My Favorite Cottagecore Pieces for May—and Where to Find Them
May in Texas is a season all its own. The mornings are soft and golden, with a breeze that carries the scent of wildflowers and freshly turned soil. By afternoon, the sun has warmed the garden beds and the porch steps, and the evenings settle into a hush of crickets and cotton-candy skies. It’s the month where everything starts to bloom—including the way I dress.
I live in a 100-year-old house that has a soul, the kind you can feel in the floorboards. The days here are filled with movement: weeding, baking, tending, teaching, and always seeking beauty in the ordinary. My wardrobe has to work with me—whether I’m in the garden or headed into town—and it has to reflect the old-world charm I hold so dear.
Today I want to share my May wardrobe essentials—the pieces I truly wear each day. And if you’ve been longing to build your own dreamy, practical, feminine Cottagecore wardrobe, I’ve made it easier. You can shop my curated finds directly through my store, handpicked from my thrifting adventures.
House Dresses that Work as Hard as I Do
My days are full—homeschooling, harvesting herbs, baking bread, running to the post office with packages. I need dresses that move with me, feel soft against my skin, and look beautiful without any effort.
In May, I wear:
Lightweight cotton or linen dresses in faded florals, soft blues, and gentle rose tones
Smocked bodices that stretch and flatter without pinching
Puff sleeves or flutter sleeves that feel romantic, even when I’m hauling compost
Most of my favorite pieces are vintage or secondhand, made from natural fibers that breathe in the Texas heat. If you’re building your own wardrobe, I always recommend starting with one truly comfortable cotton dress you can wear for everything from making breakfast to trimming lavender.
Aprons I’m Not Afraid to Get Dirty
I keep a stack of aprons by the back door—ready to throw over a dress when it’s time to collect herbs, clean the chicken coop, or roll out pie crust. They’re the kind of practical beauty that brings old-world charm into everyday moments.
I gravitate toward:
Cross-back linen aprons in oat, stripe, or dove grey
Vintage half-aprons with scalloped edges or floral embroidery
They’re not just useful; they transform the whole outfit. An apron adds history to a dress and reminds me that beauty and hard work are not opposites. I’m actually working on a new one right now—made from thrifted fabric and leftover scraps from a canopy project I sewed for my little girl. There’s something so special about stitching memories into what we wear. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about honoring what we already have and making it meaningful.
Sun Hats that Feel Like Poetry
By May, the Texas sun becomes strong and insistent. I never head out into the garden without a hat—and it’s become one of my favorite accessories.
What I wear most:
Wide-brimmed straw hats with a ribbon I can change depending on my mood
Woven vintage visors when I’ve got my hair up and errands to run
Keep a hat near the door or in the garden shed, so it becomes part of your daily rhythm. Protection can be beautiful too.
Cardigans for the Morning Chill
May mornings can still be cool, especially when I’m sipping coffee on the porch or watering plants before the sun is high. I always have a cardigan close by.
Favorites include:
Light, pointelle-knit cardigans in soft cream or sage
Cropped vintage French cardigans with delicate buttons
They add that extra layer of coziness without hiding the dress underneath. It’s the kind of comfort that makes even the earliest morning chores feel gentle.
Shoes for the Garden, the Market, and Beyond
I am barefoot in the garden more often than not, but when I’m headed into town or out to the farmer’s market, I reach for simple, sturdy shoes that still feel graceful.
My everyday picks:
Soft leather ballet flats in blush, chocolate, or sky blue
Canvas slip-ons that handle dust and dirt with ease
Well-made clogs that slip off easily when I step inside
I’ve sourced many of these from vintage shops or found them pre-loved and broken in just right. A good pair of shoes should feel like an old friend.
When Dresses Aren’t In Reach
When the Texas sun starts warming the garden soil and the days stretch a little longer, I reach for pieces that feel as easy as a morning breeze. There’s one outfit I return to again and again—timeless, breathable, and as pretty as it is practical.
In May, I live in:
Wide-leg cotton or linen shorts in soft, vintage-inspired tones like cream or faded sage
Lightweight embroidered tops in cotton voile or silk, often adorned with tiny florals or scalloped edges
This pairing moves with me through garden chores, market errands, and quiet porch moments. It’s simple, romantic, and never fussy—just the way I like it. You’ll find pieces just like these in my shop, hand-picked with the dreamy cottagecore life in mind.
Accessories with a Story
The best accessories, to me, are the ones that feel like heirlooms. They’re often found in the bottom of a thrift bin, at the back of a dusty antique booth, or passed down from someone dear.
In May, I lean into:
Wicker and straw bags, sometimes lined with linen I’ve sewn myself
Silk scarves tied in my hair or around the handle of a market bag
Vintage brooches, floral earrings, and delicate lockets
Let your accessories whisper stories of the past. They don’t need to be perfect. A little tarnish or wear only adds to the charm.
Shop My Curated Closet
Every piece I share here is part of a thoughtful wardrobe built over years of thrifting, sewing, and reselling. If you're looking to begin your own journey or just add a few treasures to your closet, my shop is filled with:
Cottagecore and French Country dresses
Romantic vintage blouses and slips
Timeless shoes and accessories
One-of-a-kind finds with stories waiting to be told
You can browse my collection HERE, and bring a bit of my Texas cottage life into your own home.
Final Thoughts
Building a Cottagecore wardrobe isn’t about trends or fast fashion. It’s about honoring your days, dressing with purpose, and finding joy in the simple act of getting dressed.
May in Texas teaches me to slow down, to listen to the wind, to water the garden barefoot, and to treat every outfit like it belongs in a storybook. Whether I’m hosting tea, gathering herbs, or just swinging on the porch, I want my clothes to reflect the softness, strength, and serenity of this season.
Wherever you are, I hope this inspires you to choose pieces that make you feel beautiful, grounded, and ready to bloom.
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
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!.
Spring here doesn’t always look like it does in the storybooks—but with the right textures and details, it can feel just as magical. Here’s how I dress for May in Texas.