How to Start a Cottagecore Wardrobe with Just $20
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I adore a good treasure hunt. There’s just something about the thrill of the thrift — especially when I can stretch a $20 bill into something that feels like a million bucks. That’s exactly why I’m starting this fun little series I’m calling the $20 Thrift Challenge for Wardrobe Wednesday.
Why am I doing this? Because I want to show you that creating a romantic, whimsical Cottagecore wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to add special pieces to your closet, this challenge is a way to inspire you, encourage you, and walk alongside you in savoring the beauty of slow fashion.
So here’s what I found this week on my thrifting adventure — and yes, all for just $20 total:
Alice + Olivia Green Paisley Dress – $10
This piece immediately caught my eye. It’s floaty, feminine, and the green tones are just right for that soft, earth-toned cottage palette. A paisley print always adds a touch of old-world charm, and this one? Pure magic.
Kyla Seo Embroidered Shirt – $4
These feel like they walked right out of a sun-drenched countryside daydream. Light, breathable, and that embroidery? Absolutely darling.
Joie Linen Shorts – $4
Linen is a wardrobe staple around here! These bold beauties are giving breezy vacation cottage vibes — red-orange with a playful palm tree print and a comfy elastic waist. The wide-leg cut makes them effortlessly flattering and perfect for warm sunny days.
No shoes or hats fit the look this week, but if you’re hunting for the perfect finishing touches, check out my shop — full of vintage-style shoes, straw hats, and Cottagecore finds I’d honestly keep for myself if I could!
Just goes to show — even standout statement pieces can be thrifted on a budget!
Next week, I’m upping the challenge:
Can I put together an entire outfit — five pieces — for just $40 ($4 per item)? We’ll see! Follow along as I head out on another hunt, and maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own thrift challenge too.
Let’s build your dream closet — one slow, intentional find at a time.
With love and linen,
Brooke
Hello Goreous 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!
A weekly thrift challenge for under $20? Yes, please! Join me as I uncover vintage-inspired treasures perfect for a romantic, slow-living lifestyle.