’s normalize wearing shorts the Cottagecore way.
My go-to is linen or cotton. Breathable, practical, and still feminine—especially when they have sweet details like wooden buttons or a scalloped hem. They feel like something my grandmother would have packed for a summer picnic, and that’s always the vibe I’m after.
I like to pair mine with an embroidered blouse or a ruffled peasant top. Tucked in, with a little belt or a crossbody basket bag, and I’m ready for the day—whether that means a trip to the feed store or setting out afternoon tea in the backyard.
It’s about intention, not formality.
Rompers: A Staple I Live In
Here’s the truth: I live in rompers when the heat rolls in.
Not the loud, synthetic kind—but soft, natural-fiber rompers in linen, cotton, or muslin. I love them for errands, homeschooling, and days when I want to feel cute but stay cool. They give the ease of shorts, but the structure of a full outfit. I just throw one on, slip into my sandals, add a scarf or straw hat, and I’m done.
I’ve found some of my favorite rompers while thrifting, but I always check for those details that make them feel special—wooden buttons, soft colors, or a cinched waist.
They’re my answer to the “I want to feel put together, but don’t want to think about it” mornings.
Breezy, Embroidered Tops
If you’ve followed me for long, you know I’m always drawn to things that feel like they’ve been passed down. And nothing captures that better than an embroidered top. Delicate florals, crochet edges, hand-sewn details—I love how these pieces feel like heirlooms.
They’re usually lightweight and breathable, perfect for a warm day. I’ll pair them with linen shorts or cropped pants, sometimes add a vintage brooch or a simple necklace, and I’m good to go.
It’s one of the easiest ways to bring softness and femininity into everyday outfits.
Button-Up Shirts with a Twist
There’s something timeless about a cotton or chambray button-up. I like mine with roll tabs and a little bit of wear—like I borrowed it from my dad’s closet, but styled it just right.
When it’s especially hot, I’ll knot mine at the waist and wear it with cotton shorts or gauzy pants. Add a market tote and a straw hat, and suddenly a very simple outfit feels like it belongs in a French village.
And that’s what Cottagecore is about—romanticizing the small things.
Accessories That Tell a Story
The right accessories can turn even a plain outfit into something thoughtful and lovely.
Here’s what I reach for again and again:
Wicker or straw basket bags – Not just for looks. I use mine for groceries, for thrift store finds, for packing snacks to the park.
Silk scarves – If it’s not too hot, I’ll tie one around my ponytail or wear it loose around my neck. They bring a touch of softness and color, especially with neutral basics.
Straw hats – Truly a Cottagecore essential. They go with almost everything I own and keep the sun off my face while pulling the whole look together.
Soft leather sandals or espadrilles – Something I can walk in, but still feel graceful.
Delicate jewelry or vintage brooches – A little bit of sparkle, nothing fussy.
Even a simple tank and linen shorts can feel entirely romantic when you add a ribbon in your hair and a bouquet of herbs in your basket.
It’s Not About the Dress
Cottagecore is about how you live, not what you wear.
It’s in the way you make your tea. The quiet of the early morning before the house wakes. The satisfaction of finding the perfect blouse on a thrift store rack. It’s letting yourself slow down, notice the light on the kitchen table, and choose clothes that support your rhythm—not fight it.
I’ve built a warm-weather wardrobe that keeps me cool and allows me to move, teach, bake, thrift, garden, and create—all while feeling like me.
And you can too. Whether it’s shorts and a cotton blouse, a linen romper, or a simple button-up shirt, you can live that soft, nostalgic life without ever putting on a dress.
So wear what feels right. Romanticize what’s already in your closet. Add a straw hat, carry a basket, and let every day be its own little poem.
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.
One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!
Dresses may be popular in Cottagecore, but they aren’t essential. This post walks you through the practical yet dreamy pieces I wear all spring and summer long—think linen rompers, rolled-up button-downs, and straw hats that tell a story.