Wardrobe Wednesday: A Full Cottagecore Outfit for Only $20
Yes, you read that right. This week, I challenged myself to create a complete Cottagecore outfit for under $20—and I did it with five darling pieces, all thrifted for just $4 each.
Whether you're a mama like me trying to stay lovely on a budget, or you’re building your dreamy cottage wardrobe one treasure at a time, this proves it can be done—with charm, elegance, and not a single thread of compromise.
Here’s what I found:
Blue Cotton Dress with White Floral Embroidery
$4
This dress was love at first sight. It's a soft blue cotton with sweet white embroidery stitched all over. The cut is flattering, falling just at the knee—perfect for twirling in the kitchen or walking through the garden. It feels like something out of a vintage storybook.
How I Styled It:
I paired it with a vintage straw hat, espadrille sandals, and a little lace-edged handkerchief tucked in my basket bag. I added a dainty gold necklace and called it a day.
Where I'd Wear It:
Absolutely ideal for the farmer’s market, a visit to the library, or even hosting a tea party on the porch. It’s that go-to summer dress you'll reach for again and again.
Blue Cotton Top with Colorful Floral Embroidery
$4
Lightweight and lined, this piece is everything you want in a summer blouse. The colorful embroidery reminds me of a hand-stitched table runner from my grandmother's home. There's a softness to the fabric that feels like it’s been worn and loved for years.
Why I Picked It Up:
Pieces like this are rare to find in good condition. The embroidery looked artisan-made and the breathable fabric makes it ideal for Texas heat.
Styling Tip:
Tuck it into a high-waisted skirt, or wear with soft linen trousers and a ribbon-tied braid. Add a woven bag or your favorite vintage brooch for extra charm.
White Pointelle Sweater Top with Puff Sleeves
$4
This might be my favorite layering piece of the season. The puff sleeves give it that romantic silhouette, and the pointelle knit is just the kind of detail that makes a sweater feel special and feminine.
How I'd Style It:
Perfect layered over a slip dress or tucked into a skirt. For a cozy-cute look, pair with wide-leg pants, ballet flats, and a soft silk ribbon in your hair. It’s versatile enough for Sunday church or a quiet morning writing letters.
Grey Silk High-Rise Wide-Leg Shorts
$4
I know—silk shorts and Cottagecore? But I’m here to say: yes, absolutely. These wide-leg silk shorts have a vintage lounge feel that whispers elegance. The high rise is flattering, and they move like a dream.
Why Silk Works for Summer:
Silk is temperature-regulating and breathable, which makes it a smart, sustainable summer fabric. It feels luxurious but isn’t fussy—especially when you find it secondhand.
How I'd Style Them:
Tuck in the blue floral top, slip on some leather sandals, and wear a simple woven belt. Add a soft cardigan or the white pointelle sweater for early mornings or breezy evenings.
Cotton Wide-Leg Pants with White and Grey Stripes
$4
These soft cotton pants were my final find, and they’re just right for a warm May day here in Texas. The light fabric breathes beautifully, and the white-and-grey stripes add a subtle vintage touch. The wide-leg fit offers ease and elegance all in one—without clinging, pinching, or overheating.
How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants in a Texas May:
In our Texas heat, it’s all about airflow—and wide-leg cotton pants are perfect for that. They keep the sun off your legs while still letting the breeze in. Look for lightweight natural fabrics like this pair, and avoid anything too structured or lined.
How I’d Style Them:
I’d tuck in the blue embroidered blouse from earlier, add a soft leather belt for shape, and finish the look with flat woven sandals and a straw sunhat.
Final Thoughts
This outfit isn’t just about fashion—it’s about resourcefulness, creativity, and joy in the little things. Dressing well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of time and a thrifting eye, you can build a wardrobe that feels like it came from an old French novel—romantic, timeless, and entirely your own.
Tell me in the comments: Which piece was your favorite? Have you ever created a full outfit from thrift finds under $20?
Until next time,
Keep savoring the simple life.
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
Want to Shop the Look?
This week, I loved each and every one of these finds so much... I kept them all. Sometimes the pieces are just too perfect to part with—especially when they feel like they were meant to be part of your story.
But if you're looking to build your own Cottagecore wardrobe or add charming touches to your home, you're in the right place. I’ve stocked my shop with carefully chosen, secondhand pieces that carry the same sense of romance and simplicity.
You can click through the photos below to see what's available this week, or visit my store to explore the full collection. Each item is selected with love, ready to become part of someone’s cozy, beautiful life.
Until next Wednesday,
Keep dressing like your favorite novel.
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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!
This week’s thrift haul felt like stepping into a Parisian dream. I found real designer treasures—Rouje, Sézane, Veronica Beard—all for just $20 each. Come see how I styled them and shop your favorites before they disappear.